Archived FAA Safety Briefing Magazine Issues
Note: If you are looking for magazine issues prior to 2008, please email us.
A Just Culture for Safety
The January/February 2024 issue of FAA Safety Briefing magazine focuses on the FAA’s Compliance Program and how its foundational concepts have helped advance a “just culture” within the general aviation community.
Download the January/February 2024 issue or use the links below to read the articles on our blog.
Feature Articles
- Understanding the Compliance Program ... One Bite at a Time!
- Measuring Success: Dive into Compliance Program Data
- Drone Safety and the FAA’s Compliance Program: Creating a Just Safety Culture for all Pilots
- Sharing is Caring: How Voluntary Reporting Programs Benefit Everyone
- New Year, New (Safer) Operations: A Closer Look at Personal SMS
Departments
- Jumpseat: A Just Culture for Safety
- Aeromedical Advisory: Disclosing Drug and Alcohol Offenses
- Checklist: Go to the Source
- Drone Debrief: SRM For Everyone
- Nuts, Bolts, and Electrons: Check Yourself
- Vertically Speaking: Preflight Planning Gets Safety Boost with FAA Weather Cams
- On Final: A Safe Place for Safety
- Faces: David Karalunas & Cristy Minnis, FAA Safety and Compliance Team
Weather Wisdom
The March/April 2024 issue of FAA Safety Briefing magazine focuses on aviation weather and its critical effect on safe GA flying. Articles review some of the many resources and tools pilots use to gather weather information as well as explore some of the trends revealed from weather-related accident data. We also sit down with the new FAA Administrator, Michael Whitaker, to discuss his take on general aviation safety.
Download the March/April 2024 issue or use the links below to read each article online.
Feature Articles
- Building Confidence with the Conditions: How to Unleash Your Inner Weather Briefer
- Pushing Your Luck: How Gambling on Weather Can Be Deadly
- Expanding the Envelope with Aviation Weather: A Balloon Pilot’s Perspective on Microscale Meteorology
- A Fresh Forecast: Aviation Weather Under the Microscope
- Aviate, Navigate, Communicate: An Interview with FAA Administrator Michael Whitaker
Departments
- Jumpseat: Forecasting Safe Skies
- Aeromedical Advisory: Reporting Disability Compensation
- Checklist: What is a Briefing?
- Drone Debrief: Fair Weather Flyers
- Nuts, Bolts, and Electrons: Engine Oil 101
- Vertically Speaking: Don’t Strike Out
- On Final: A Macro Lens on Weather
- Faces: Bradford Sipperley, FAA General Aviation Group
IFR Flying
The May/June 2024 issue of the FAA Safety Briefing magazine focuses on general aviation instrument flight training and IFR proficiency. Articles in this issue address the importance of having both the right physical and mental flying skills required in today’s challenging IFR environment. We also review ways to help you stay proficient and be prepared for emergencies when flying in the clouds.
Download the May/June 2024 issue or use the links below to read each article online.
Feature Articles
- It’s a Confusing World Up There: The Specifics of Spatial Disorientation
- Into the Future: How Leveraging Technology Can Help Build Proficiency in a Busy World
- Maybe Not Today … Avoiding the Perils (and Regrets) of VFR into IMC
- Broken Glass Procedures: Understanding and Navigating Glass Avionics Failures
Departments
- Jumpseat: Of Sound Mind and Body
- Aeromedical Advisory: Misfortune with Medications
- Checklist: Checking Your Check
- Drone Debrief: Keeping Your Eye on the Drone
- Nuts, Bolts, and Electrons: Mastering Ballistic Parachute Systems Maintenance
- Vertically Speaking: Simulators Save Lives
- On Final: With My Head in the Clouds
- Faces: Stephen Brown, FAA’s Boston Flight Standards District Office
Aviation Educators
The July/August 2024 issue of FAA Safety Briefing magazine explores the critical role flight instructors play in keeping the National Airspace System safe and preparing the next generation of pilots. Feature articles focus on instructional best practices as well as the many tools and educational resources that can help sharpen your teaching skills.
Download the July/August 2024 issue or use the links below to read each article online.
Feature Articles
- Beyond Rote Learning: A Principles-based Approach to Flight Training
- The Expectations of Experience: The Right Experiences are the Keys to Success
- Why Was My Student’s Practical Test Canceled? A Look at Some Common Checkride Day Errors and How to Prevent Them
- FAAST-Track Your Flight Instructor Success: How the FAA Safety Team Supports the Flight Instructor Community
- Ground is Good: The Ins and Outs of Effective Ground School Instruction
- Inflight Insights: Words of Wisdom from Flight Instructors
Departments
- Jumpseat: The Importance of Aviation Educators
- Aeromedical Advisory: Getting to Yes
- Checklist: Steering for Safety
- Drone Debrief: Drone Testing 1, 2, 3
- Nuts, Bolts, and Electrons: The Downlow on DMEs
- Vertically Speaking: New ACS for Helicopter Flight Instructors
- On Final: Reaching New Heights
- Faces: Adina Papp, FAA’s Albany Flight Standards District Office
Airport Surface Safety
The September/October 2024 issue of FAA Safety Briefing magazine focuses on the many facets of airport surface safety. Feature articles and departments provide a “road map” to the various tools, resources, and strategies airmen can use to steer clear of risk during the ramp-to-runway segment of their journey. We also look at how technology is being used in the battle against runway incursions and surface safety events.
Download the September/October 2024 issue or use the links below to read each article online.
Feature Articles
- Deviation Dissonance: Don’t Let Disquieting Deviations Become Part of Your Pilot Song
- Striving for a Safer Surface: A Closer Look at FAA Runway Safety Technology
- Making A Difference One Airport at a Time: How Runway Safety Action Team Meetings Are Paving the Way to Greater Surface Safety
- Please Wait Your Turn: The Importance of Properly Heeding “Line Up and Wait” Instructions
- A Front Seat View of Runway Safety: How Videos Are Helping Cool Off Many Airport Hot Spots
Departments
- Jumpseat: Safe and Sound on the Ground
- Aeromedical Advisory: Mental Health Policy Updates
- Checklist: A Proactive Course of Action
- Drone Debrief: Clear the Runway
- Nuts, Bolts, and Electrons: Ramping Up Safety
- Vertically Speaking: The Keys to Rotorcraft Runway Safety: Training, Education, & Experience
- On Final: Top Six Taxi Tips
- Faces: Matt Porter, FAA Flight Standard Service’s Authorized and Certificated Operations Section
Leading By Example: How Modeling and Mentoring Can Elevate Aviation Safety
The January/February 2023 issue of FAA Safety Briefing explores mindset, skillset, and toolset items that can help you be a better aviation citizen. Articles highlight the importance of mentoring, modeling, and professionalism. We also look at the benefits of a personal safety management system and how social media engagement can help you better connect with your fellow aviators.
Download the January/February 2023 issue or use the links below to read the articles on our blog.
Feature Articles
- Safety is No Accident: How A Personal SMS Can Help Keep You Safe
- Clearing the Bar: How a Little Professionalism Goes a Long Way
- Read the Room; Take the Hint: If Other Pilots Aren’t Flying, Should You Press Ahead?
- Defeating the Dragons of Doubt: Mentors Can Help Safely Build Competence and Confidence
- Fly Like a PRO: Professionalism and Flight Discipline in General Aviation
- Let’s Get Social! How the FAA Engages Citizens through Social Media
Departments
- Jumpseat: Customs, Culture, Community
- Aeromedical Advisory:Fit to Fly?
