Advisory Circulars

Provides a suggested means of compliance with the FAR regarding the evaluation and qualification of helicopter simulators to be used in training and checking

Provides an acceptable means, but not the only means, to address the processes for approval, operational use, and modification of electronic checklists (ECL) and ECL data by air carriers.

This AC provides guidance for establishing an air transportation Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP). This objective of the ASAP is to encourage air carrier and repair station employees to voluntarily report safety information that may be critical to identifying potential precursors to accidents. Under ASAP, safety issues are not resolved through punishment or discipline.

States an acceptable means, but not the only means, for obtaining operational approval of the initial engagement or use of an Auto Flight Guidance System (AFGS) under Title 14 CFR part 121, section 121.579(d); part 125, section 125.329(e); and part 135, section 135.93(e) for the takeoff and initial climb phase of flight.

The Pilot Records Improvement Act of 1996 (PRIA), as amended, was enacted to ensure that air carriers and air operators adequately investigate a pilot’s background before allowing that pilot to conduct commercial air carrier flights. Under PRIA, a hiring employer cannot place a pilot into service until he or she obtains and reviews the last 5 years of the pilot’s background and other safety-related records as specified in PRIA.

This advisory circular (AC) is supplemented by the current edition of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Order 8000.88, PRIA Guidance for FAA Inspectors, and numerous other documents found on the PRIA Web site at http://www.faa.gov/pilots/lic_cert/pria. These sources of detailed information related to PRIA provide invaluable assistance to the certificate holder or others concerning the PRIA request process as well as other compliance issues.

The FAA has greatly expanded this AC from the previous version to address operational situations that the hiring employer may encounter that could affect his or her records request process through PRIA.

The Flight Standards Service (AFS) is committed to a stakeholder-driven system of operation that will deliver FAA records and assistance to all parties subject to PRIA, when necessary.

 

This advisory circular (AC) presents various methods for operators of different data link systems to meet international standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the regional airspace authorities. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) notes that there is presently no requirement in Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) to have data link communications when operating in the National Airspace System (NAS). Instead, the regulations in 14 CFR govern radio communication systems, and nothing in this AC relieves an operator from the requirement to have and use a voice communication system when operating in international airspace or the NAS. However, operators that choose to operate in a reduced separation standard that requires the use of a data link system (in addition to the required voice communication system) must obtain FAA design approval and a revision to their 14 CFR part 121, 125, 125M, or 135 operation specifications (OpSpecs), part 91 subpart K (part 91K) management specifications (MSpecs) or part 91 letter of authorization (LOA), as applicable. The original AC 120-70 was applicable to Aeronautical Telecommunication Network (ATN), very high frequency (VHF) data link (VDL) Mode 2 communication systems. The Future Air Navigation System (FANS) 1/A system used in oceanic and remote airspace is an analog system which communicates over Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System (ACARS). Guidance is needed for the operation of all systems and therefore the first revision AC 120-70A, was created.

Presents background, basic concepts and philosophy in respect to SOP. SOP’s are universally recognized as basic to safe aviation operations. Effective crew coordination and crew performance, two central concepts of crew resource management depend upon the crew’s having a shared mental model of each task. That mental model, in turn, is founded on SOP’s. This AC emphasizes that SOP’s must be clear, comprehensive, and readily available in the manuals used by flight deck crewmembers. A comprehensive SOP template is provided.

Presents guidelines for developing, implementing, reinforcing, and accessing Maintenance Resources Management Training Programs for improving communication effectiveness, and safety in maintenance operations.

Provides guidance to operators of certain transport category airplanes operated under 14 CFR Parts 91, 121, 125, and 129. The guidance provides an acceptable means of compliance with the regulations that require incorporating FAA-approved “repair assessment guidelines” into an operator’s FAA-approved maintenance or inspection program. The means of compliance described is intended to provide guidance to supplement the engineering and operational judgment that must form the basis of any compliance findings relative to repair assessments for pressurized fuselages.

This advisory circular (AC) provides guidelines for the development and implementation of standard operating procedures (SOP) for conducting safe aircraft operations during taxiing to avoid causing a runway incursion. In accordance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Order 7050.1, Runway Safety Program, the definition of a runway incursion is any occurrence at an aerodrome involving the incorrect presence of an aircraft, vehicle, or person on the protected area of a surface designated for the landing and takeoff of aircraft. It is intended for use by persons operating aircraft with two or more pilots on the flight deck under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) parts 91, 121, 125, and 135. The FAA recommends that these guidelines become an integral part of all SOPs, flight operations manuals (FOM), and formal flightcrew member training programs. The use of flightcrew SOPs should be emphasized and employed during all phases of flight, including ground operations. Appendices 1 and 2 of this AC contain examples of SOPs that are identical or similar to some SOPs currently in use. These appendices are not directive or prescriptive in nature and do not represent a rigid FAA view of Best Practices. SOPs may vary among fleets and among certificate holders and may change over time. Operators may integrate the information contained in Appendices 1 and 2 into their fleet-specific, route-specific, and equipment-specific operations and checklists. They are shown to denote how the SOPs and Best Practices can be integrated into the context of specific flight operations.

