The Departmental standards of conduct regulations in 49 CFR part 99 prohibit employees from accepting gifts, favors, gratuities, or any other thing of monetary value, including free transportation, from any person or company that is subject to FAA regulations, that has or is seeking to have contractual relations with the FAA, or that has interests which might be affected by the performance or nonperformance of the duties of the particular employees.
Acceptances of invitations by Flight Standards personnel from airlines, aircraft manufacturers, or other aviation-related businesses for inaugural flights or for free transportation in connection with roll-outs and similar ceremonial events are specifically prohibited. Invitations of this nature may only be accepted if the employee is to perform official FAA duties in connection with the event. In such an instance, all related travel and transportation expenses will be borne by the agency.
Any invitation of this kind should immediately be forwarded to the appropriate approving official along with a written recommendation from the employee receiving the invitation and his or her supervisor.