- Checklist: Rising Above Average
- Drone Debrief: Drone Reports for ASRS
- Nuts, Bolts, and Electrons: Professionalism in Maintenance — Become a Model Mechanic
- Angle of Attack: What’s Your Type? How Type Clubs Enhance Safety
- Vertically Speaking: Aiming Higher
- Postflight: Life Happens
- Faces: Beth Ann Senk, FAA Flight Program Operations Aviation Safety Training Group
Possible Assistance Needed: Preventing Pan-Pan Problems
The March/April 2023 issue of FAA Safety Briefing magazine explores a few urgent aeronautical situations pilots may find themselves in, and which may require the use of the lesser-known, but equally important distress call — pan-pan. We look at some common exhaust system issues, how to handle wildlife and laser strikes, as well as how to recognize the onset of hypoxia and ensure safety during higher altitude operations.
Download the March/April 2023 issue or use the links below to read the articles on our blog.
Feature Articles
- Difficult and Exhausting: How a "Simple" Thing Like an Exhaust System Can Create Deadly Difficulties
- No Air Up There: Hypoxia Awareness
- Blinded by the Light: A Look at Cockpit Laser Illumination Events
- Going to the Birds to Prevent Hazardous Strikes: Using UV Lights to Drive Away Danger
- When Pan-Pan Becomes Mayday: Search and Rescue in the 21st Century
- Hitting Home Runs with First Responder Training Courses: FAA Training Helps First Responders Safely Assess an Aviation Accident Site
Departments
- Jumpseat: Staying Out of the Flying Pan
- Aeromedical Advisory: SODA — It’s Not Just a Fizzy Drink
- Checklist: Rising Above Average
- Drone Debrief: Outsmarting Murphy’s Law
- Nuts, Bolts & Electrons: Fatigue Countermeasures
- Angle of Attack: New Visibility Estimation Tool Coming Soon
- Vertically Speaking: Learning From the Past
- Faces: James Sutherland, FAA Aircraft Certification Service's Organizational Performance Division
Creating a Safe Space
The May/June 2023 issue of FAA Safety Briefing magazine explores the FAA’s role in the exciting and rapidly growing world of commercial space. Feature articles take us behind the scenes with the FAA’s Office of Commercial Space Transportation and its critical safety oversight responsibilities. We also take a close look at spaceports and review how the FAA handles both safety and efficiency when it comes to protecting NAS users during launch and reentry operations.
Download the May/June 2023 issue or use the links below to read the articles on our blog.
Feature Articles
- Space Race 2.0: Why the FAA is Aiming for the Stars
- Let's Give 'em Some "Space": How to Safely Steer Clear of Aircraft Hazard Areas During Spacecraft Launch and Reentry
- All Systems Nose to Tail: How the FAA Ensures Public Safety at Commercial Space Launches
- Spaceports Are Where the Spaceships Go: Explore the Dawn of the Commercial Spaceport
Departments
- Jumpseat: A New Age for Space
- Aeromedical Advisory: The Human Body in Space
- Checklist: SUA in the USA
- Drone Debrief: Drones and Space Launches
- Nuts, Bolts, and Electrons: See a Safety Issue? File a NASA Report
- Vertically Speaking: Helicopter Wake Turbulence
- On Final: With Stars in Their Eyes
- Faces: Glenn Rizner, FAA Office of Commercial Space Transportation
Flying Companions
The July/August 2023 issue of FAA Safety Briefing magazine focuses on flying companions. Building on our previous companion-based editions, this issue is designed for the friends and loved ones who join us in the air or might have an interest in doing so. Feature articles help regular or prospective passengers gain a better understanding of general aviation and offer tips, techniques, and resources to take a more active role during flight.
Download the July/August 2023 issue or use the links below to read the articles on our blog.
Feature Articles
- The Art of Airplane Introductions: How to Make a Good First Impression with a Proper Preflight Inspection
- Bring Your 'A' Game: Fly the Airplane, First and Always
- PilotSpeak: A Beginner's Guide to the Aviation Lexicon
- Gravity is Undefeated: Why Weight and Balance is Critical to Flight Safety
- Soar as a Safety Superhero: Use Your Superpowers to Support the FAA Safety Team
Departments
- Jumpseat: Come Fly With Me
- Aeromedical Advisory: Easing Barriers to Getting Help: Mental Health Update
- Checklist: A Tale of Two Clouds
- Drone Debrief: Everyone is a Drone’s Companion
- Nuts, Bolts, and Electrons: Flying Companions on the Ground
- Vertically Speaking: Preflight Your Passengers
- On Final: Of Lobster, Lawnmowers, and Loved Ones
- Faces: Mark Giron, FAA General Aviation and Commercial Division
Aspiring Aviators
The September/October 2023 issue of FAA Safety Briefing magazine focuses on aspiring aviators and airmen-in-training. Feature articles provide an update on the Airman Certification Standards (ACS), explore the important role of the FAA’s Compliance Program, and offer a personal account of an airmen’s pathway to a private pilot certificate.
Download the September/October 2023 issue or use the links below to read the articles on our blog.
Feature Articles
- Decoding ACS: Understanding the Airman Certification Standards
- Profile of Persistence: A Personal Journey to Piloting
- Here's My Advice …Training Tips from Award-winning Flight Instructors
- Mistakes Happen: How the FAA’s Compliance Program Promotes Accountability for All Pilots
- Do You Want a Ride? How to Protect Your Certificate and Prevent an Illegal Air Charter
- Eyes in the Sky: Enhancing ADS-B Services with the Pilot Reporting Tool
- Supply and DPE Demand: How Preparation Can Aid Checkride Success and Maximize Designated Pilot Examiner Availability
Departments
- Jumpseat: A License to Learn
- Aeromedical Advisory: Reviewing the Medical Process
- Checklist: Take a Look; It’s in a Book
- Drone Debrief: Flying For Fun; But Are You Sure?
- Nuts, Bolts, and Electrons: Let Your Service Time Serve You
- Vertically Speaking: Inspiring the Next Generation of Helicopter Pilots and Mechanics
- On Final: Learning to Fly
- Faces: Allan Kash, FAA Training and Certification Group
Winter Flying Safety
The November/December 2023 issue of FAA Safety Briefing magazine focuses on winter operations. Articles cover some of the exciting opportunities that the winter flying season offers as well as provide a review of several important cold weather safety strategies.
Download the November/December 2023 issue or use the links below to read each article online.
Feature Articles
- Breaking the Ice: Myths and Misconceptions About Carburetor Ice
- Surviving the Season: Best Practices for Winter Weather Readiness
- The Winds of Change: Wind Turbines and Their Effects on the National Airspace System
- FIKI Wiki: A Quick Guide to Inflight Ice Protection
- Putting Your Aircraft to Bed: The Before and After of Aircraft Winter Storage
Departments
- Jumpseat: Don’t Give Winter the Cold Shoulder
- Aeromedical Advisory: The Wait is Part of the Journey
- Checklist: Tis the Season … To Get Ready for Winter
- Drone Debrief: How Cold is Too Cold to Drone On?
- Nuts, Bolts, and Electrons: Keeping The Cabin Warm and Safe
- Vertically Speaking: Don’t Roll the Dice with Ice
- On Final: Driving the Point Home
- Faces: Chad Gilbert, FAASTeam Safety Liaison Team Lead
Aerospace Medicine and You
The January/February 2022 issue of FAA Safety Briefing focuses on aerospace medicine. Articles discuss the pilot medical certification process and the various roles and responsibilities of the FAA’s Office of Aerospace Medicine.
Download the January/February 2022 issue (PDF) or use the links below to read the articles on our blog.
