FOIA is a disclosure statute. Information is considered to be releasable unless it falls under one of the nine FOIA exemptions (b)(1) through (b)(9). The FOIA applies to records either created or obtained by an agency and under agency control at the time of the FOIA request. Agencies within the executive branch of the federal government, including the Executive Office of the President and independent regulatory agencies are subject to the FOIA. State governments, municipal corporations, the courts, Congress and private citizens are not subject to the FOIA. The Freedom of Information Act Program (DoD 5400.7-R AFMAN 33-302) allows the general public including foreign citizens, military and civilian personnel acting as private citizens, to request records electronically or in writing from the Federal Government. Some records are released to the public under the Freedom of Information Act, and may therefore reflect deletion of some information in accordance with the FOIA's nine statutory exemptions or two law enforcement record exclusions. A consolidated list of such records is on Defense Link and the U.S. Air Force FOIA site. Currently the law allows 20 working days to process a FOIA request upon receipt of the request in the FOIA office.

Members of the public, including foreign citizens, military and civilian personnel acting as private citizens, organizations and businesses, and individual members of the Congress for themselves or constituents, may request records in writing. It is important to remember that the Freedom of Information Act applies only to federal agencies. It does not create a right of access to records held by Congress, the courts, state or local government agencies, or by private businesses or individuals. Each state has its own public access laws that should by consulted for access to state and local records. Air Force-affiliated requesters, to include military and civilian employees, should not use government equipment, supplies, stationery, postage, telephones, or official mail channels to make FOIA requests. Requests should be made through personal e-mail or postal service.

If you are seeking Privacy Act records on yourself or another individual, you must provide proof of identity for your records and you must have release authorization from the individual who is the subject of the records you are requesting. Deceased individuals lose their privacy rights, but information may be denied to protect the privacy of the surviving family members; therefore, you need release authorization from the executor of the estate or next of kin. At this time, all Privacy Act request must be submitted by mail directly to the appropriate Requester Service Center. For more information on the Privacy Act click here.

Refer to either links on the right side of this page to make a FOIA and/or Privacy Act request.

This link: http://usaf.aib.law.af.mil/ contains a list of Class A mishaps or accidents involving US Air Force aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles, space systems, and missiles as well as summaries from the associated Accident Investigation Board (AIB) reports. An accident is listed on this site after the AIB report has been approved and publicly released. NOTE: There is no requirement to investigate accidents under AFI 51-503.

Fees are assessed depending on which group the request falls into:

Category 1: Commercial. Requesters pay all search, review, and duplication.

Category 2: Educational or Noncommercial Scientific Institution or News Media. Requesters get the first 100 copies free and pay for additional copies.

Category 3: Others. Requesters get the first two hours of search and the first
100 copies free.