Advisory Circulars

This advisory circular (AC) explains what the term "maintenance program" means. Our explanation describes the scope and content of air carrier aircraft maintenance programs. This is important as there is a significant difference between an air carrier maintenance program and an inspection program used in non-air carrier maintenance operations. We explain the background of these programs as well as the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) regulatory requirements. We also describe and explain each of the 10 elements of air carrier maintenance programs. When we use "must" or "will" in this AC, we are referencing actual regulatory requirements. When we use "we," "us," or "our" in this AC, we mean the FAA. When we use "you," "your," or "yours," we mean you, the air carrier. When we use the term "person," it has the same meaning as that in Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 1, § 1.1.

 This advisory circular (AC) provides an acceptable, but not the only, means to address Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) issues related to installation and use of TCAS II regarding compliance with Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) parts 121, 125, and 129 requirements for air carriers.

This advisory circular provides guidance to customers of the National Airspace System (NAS) in regard to the use of and participation on ATCSCC hotlines.

Contains FAA standards and recommendations for the installations of aircraft arresting systems on civil airports not owned or operated by the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD). This AC does not describe Engineered Materials Arresting Systems (EMAS). For guidance on EMAS, see AC 150/5220-22, Engineered Materials Arresting Systems (EMAS) for Aircraft Overruns.

Contains the FAA's performance standards, specifications, and recommendations for the design, manufacture, testing and maintenance of equipment used in the boarding of airline passengers. The physical area covered in this AC is that which is bounded by the door of the passenger terminal area, on one end, to the door of the aircraft, on the other end. Although this AC refers only to aircraft boarding (enplaning), all references apply equally to disembarking (deplaning) with the described procedures occurring in reverse order.

The previous version of this AC discussed only the passenger lift scenario and associated equipment. This document updates that effort and addresses the other methods and equipment used to board an aircraft, including passenger boarding bridges, ramps, lifts, and aircraft boarding chairs.

This advisory circular (AC) provides you with information and guidance on how you can protect aircraft electrical and electronic systems from the effects of lightning. This AC describes a means, but not the only means, for you to show compliance with Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) 23.1306, 25.1316, 27.1316, and 29.1316, Electrical and electronic system lightning protection, as they pertain to the type or supplemental type certification of your aircraft.

This AC is not mandatory and does not constitute a regulation. However, if you use the means described in this AC to comply with 14 CFR 23.1306, 25 .1316, 27.1316, and 29.131 6, you must follow it in its entirety.

The term "must" is used to indicate mandatory requirements when following the guidance in this AC in its entirety. The terms "should" and "recommend" are used when following the guidance is recommended but not required to comply with this AC.

Contains specifications and guidance for the storage, handling, and dispensing of aviation fuel on airports. Additionally, this AC provides standards and guidance for the training of personnel who conduct these activities.

Please see the associated Addendum for a list of companies offering courses of instruction in line service training as well as supervisory training that are acceptable to the Administrator. We will update the Addendum on a quarterly basis.

This advisory circular (AC) alerts pilots transitioning from aircraft with less performance capability to complex, high-performance aircraft that are capable of operating at high altitudes and high airspeeds. In particular, this AC stresses special physiological, equipment, and aerodynamic considerations involved in these kinds of operations. It also provides information to aid pilots in becoming familiar with the basic phenomena associated with high-altitude and high-speed flight.

Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 61 prescribes the knowledge and skill requirements for the various airman certificates and ratings, including category, class, and type ratings authorized to be placed thereon. The civil aircraft fleet consists of numerous aircraft capable of high-altitude flight. Certain knowledge elements of high-altitude flight are essential for the pilots of these aircraft. As required by 14 CFR § 61.31, pilots who fly at altitudes at or above FL250 in a pressurized aircraft must receive training in the critical factors relating to safe flight operations under those circumstances. These critical elements include knowledge of the special physiological and/or aerodynamic considerations that should be given to highperformance aircraft operating in the high-altitude environment. High-altitude flight has different effects on the human body than those experienced during lower altitude flight. An aircraft's aerodynamic characteristics displayed in high altitude flight may differ significantly from those experienced when penetrating at a lower altitude. Knowledge of and skill in operating high-performance aircraft will enhance the pilot's ability to easily transition into aircraft capable of high speed, high altitude flight.