Feature Articles
- BasicMed is Turning Five! How It Works, and How It’s Making a Difference
- Smooth is Fast: How to Speed Up Your Medical Certification
- The Human Factor: How The FAA’s Medical and Human Factors Research Helps Aviation
- Courses, Sources, and Training Resources: What Pilots Can Learn from the FAA’s Aerospace Medical Education Division
- Who’s Who in the Office of Aerospace Medicine: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the FAA’s Aerospace Medicine Decision Makers
Departments
- Jumpseat: Pilot Maintenance
- Aeromedical Advisory: Mind Your Meds!
- Condition Inspection: Pilots With Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Checklist: Straight From the Source
- Drone Debrief: Ensuring I’M SAFE For Every Drone Flight
- Nuts, Bolts, and Electrons: Welcome To The New Service Difficulty Reporting System!
- Angle of Attack: Pilots and Over-the-Counter Medications
- Vertically Speaking: 3 Tips To Effectively Brief Helicopter Passengers Before Flight
- Postflight: The Pizza Principle
- Faces: Dr. David Hardy, FAA Civil Aerospace Medical Institute
Meet the Maintainers
The March/April 2022 issue of FAA Safety Briefing focuses on the aviation maintenance industry. Articles discuss the important role aviation maintenance technicians (AMTs) play in keeping our skies safe and highlight some of the programs that recognize their achievements and provide ongoing education for these unsung heroes of aviation safety.
Download the March/April 2022 issue or use the links below to read the articles on our blog.
Feature Articles
- Your Airframe and Powerplant Superheroes: A Celebration of Outstanding Certificated Aircraft Mechanics
- Not Just Your Average Mechanic: Aviation Maintenance Technicians Have the Most Important Job In Aviation
- Frankenstein’s Airplane: The Sometimes Tricky Business of Modifying Aircraft
- Keeping the CAP Fleet Fit: How Civil Air Patrol Maintains Their Planes
- Why Do Good People Violate Procedures? A Common Sense Look at Why Some Mechanics Are Prone to Bend the Rules
Departments
- Jumpseat: Master Mechanics
- Aeromedical Advisory: Aerospace Medical Maintenance Tools
- Condition Inspection: Fighting Fatigue
- Checklist: Making the Most of Maintenance
- Drone Debrief: Are Drone Pilots Also “Maintainers”?
- Nuts, Bolts, and Electrons: What It Takes to Become an Aircraft Maintenance Professional
- Angle of Attack: Understanding Owner-Performed Preventive Maintenance
- Vertically Speaking: Preflight After Maintenance
- Postflight: Timing is Everything
- Faces: Gary Knaggs, National FAA Safety Team
Let’s Talk Tech ... and Weather
The May/June 2022 issue of FAA Safety Briefing focuses on the variety of tools and technology aviators can use to avoid and/or safely mitigate weather risks. Feature articles cover some of the FAA’s latest weather research work and programs, including more effective ways to steer clear of turbulence and interpret weather products and resources. We also explore some tips to improve your preflight self-briefings.
Download the May/June 2022 issue or use the links below to read the articles on our blog.
Feature Articles
- Leveraging Leidos: Making the Most of Your Online Flight Service Weather Briefing
- Surfing the Digital Atmosphere: What’s Cool, Fun, and Free for Pilots to Learn Aviation Weather
- Dislike Turbulent Flights? This FAA Group Works to Make Your Ride Smoother
- Make Your Weather Briefing as Easy as 1, 2, 3: Developing Smarter and Safer Self-Briefing Habits
- How to Maximize the Benefits of Your ADS-B: What Every GA Pilot Needs to Know
Departments
- Jumpseat: Joining the Crew
- Aeromedical Advisory: Pulling Gs
- Condition Inspection: Allergies and Allergy Medication
- Checklist: The Scoop on Self-Briefings
- Drone Debrief: Fog Forecasting With Drones
- Nuts, Bolts, and Electrons: Aircraft Corrosion — Just A Nuisance, Or A Major Problem?
- Angle of Attack: 5 Tips to Improve Your Weather Know-How
- Vertically Speaking: FAA Weather Camera System for Helicopter Medevac Operators
- Postflight: Thinking Still Required!
- Faces: Frances Prott, FAA Flight Service's Safety and Operations Policy Group
All About Air Shows!
The July/August 2022 issue of FAA Safety Briefing focuses on the FAA’s role at air shows and aviation events. Feature articles take you behind the scenes to meet some of the many safety professionals from different areas of the FAA whose hard work helps keep air shows both entertaining and extremely safe. We also explore several ways you can sharpen your skills when attending an air show/event and provide some important arrival and departure safety tips.
Download the July/August 2022 issue or use the links below to read the articles on our blog.
Feature Articles
- Getting There Safely is Just Part of the Fun! Your Pilot Safety Checklist to Fly In and Out of an Air Show with Success
- There’s No Business Like Air Show Business! A Behind-The-Curtain Look at Air Show Safety
- Thinking Outside and Inside the Box: How Coordination and Teamwork are Critical to the Flow of an Air Show
- Sharpen Your Skills: Don’t Fly Past the Educational Benefits of Air Shows and Aviation Events
- Up Close with the Gentle Giants: What it Takes to Launch a Safe Balloon Event
Departments
- Jumpseat: Know Before You Go
- Aeromedical Advisory: Welcome Back
- Condition Inspection: Hypertension
- Checklist: Know Before You Go
- Drone Debrief: Drones at Air shows and Other Aviation Events
- Nuts, Bolts, and Electrons: Air Show Breakdown? Who Ya Gonna Call?
- Angle of Attack: Going Your Separate Ways
- Vertically Speaking: Tackling Rotorcraft’s “Dirty Dozen”
- Postflight: Show Biz — Behind the Curtain
- Faces: Joseph Saunders, FAA Flight Standards Service’s General Aviation Operations Branch
Fly FAA: Practicing What We Preach
The September/October 2022 issue of FAA Safety Briefing focuses on the FAA’s Flight Program Operations team and the critical role they play in assuring safety in the National Airspace System. Feature articles cover the team’s various missions and how to operate safely when you hear the “Flight Check” call sign on the radio. We also look at the various partnerships Flight Program Operations has with other agencies, provide a behind-the-scenes peek at the fleet, and make a pitch for potential career opportunities with this dynamic group of aviation professionals.
Download the September/October 2022 issue or use the links below to read the articles on our blog.
Feature Articles
- Flight Check—Please Keep Your Distance! Who We Are, What We Do, and How It Matters to You
- Schoolhouse Rocks! Where FAA Inspectors Go to Keep Current
- Keeping It Real: Why and How the FAA Manages Its Own Fleet
- Flying in Formation: How FAA Flight Program Operations Partners with Other Agencies
- A World of Opportunity: Your Aviation Dreams Can Take Flight in Flight Program Operations
Departments
- Jumpseat: It Takes a Team
- Aeromedical Advisory: Going Long — The Physiological Risks of Fatigue
- Condition Inspection: The Heat Is On! The Importance of Staying Warm
- Checklist: Flight Check on Deck — Making the Right Moves
- Drone Debrief: Who’s Watching the Skies?
- Nuts, Bolts, and Electrons: One Team, One Mission — How the FAA Maintains its Fleet
- Angle of Attack: New Name, Continued Focus on the Same — Safety
- Vertically Speaking: The Promise to Come Home Every Night
- Postflight: Verify, Then Trust
- Faces: Lorry Faber & John Jeffers, FAA Flight Program Operations
Fly ‘way From the Danger Zones: Tips to Reduce Risk in All Phases of Flight
The November/December 2022 issue of FAA Safety Briefing magazine explores tips and best practices that help pilots find ways to avoid the “danger zones” where accidents can occur. Articles highlight system safety and risk management in the context of persistent accident factors during preflight; taxi; takeoff and departure; maneuvering flight; and approach and landing.
Download the November/December 2022 issue or use the links below to read the articles on our blog.