This joint Flight Standards Service (AFS) and Aircraft Certification Service (AIR) advisory circular (AC) contains guidance on the operational use of Electronic Flight Bags (EFB). It is intended for all operators conducting flight operations under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 121, 125, 135, or 91 subpart F (part 91F) and part 91 subpart K (part 91K) who want to replace required paper information with an EFB. This AC sets forth an acceptable means, but not the only means, to obtain Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)authorization for the operational use of EFBs. Part 91 operators can find additional EFB information in the current edition of AC 91-78, Use of Class 1 or Class 2 Electronic Flight Bag (EFB). For guidance on the installation of EFB components, refer to the current edition of AC 20-173, Installation of Electronic Flight Bag Components.

This advisory circular (AC) provides one means, but not the only means, of ensuring that the contemplated maintenance, alteration, or continue-in-service condition is in compliance with applicable regulations and existing policy.

This AC provides guidance on the acceptance and use of electronic signatures to satisfy certain operational and maintenance requirements. This AC also provides guidance on the acceptability of electronic recordkeeping systems and electronic maintenance manuals, including inspection procedures manuals, quality, operations manuals, and training manuals required by Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR).

 

This advisory circular (AC) provides information for developing and implementing a Continuing Analysis and Surveillance System (CASS). This AC applies to you if you are a Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 119 certificate holder conducting operations under 14 CFR part 121 or 135. For part 135 operations, this AC applies if you conduct your maintenance operations under part 135, § 135.411(a)(2). This AC also applies to each person employed or used by you as a part 119 certificate holder for any maintenance, preventive maintenance, and alteration of your aircraft. Title 14 CFR part 1, § 1.1 defines “person” as “an individual, firm, partnership, corporation, company, association, joint-stock association, or governmental entity. It includes a trustee, receiver, assignee, or similar representative of any of them.”

Address a number of issues linked to in-flight fires

Provides guidance for air carrier employees, air carrier contractor employees, and air carrier subcontractor employees, concerning the joint Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)/Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Whistleblower Protection Program.

Provides guidance on one means, but not necessarily the only means, of developing, implementing, and operating a voluntary Flight Operational Quality Assurance (FOQA) program that is acceptable to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Provides guidance for 14 CFR parts 121, 125, and 135 certificate holders for obtaining an FAA finding regarding the operational safety/suitability of the Flight Deck Observer Seat and Associated Equipment.

This advisory circular (AC) provides guidance pertaining to aging aircraft inspections and records reviews accomplished to satisfy the requirements of the Aging Aircraft Safety Final Rule. This information represents an acceptable way, but not the only way, for an aging airplane inspection and records review to be conducted. However, if you use the means described in this AC, you must follow it in all important aspects.

 

Change 1 dated 01/15/2009

Provides air carriers with recommended procedures for managing air carrier cargo operations.

This advisory circular (AC) provides information and practices regarding the use of child restraint systems (CRS) on aircraft. We intend for operators to use this as a resource during the development, implementation, and revision of an air carrier’s standard operating procedures (SOP) and training programs regarding the use of CRSs. This AC is one of several Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) initiatives designed to address safety concerns of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). In addition, it is a part of the FAA’s ongoing commitment to educate and inform aircraft operators, crewmembers, and airline passengers regarding the use of CRSs on aircraft in order to encourage and increase the use of approved CRSs. For more information, see the following FAA Web site: http://www.faa.gov/passengers/fly_children/crs/.

Provides guidelines and recommendation for deicing aircraft with infrared technology. Also provides means for obtaining approval for the use & inclusion of infrared technology in an operators deicing program.

Provides the rationale and procedure for conducting an Line Operations Safety Audit (LOSA) at an airline.

Describes acceptable methods and guidelines for developing takeoff and initial climb-out airport obstacle analyses and in-flight procedures to comply with the intent of the regulatory requirements of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations part 121,§§ 121.177, 121.189, and part 135, §§ 135.367, 135.379 and powered airplanes operated under parts 121 and 135