Feature Articles
- How Do You Do? Practical Ways to Practice Risk Management
- Tips for Perfect Preflight Prep: Why Better Preflight Preparation is Paramount to Safe Flight
- Top Six Taxi Tips: How to Improve Your Ground Game
- Don’t Try This at Home on the Runway: Common Take Off and Departure Errors
- Shiny Side Up! Avoiding Loss of Control
- It's All in Your Approach: Top Tips to Fine Tune a Final Approach and Landing
Departments
- Jumpseat: The Danger Zone
- Aeromedical Advisory: Medical Factors in Aviation Mishaps
- Condition Inspection: Coronary Heart Disease
- Checklist: Making the Grade
- Drone Debrief: Ready to Fly?
- Nuts, Bolts, and Electrons: A New Dawn for Aviation Maintenance Training
- Angle of Attack: Meet the FAA’s Office of Accident Investigation and Prevention
- Vertically Speaking: A VAST Difference for Safety
- Postflight: Down But Not Done
- Faces: Kimberly Pyle, FAA Office of Accident Investigation and Prevention
Challenge and Response | January/February 2021
- January/February 2021 (PDF)
The January/February 2021 issue of FAA Safety Briefing takes a unique look at the "challenge and response" environment that is prevalent within the aviation community. Feature articles and departments provide a variety of tools and resources that can help you rise to the challenge, whether it’s shaking off rust from inactivity, pursuing new aeronautical goals, or leveraging technology to stay at the top of your game. We also look at the important role of SOPs in our operations and the many benefits flying clubs offer to aviators.
Feature Articles
- I’ve Got the Flight Controls ... Or Do You? A Game Plan for Getting Back in the Sky
- On Recovering from Rustiness: Making Resilient Resolutions to Restore Proficiency
- Making It Look Easy: The "Magic" of Standard Operating Procedures
- Bringing Avid Aviators Together: Tips for Joining or Developing a Well-Run Flying Club
- Fly Into the Matrix: How to Get Into the World of Virtual Flying at Home
Departments
- Jumpseat: New Year, New Beginning
- Condition Inspection: Addressing a Substantial Problem
- Checklist: Is There a Card for That?! National Checklist Day
- Drone Debrief: Taking the Next Step in Safe Drone Operations
- Nuts, Bolts, and Electrons: Can You Spot the Maintenance Dirty Dozen? Let’s Find Out
- Angle of Attack: On the Plane, Snow is Glistening ...
- Vertically Speaking: Introducing the Rotorcraft Collective
- FAA Faces: Brad Palmer, FAA General Aviation and Commercial Division Manager
Enhancing Surface Safety | March/April 2021
- March/April 2021 (PDF)
The March/April 2021 issue of FAA Safety Briefing focuses on the many facets of airport surface safety. Feature articles and departments provide a "road map" to the various tools, resources, and strategies airmen can use to steer clear of risk during the ramp-to-runway segment of their journey. We look at some technology advances, both inside and outside the cockpit, that are proving effective in the battle against runway incursions and surface safety events. We also take a behind-the-scenes look at the FAA’s surface safety stewards, the men and women who manage the agency’s Runway Safety Program and who regularly depend on your feedback
Feature Articles
- The Anatomy of a Wrong Surface Event: Discernment Through Dissection
- Hot Spots! Part Deux: Don’t Get Burned at Airport Hot Spots
- Right Stuff – Wrong Place, Wrong Time: Fortune and Misfortune in Surface Safety
- The Cost of Frost on Runways: A Look at Heated Pavement Technology
- Safe and Sound on the Ground: An EFB APP-roach to Improving Surface Safety
- Surface Safety Done Right: Meet the FAA’s Runway Safety Professionals
Departments
- Jumpseat: The Scoop on Surface Safety
- Aeromedical Advisory: FAA Welcomes New Federal Air Surgeon
- Condition Inspection: As Far as the Eye Can See
- Checklist: Libraries and "Skybraries"
- Drone Debrief: Drone Operations Near Air/Heliports In Class G Airspace
- Nuts, Bolts, and Electrons: A Tug Here and a Tow There – Runway Safety for Aviation Mechanics
- Angle of Attack: Going the Wrong "Way" – A Tale of Taxi Cabs and Taxiways
- Vertically Speaking: A 4-Star Helicopter Safety Rating System
- FAA Faces: Nick DeLotell, FAA General Aviation and Commercial Division’s Operations Group
| Airport Surface Safety Crossword Puzzle (PDF) | Airport Sign and Marking Quick Reference Guide (PDF) |
Sharing the Skies Safely | May/June 2021
- May/June 2021 (PDF)
The May/June 2021 issue of FAA Safety Briefing focuses on the FAA’s integration strategies for new entrants and emerging aviation technologies in the National Airspace System (NAS). Articles cover some of the regulatory changes and technological solutions that will help enable the safe and seamless operation of these new NAS entrants as they share the skies with traditional airspace users. We’ll also look at how the FAA is helping to inform, educate, and inspire the next generation of NAS users.
Feature Articles
- Who’s New in the Neighborhood?: Ushering in a New Era of Safety and Innovation in the NAS
- Sharing the Skies Safely: An Overview of Unmanned Traffic Management
- Rolling Out the Rules: New Drone Rules Advance the Vision
- Don’t Fear the Drone!: Let’s Reap the Benefits that Drones Have to Offer
- Engaging with Academia: How the FAA is Helping Prepare Tomorrow’s UAS Workforce
- You’re Not Alone with Your Drone: Building Safer Skies Through Education
- Dreaming of Space: How the FAA is Enabling a Ticket to the Final Frontier
Departments
- Jumpseat: Utility, Accessibility, Safety
- Aeromedical Advisory: The Flight Path to Transparency
- Condition Inspection: SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines
- Checklist: How Do I ... ?–FAA Resources for UAS
- Drone Debrief: What’s In A Name?
- Nuts, Bolts, and Electrons: Aircraft Mufflers – The Hidden Danger You Need to Know
- Angle of Attack: Getting the Big Picture on GA Activity
- Vertically Speaking: Helicopters and Drones
- FAA Faces: Aviation Safety Inspector Guido Hassig, FAA Safety Team
Embracing the Environment | July/August 2021
- July/August (PDF)
The July/August 2021 issue of FAA Safety Briefing focuses on how FAA seeks to advance aviation in an environmentally-responsible and energy-efficient manner by considering noise, emissions, and other environmental issues. Articles also explore ways we can "fly green" through new technology and by following environmentally-sustainable practices.
Feature Articles
- Shocking Potential:: GA Can Light the Path for Electric Aviation
- Get the Lead Out!: Looking at the Future of Avgas
- Cutting Through All the Noise: How the FAA is Working to Reduce the Impact of Aircraft Noise
- SPLAT! The Story of Snarge: Accidental "Meetings" Between Aircraft and Wildlife
- Changing the Light Bulbs: LED Technology is the New Beacon in Aviation Safety
Departments
- Jumpseat: A Climate for Change
- Aeromedical Advisory: When You're Diagnosed With COVID-19
- Condition Inspection: Guidance On COVID-19
- Checklist: How Can I Help? — Small Steps Can Make A Big Difference
- Drone Debrief: Send in the Drones! — Scoping and Coping with Adverse Environmental Impacts
- Nuts, Bolts, and Electrons: The Organic Mechanic — 5 Steps to a Greener MRO
- Angle of Attack: An Approach Toward Friendly-Flying
- Faces: Mike Millard, FAA General Aviation Operations Branch
Airports and Airspace | September/October 2021
- September/October (PDF)
The September/October 2021 issue of FAA Safety Briefing focuses on airports and airspace, which are integral parts of the National Airspace System's (NAS) infrastructure. Articles in this issue explore the value of our nation's vast array of public-use airports and their importance to the communities they serve. We also highlight some critical "rules of the sky," explore nearly a century of evolution in the NAS, and review some best practices for communicating with air traffic control.
Feature Articles
- From Shrimp Boats to Satellites: The Evolution of the National Airspace System
- (Don't) Drop the Mic! Take Our Quiz to Sound Like a Pro on the Radio
- The Advantages of Adventuring: Using Airport Visits to Advance Skills (and Pilot Stories!)
- Mission Possible: Advocating for GA in the TFR Process
- Paving the Way Forward: How Federal Airport Grants Provide the Lifeblood for U.S. Airport Safety and Infrastructure
- Making It Count: How Aircraft Transponder Signals Take the Guesswork Out of Counting Non-Towered Airport Operations
Departments
- Jumpseat: Ramping Up
- Aeromedical Advisory: On Thin Air
- Condition Inspection: Hypoxia
- Checklist: New Ways to Preflight Your Destination
- Drone Debrief: Coming Soon – More Airspace for Drone Operations
- Nuts, Bolts, and Electrons: ADS-B On Non-Electric Aircraft? We Answer Your Top Questions
- Angle of Attack: Avoiding the Hottest "Hot Spots"
- Vertically Speaking: New Guidelines for Heliport Planning, Design, and Construction
- Postflight: No Place Like 'Drome
- Faces: Peter Sachs, FAA Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integration Office
Full STEAM Ahead! Preparing the Aviation Workforce of Tomorrow | November/December 2021
- November/December (PDF)
The November/December 2021 issue of FAA Safety Briefing focuses on the FAA’s efforts to inspire our nation’s youth, especially young women and those from diverse backgrounds, to pursue aerospace careers and create a consistent pipeline of professionals for a robust workforce of the future. We’ll look at the important role science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) education plays in this endeavor, and how FAA partnerships with industry, academia, non-profits, and government agencies help to develop STEM/STEAM outreach and educational programs. We will also explore some of the many aerospace career options available and ways you can help introduce others to this exciting and growing industry.
Feature Articles
- When I Grow Up, I Want to Be an Aviator! How the FAA Helps To Launch Students Into an Aviation Career
- Beyond the Flight Deck: Non-Flying Work in the Aviation World
- Picking up STEAM: How FAA-Industry Collaboration Keeps Training Real
- Meet Shaesta Waiz: Trailblazer, Mentor, and a Global Inspiration for Women in Aviation
- Small Props for Big Change: Dive into Drone Jobs
Departments
- Jumpseat: Pipelines, Pathways, Partnerships
- Aeromedical Advisory: FAA Medical Certification and Alternatives
- Condition Inspection: What to Expect From An FAA Medical Exam
- Checklist: Optimizing Options and Opportunities
- Drone Debrief: STEM and UAS Education
- Nuts, Bolts, and Electrons: Safety Is A Journey
- Angle of Attack: FAASTeam Volunteers Come in All Shapes and Sizes
- Vertically Speaking: Pilots Propel Students into Aviation
- Postflight: STEAM Rises
- Faces: Jim Brough, FAA Aviation Workforce and Education Division
Know Your Aircraft | January/February 2020
- Jan/Feb (PDF) For any compatible viewer
The January/February 2020 issue of FAA Safety Briefing focuses on how to better "Know Your Aircraft." Feature articles cover each major section of an aircraft, highlighting the many design, performance and structural variations you’ll likely see and how they affect your flying. We’ll also take a fresh look at understanding aircraft energy management.
Feature Articles
- No Surprises! Keeping Control of Avionics and Automation
- The Beating Heart: How Your Engine Works and How to "Treat" It
- The Arthropod’s Revenge: How the Airplane’s Fuselage Has More in Common With Bugs Than Birds
- L’Empennage: A Guided Tour of Your Plane’s Tail Feathers
- The Wing’s The Thing: How Wing Design Affects Your Ride, and How to Preflight for Safety
- Give Me a Brake ... And Maybe a Tire and a Strut Too: Understanding Your Undercarriage
- On The Money: Getting to Know Your Airplane as an Energy System
Weather Technology | March/April 2020
- March/April 2020 (PDF)
The March/April 2020 issue of FAA Safety Briefing focuses on the variety of tools and technology aviators can use to avoid and/or safely mitigate what we’ve dubbed as UMC, or Unfriendly Meteorological Conditions. Feature articles cover some of the FAA’s weather research work and programs, including more effective ways to convey cockpit weather imagery, icing avoidance, and the use of weather cameras. We also sit down with the new FAA Administrator, Steve Dickson, to discuss his take on general aviation safety.
Feature Articles
- What is WTIC? Making Weather Technology and Information in the Cockpit Work for You
- Will You Make Good Decisions About Bad Weather? The FAA’s Weather Research Program Has Answers
- Mind The Gap: Understanding Latency Issues With In-Cockpit Weather Imagery
- Operation ICICLE: New FAA Program Tackles Aircraft Icing
- Omnipresence: The Gift of Being and "Seeing" Elsewhere
- Straight From Steve: Meet FAA Administrator Steve Dickson
- ADAPTing to ADS-B: How Non-Equipped Operators Can Request Access to ADS-B Rule Airspace
- FAA Safety Briefing Departments in March/April 2020 Issue: Links to Each Regular Column
Departments
- Jumpseat: How's the Weather?
- Aeromedical Advisory: New Insulin-Treated Diabetes Mellitus Policy for Pilots
- Condition Inspection: Spatial Disorientation
- Checklist: Crowdsourcing Weather Conditions; A New Take on PIREPs
- Drone Debrief: Drone 54, Where Are You?! The Road to Remote ID
- Nuts, Bolts, and Electrons: Stay Sharp, Stay Skilled; Your Tools for Continued Learning
- Angle of Attack: How's Your Weather Know-How?
- Vertically Speaking: If the Weather Looks Tricky, Land and Live
- Postflight: Mining Data for Information
- FAA Faces: Ian Johnson
Aviation Communication | May/June 2020
- May/June 2020 (PDF)
The May/June 2020 issue of FAA Safety Briefing focuses on the importance of proper communication in aviation and its critical role in furthering safety. Feature articles include a refresher on the basics of good "aviation" grammar, how to use correct phraseology to avoid confusion or misunderstandings, and how to best leverage the technology and equipment at your disposal to maximize communication efficiency and accuracy.
Feature Articles
- The Importance of Speaking Plane-ly: Aviation’s General Spoken Medium
- Do You Suffer From Push-to-Talk Phobia? Improve Your Aviation Communication with Virtual Reality
- From Paddles to PEDs: A User’s Guide to Modern Day Aviation Communication Equipment
- No-Go on the Radio: What Not to Say
- Getting to Yes With NOTAMs: Why They Matter and What’s in Store
- The Century Club: It’s Not Your Father’s Flight Service
Departments
- Jumpseat: Say Again?
- Aeromedical Advisory: How Do You Hear?
- Condition Inspection: Hearing Loss
- Checklist: The Sound of (Microphone) Music
- Drone Debrief: What's That Droning Noise?!
- Nuts, Bolts, and Electrons: Get to Know Your Mechanic
- Angle of Attack: Aviation English, Please
- Vertically Speaking: Crew Communications
- FAA Faces: Sarah Patten
Aviation Human Factors | July/August 2020
- July/August 2020 (PDF)
The July/August 2020 issue of FAA Safety Briefing focuses on the importance of human factors in aviation. Feature articles and departments address stress, fatigue, decision making, cognitive bias, and more. We also take a closer look at the humans behind the FAA’s Human Factors team to see how their work is helping improve aviation safety.
Feature Articles
- Passing the Stress Test: Keep the Dark Side of Stress at Bay
- Just a Bit Biased: How to See and Avoid Dangerous Assumptions
- Asleep at the Yoke? Fighting Fatigue in General Aviation
- The Humans Behind Human Factors: A Look at the People and Resources in the FAA’s Human Factors Team
- Tool Time: Beta-Testing a Maintenance Safety Culture Assessment Toolkit
- To "B" or Not to "B" ... Why Equipping with ADS-B Makes Sense
Departments
- Jumpseat: The Human Factor
- Aeromedical Advisory: Getting to a "New Normal"
- Condition Inspection: A Primer on Medical Testing
- Checklist: But What Do You Actually Do?
- Drone Debrief: Drones Doing Dirty Work to Keep Humans Safe
- Nuts, Bolts, and Electrons: Addressing the Challenge of Failure to Follow Procedures
- Angle of Attack: Decisions, Decisions
- Vertically Speaking: Avoiding Information Overload
- FAA Faces: Dr. Kathy Abbott
Data-Driven Decision Making | September/October 2020
- September/October 202
0 (PDF)
The September/October 2020 issue of FAA Safety Briefing focuses on the integral role of data in the aviation industry. Feature articles and departments explore the many ways data is collected, analyzed, and shared to make better and more informed safety-related decisions. We’ll also look at some of the FAA’s collaborative processes and tools that are helping to improve safety and efficiency in the National Airspace System.
Feature Articles
- Show Me the Data! A Look at Data Sharing and Analysis in Aviation Safety
- Driven By Data: How the FAA Safety Team Leverages Data to Improve GA Safety
- The Missing Link: Contributing to the Future by Examining Your Past
- BIG DATA, Little Team: How You Benefit from the FAA’s Surface Safety Metric
- Rise to the Top: A Look at Frequent Accident Issues for Balloonists
Departments
- Jumpseat: Transformation to Information
- Condition Inspection: Data-Driven Policy Changes
- Checklist: Got Data?
- Drone Debrief: Data-based Decision Making
- Nuts, Bolts, and Electrons: See Something? Say Something
- Angle of Attack: FAA Lessons Learned Library Welcomes GA/Rotorcraft
- Vertically Speaking: History Lessons
- FAA Faces: Charlie Hamilton and Jay Flowers
Avoiding Controlled Flight Into Terrain | November/December 2020
- November/December 2020 (PDF
)
The November/December 2020 issue of FAA Safety Briefing focuses on mitigating one of the leading causes of general aviation accidents – controlled flight into terrain, or CFIT. Feature articles and departments explore the many CFIT-related resources and technological tools available to pilots, as well as numerous strategies, tips, and best practices that can help keep CFIT at bay.
Feature Articles
- From the Ground Up: How the FAA is Keeping Controlled Flight Out of Terrain
- Look Up, Look Out: See and Avoid CFIT Strategies for VFR Pilots
- So Things Don’t Go Bump in the Night: Avoiding Terrain While Flying Night VFR
- Trust, but Verify: Take AIM to Avoid Terrain
- Extra Eyes in the Sky: Advanced Tools for CFIT Avoidance
- Are We There Yet? Exploring External Pressures
Departments
- Jumpseat: A "C" to Avoid
- Condition Inspection: Mitigating the Hazard of Visual Illusions
- Checklist: Tips for Terrain Avoidance
- Drone Debrief: Motion Parallax Effects in UAS Aerial Videography
- Nuts, Bolts, and Electrons: Safety Wire ... It Can Save Your Life
- Angle of Attack: Seeing Fit to End CFIT
- Vertically Speaking: Avoiding Wire Strikes in Rotorcraft Operations
- FAA Faces: Chad Brewer
An All "Out" Effort | January/February 2019
- Jan/Feb (PDF, 5.1 MB) For any compatible viewer
The January/February 2019 issue of FAA Safety Briefing focuses on Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) technology, a foundational component of FAA’s NextGen system for improving the safety and efficiency of the NAS. Building off our previous ADS-B focused issue in March/April 2017, articles here continue and expand the discussion about the safety and technology benefits of ADS-B, as well as provide important details and updates on the purchase, installation, and operation of ADS-B equipment. Remember — the deadline to equip with ADS-B Out is January 1, 2020.
Feature Articles
- Time to Move! Why ADS-B Matters
- The "In" Thing in Aviation Safety: Making the Most of Your ADS-B System Solution
- Clearing the Crypto-Fog: Tips for Decoding and Deciding Among ADS-B Equipment Options
- Is My ADS-B Broadcasting Me? A Look at Non-Performing Emitters
- Sorry, Wrong Number: A Fresh Look at Avoiding Call Sign Mismatch Issues
- ADS-B Light: Exploring ADS-B Out Options for Light-Sport and Experimental Aircraft
- Show Me the $$: How to Get Your ADS-B Out Rebate
March/April 2019: Due to the lapse in appropriations, the magazine staff was not able to produce this issue of FAA Safety Briefing.
Due to the lapse in appropriations, the magazine staff was not able to produce the March/April 2019 issue of FAA Safety Briefing.
Performance-Based Aircraft Certification Takes Off! | May/June 2019
- May/June (PDF, 4.6 MB) For any compatible viewer
The May/June 2019 issue of FAA Safety Briefing focuses on the future of aircraft certification. Feature articles focus on the advent of performance-based aircraft certification standards for general aviation that are helping to usher in a new era of innovation and safety. We’ll look at what the changes to part 23 mean to the future of the industry, as well as explore the benefits policies like NORSEE (Non-Required Safety Enhancing Equipment) can have for existing aircraft owners.
Feature Articles
- You Have Choices: A Guided Tour of Options for Aircraft Certification
- The Quiet Revolution: What Part 23 Changes Mean for You
- Seeing NORSEE Benefits: How This Innovative FAA Safety Enhancement Program Is Performing
- The Transformation of Certification: Adopting Consensus Standards for Light-Sport Aircraft
- Legally Aloft: Review of Aircraft Certificates
- Be a "Part" of Improving Aviation Safety: A Look at Suspected Unapproved Parts
Safety Culture | July/August 2019
- Jul/Aug (PDF, 11.6 MB) For any compatible viewer
The July/August 2019 issue of FAA Safety Briefing focuses on aviation safety culture. Feature articles focus on what a sound safety culture is and explore ways you can integrate those principles into your everyday flying and airman duties. We’ll also look at the many FAA and industry tools available to help you build your own personal safety culture.
Feature Articles
- Culture Club: How the FAA’s Compliance Program Contributes to Safety Culture
- Party of One? How to Do a Safety Culture of Just You
- Engaging the Aviation Community: 5 Ways the FAASTeam Improves Safety Culture
- Darwin vs. Lamarck: The Evolution of Safety Culture
- Break A Rule? See a Safety Issue? File a "NASA Report"
- [Other] Pilots Looking Out For You: Some Trusty Tips on How to Take a Hint
- Better With ADS-B: The Proof is In
Emergency! | September/October 2019
- Sept/Oct (PDF) For any compatible viewer
The September/October 2019 issue of FAA Safety Briefing focuses on emergencies in aviation and how we react to them. Feature articles focus on the kind of events that can cause an emergency in flight and how we might prevent and react to them. These topics include: engine failures, the startle effect, smoke and fire, and balloons and power lines.
Feature Articles
- Keep Calm and Carry On: On Staying Cool When Things Get Hot
- Engine Failure! Why it Happens, How to Prevent It, and What to Do if it Happens to You
- Why Do I "Lockup" in the Cockpit? Strategies to Help You Overcome Your Startle Responsee
- (Un) Holy Smoke! The Nightmare of Smoke, Fire, and Deadly Gas
- The Dangerous Power of Power Lines: Tips for Avoiding Collisions and Close Encounters
- When Minutes Count: Modern Helicopters Speed Up the "Golden Hour"
Threat and Error Management | November/December 2019
- Nov/Dec (PDF) For any compatible viewer
The November/December 2019 issue of FAA Safety Briefing focuses on the concept of resource management and error mitigation techniques in the aviation environment. Feature articles focus on threat and error management and highlight the importance of sound crew and single pilot resource management. We’ll also look at ways flight data monitoring can help you steer clear of errors and learn from your mistakes.
Feature Articles
Back to Basics | January/February 2018
- Jan/Feb (PDF, 6.9 MB) For any compatible viewer
The January/February 2018 issue of FAA Safety Briefing takes a forward-thinking journey "back to the basics" of flying fundamentals. Articles in this edition provide important tips, techniques, and resources that can help you better aviate, navigate, communicate, and mitigate in today’s complex operating environment.
Feature Articles
- Simple? Defining and Refining Basic Skills in a Complex Environment
- Fantastic Four Fundamentals: Unlocking the "Superpowers" of Basic Airmanship
- Where the Heck Are We? Understanding the Lost Art of Aerial Navigation
- How to Talk Like a Pilot: The Basic Elements of Aviation Communication
- American Ninja Pilot: Hone Your Flying Skills with Six Basic Risk Mitigation Steps
Flying Companions Guide to GA: Part II | March/April 2018
- March/April (PDF, 5.3 MB) For any compatible viewer
The March/April 2018 issue of FAA Safety Briefing focuses on Flying Companions. Building on our previous companion-based edition in 2014, this issue is specifically designed for the friends and loved ones who join us in the air or might have an interest in doing so. Feature articles help regular or prospective passengers gain a better understanding of the world of general aviation and offer the tips, techniques, and resources needed to take a more active role during flight.
Feature Articles
- Aviation 101: Understanding the Flying Companion Role
- Bring Your "A" Game: Fly the Airplane, First and Always
- Flight of the Navigator: Improve Your Navigation Skills as a Flying Companion
- In the Air and ON the Air: Decoding (and Parroting) Pilot Patter
- See Something? Say Something! Flying Companion's Guide to Help Manage Risk
- Flying with Mates, Munchkins, and Mutts: Tips for Keeping Your Passengers Safe — and Happy
- You Can’t Take All That! What Aircraft Weight & Balance Means to You
- How to Be a Weather Wingman: Pay It Forward with PIREPs
Partnering with PEGASAS: FAA’s Center of Excellence for General Aviation | May/June 2018
- May/June (PDF, 4.8 MB) For any compatible viewer
The May/June 2018 issue of FAA Safety Briefing focuses on the FAA’s Center of Excellence for general aviation research, the Partnership for Enhancing General Aviation Safety, Accessibility, and Sustainability (PEGASAS). This partnership facilitates collaboration and coordination between government, academia, and industry to advance aviation technologies and expand FAA research capabilities. Feature articles in this issue focus on several of these forward thinking and safety enhancing projects.
Feature Articles
- Let it Flow! PEGASAS Inspires a River of Research
- Pushing the Envelope: A Plan of "Attack" for Loss of Control
- Weather ... Or Not? Weather Technology in the Cockpit
- LED There Be Light: Working to Enhance Airport Lighting
- Remote Sensors? Rumble Strips? Heated Pavements? Oh My! Three Fresh Approaches to Improve Runway Surfaces and Safety
- How I Learned To Stop Worrying And Love The Singularity: Using Collective Data to Drive Safety Improvement
Round Up the Usual Suspects: Corralling the Common Causes of GA Mishaps | July/August 2018
- July/August (PDF, 9 MB) For any compatible viewer
The July/August 2018 issue of FAA Safety Briefing uses themes from the 1942 classic movie, Casablanca, to address a serious and potentially deadly issue: the persistently consistent causes of GA safety mishaps. We "round up the usual suspects" in our feature articles, covering familiar safety topics like loss of control, weather, runway safety, and fuel management.
Feature Articles
- Round Up the Usual Suspects: Corralling the Common Causes of GA Mishaps
- Master of My Fate: Maintaining Aircraft Control
- Is that My Runway? How to Avoid Wrong Surface Operations
- Maybe Not Today ... Avoiding the Perils (and Regrets) of VFR into IMC
- Not an Easy Day to Forget: Remembering Fuel Management Before It’s Too Late
- Thinking of Two: Managing Instructional Risk
Our Kaleidoscope Community | September/October 2018
- September/October (PDF, 5.1 MB) For any compatible viewer
The September/October 2018 issue of FAA Safety Briefing explores the important role of community in general aviation and acquaints you with a wide range of organizations that can be part of your aviation world now or at some point down the road. Like making patterns in a kaleidoscope, you can shape and continually re-shape your own unique aviation community in ways that support your evolving aviation experience and interests.
Feature Articles
- Our Kaleidoscope Community: On Shifting the "Shapes" to Suit Changing Needs
- Life in the FAAST Lane: A Community Effort Towards Safer Skies
- Reflections of Our Aviation Community: A Look at General Aviation Advocates
- The Space Between Strategy and Tactics: How Middle Tier Organizations Can Provide Useful Color
- Your Mission, Should You Choose to Accept It: Explore Civil Air Patrol’s Flight Safety Culture
Birds of a Different Feather | November/December 2018
- November/December (PDF, 5.5 MB) For any compatible viewer
The November/December 2018 "Birds of a Different Feather" issue of FAA Safety Briefing explores the tremendous diversity of general aviation and encourages you to expand your aviation horizons and appreciate the many ways in which you can "enjoy the ride." The issue also focuses on the new perspectives and the new skills you’ll need to consider when moving on to a different type of flying.
Feature Articles
- Birds of a Different Feather: So Many Ways to Reach the Skies
- The Experimental Experience: Blazing a New Trail in a "Special" Place
- Ride the Lightning: Aviation’s Electric Future?
- Teaching the Unknown: A Balloon Instructor’s Guide to Flight Training Preparation
- Flying Light! Managing Expectations with Light-Sport Aircraft
PAVEing the Way to Safety | January/February 2017
- Jan/Feb (PDF, 5.3 MB) For any compatible viewer
The January/February 2017 issue of FAA Safety Briefing focuses on aviation risk management and aeronautical decision making. Featured content follows the framework of the PAVE checklist, covering a pilot’s decision making process to mitigate risks in terms of the: Pilot, Aircraft, enVironment, and External Pressures.
Feature Articles
- Sharing the Wealth: ASAP Expansion Improves Airspace Safety for All
- Risky Business: The What, How, and Why of Risk Management
- Say Ahh ... A Pilot’s Guide to Self-Assessing Risk
- Is My Aircraft Right for Flight? The Importance of Preflight Prep
- Bring the Heat: How to Avoid Induction Icing
- The Wild (Not So Blue) Yonder: Mitigating Risk in the Flight Operating Environment
- Are We There Yet? How External Pressures Can Affect Your Flight
Ins and Outs of ADS-B | March/April 2017
- March/April (PDF, 20.7 MB) For any compatible viewer
The March/April 2017 issue of FAA Safety Briefing focuses on Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) technology, a foundational component of FAA's NextGen system for improving the safety and efficiency of the NAS. Articles cover the myriad safety and technology benefits ADS-B offers, as well as provide important details on the purchase, installation, and operation of ADS-B equipment. The deadline to equip with ADS-B Out is January 1, 2020.
Feature Articles
- ADS-B 101: What It Is, and What It Means to You
- Getting it Right: What You Need to Know About ADS-B Installation Errors
- Everyone Love's a Rebate: The FAA's General Aviation ADS-B Rebate Program Explained
- What's in a Name? How to Avoid an ADS-B Call Sign Mismatch
- Top 10 Things You Need to Know about ADS-B: Quick Tips and Information for GA Aircraft
You and UAS | May/June 2017
- May/June (PDF, 17 MB) For any compatible viewer
The May/June 2017 issue of FAA Safety Briefing focuses on the exciting and ever-expanding world of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). Feature articles answer the Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How of UAS operations, including the regulatory and technical challenges they present.
Feature Articles
- The Dawn of Drones: Why We All Need to Care about UAS
- When Do I Need a Certificate? A Look at Hobbyist vs. Commercial Requirements for small UAS
- Who’s Behind UAS? A Look at Drone Support, Programs, and Initiatives in the FAA
- How Do We All Get Along? A Look at the FAA’s Strategy for UAS Integration into the NAS
- Where Do I Find the Drone Zone? Navigating Cyberspace for Official UAS Resources
- What’s It Like to Fly a Global Hawk: A First Person Account of Large UAS Operations
- Drone Dragnet: UAS Guide for Law Enforcement Officials
BasicMed Begins ... | July/August 2017
- July/August (PDF) For any compatible viewer
The July/August 2017 issue of FAA Safety Briefing explores several key facets of the new BasicMed rule, which offers pilots an alternative to the FAA’s medical qualification process for third class medical certificates. Under BasicMed, a pilot will be required to complete a medical education course every two years, undergo a medical examination every four years, and comply with aircraft and operating restrictions.
Feature Articles
- Bring On BasicMed! What the FAA’s New Regulatory Relief Rule Means for You
- Errare Humanum Est: To Err is Human ...
- You Asked, We Answered: Your Top BasicMed Questions
- Doctor, Doctor, Let Me Give You the News: How to Talk to Your Doctor about BasicMed
- How to Defeat Dehydration: The Forgotten Risk to Flight Safety
- The 2017 National GA Award Honorees
Flight Instructor Refresher | September/October 2017
- September/October (PDF) For any compatible viewer
The September/October 2017 issue of FAA Safety Briefing explores the critical role flight instructors play in keeping the National Airspace System safe. Feature articles focus on flight instructor requirements and best practices as well as the many tools and educational resources that can help sharpen your teaching skills.
Feature Articles
- Compliance Philosophy for Flight Instructors: A Look at Regulations and Safety Management
- Getting the Gouge: Ten Things Instructors Need to Know about Using the ACS
- Flight Instructor Resources: Your Guide to Lifelong Learning
- Teaching Technology: Instilling the Right Aptitudes and Attitudes for Safety
- Renewing Your ’Lease:’ Options for Flight Instructor Certification Renewal
- Shifting Gears: Tips for Tackling Transition Training
- A Different World: The Transition from Military to Civilian Flight Instructor
Sim City | November/December 2017
- November/December (PDF) For any compatible viewer
The November/December 2017 "Sim City" issue of FAA Safety Briefing explores the exciting world of flight simulation technology and its evolving impact on aviation safety. Feature articles focus on the many flight simulation options now available to pilots, as well as how simulation can improve efficiency, efficacy, and overall flight safety.
Feature Articles
- In Celebration of Simulation: Improving Flight Safety One Byte at a Time
- The A to Z of ATDs: Sorting the Lot of Flight Simulation Devices
- Link Trainer to Desktop Redbird: The Evolving Role of Flight Simulation
- Navigation Know-How: Using Simulation to Try It Before You Fly It
- Do You Suffer from Push-to-Talk Phobia? Improve Your Aviation Communication with Virtual Reality
- A Virtual Plan for the Real World: How Simulation Can Help You Mitigate Risk
- The Future is Now: Flight Standards Service Realigns
Compliance Philosophy | January/February 2016
- Jan/Feb (PDF, 5 MB) For any
compatible viewer
The January/February 2016 issue of FAA Safety Briefing focuses on the FAA’s new Compliance Philosophy and what its foundational concepts mean to the general aviation community. Articles in this issue discuss how the agency and aviation community can identify a problem in the NAS, use the most effective tools to correct that problem, and monitor to be sure it stays fixed into the future.
#FlySafe: Your Guide to Preventing Loss of Control | March/April 2016
- March/April (PDF) For any
compatible viewer
The March/April 2016 issue of FAA Safety Briefing focuses on the leading cause of general aviation accidents loss of control. Articles in this issue will help pilots better identify loss of control warning signs, as well as fine-tune mitigation strategies and recovery techniques that can improve flight safety in these situations.
New Technologies for Pilots, Planes, and ’Ports | May/June 2016
- May/June (PDF, 6.2 MB) For an
y compatible viewer
The May/June 2016 issue of FAA Safety Briefing focuses on the rapidly changing world of technology and the important role it plays in general aviation safety. Articles in this issue cover everything from unmanned aircraft to commercial space operations, to how the FAA helps champion the power of technology in making flying safer and more efficient. We also discuss some of the possible pitfalls of technology, including its ability to distract and disrupt our decision-making skills.
Student Pilot’s Guide Part III: Airman Certification Standards and You | July/August 2016
- July/August (PDF) For any
compatible viewer
The July/August 2016 issue of FAA Safety Briefing focuses on the world of student pilots and airmen-in-training. Building on our previous student pilot-themed editions in 2012 and 2014, this issue provides tips and resources for success in initial pilot certification. It also explores the new Airman Certification Standards (ACS) which begins rolling out this summer. The ACS lists the standards for what an applicant needs to know, consider, and do in order to pass both the knowledge test and the practical test for a certificate or rating.
Avenues to Aviation | September/October 2016
- September/October (PDF)
For any compatible viewer
The September/October 2016 "Avenues to Aviation" issue of FAA Safety Briefing focuses on some of the varied career options available in aviation, particularly in general aviation. Feature articles explore both flying and non-flying aviation career options, as well as some of the new vocations that the small Unmanned Aircraft Systems rule has enabled.
Dear FAA, Tell Me Why ... | November/December 2016
- November/December (PDF)
For any compatible viewer
The November/December 2016 issue of FAA Safety Briefing focuses on many of the questions the FAA commonly receives from the public, as well as how to interact more effectively with the agency. Areas of discussion include aviation rulemaking, airman rules and regulations, and pilot resources.
Featured Articles
- What is the Federal Register? and Why is it Important?
- Out for Comments: Why Does it Take So Long to Process a Rule?
- What if the Rule Doesn't Fit? A quick primer on exemptions, waivers, deviations, and authorizations
- Who’s In Charge? Logging Pilot in Command Time
- Breaking Bad: What to Do When You See Someone Doing Something Wrong
- Safety in Numbers: Understanding the Parameters for Small UAS Operations
- Why Can’t I Uber With My Airplane? The Legalities of Ridesharing in the Skies
Airspace and ATC | January/February 2015
- Jan/Feb (PDF, 8.5 MB) For any
compatible viewer
The January/February 2015 issue of FAA Safety Briefing looks at all things airspace and air traffic control. Articles highlight important "rules of the sky" and cover the exciting technology changes in our National Airspace System. The issue also profiles the hardworking men and women of ATC who keep us safely separated.
Weather Forces, Sources, and Resources | March/April 2015
- March/April (PDF, 7.9 MB) For
any compatible viewer
The March/April 2015 issue of FAA Safety Briefing focuses on weather forces, sources, resources. Articles review some basic causes of weather activity, how certain conditions can affect pilot safety, and the tools you can use to aid your weather decision-making process.
- Cloud Spotting Chart (PDF)
- Personal Minimums Worksheet (PDF)
- FAA Safety Forums at Sun ‘n Fun (PDF)
Aircraft Performance | May/June 2015
- May/June (PDF, 7 MB) For any
compatible viewer
The May/June 2015 issue of FAA Safety Briefing highlights aircraft performance. Articles focus on understanding the operating parameters of your aircraft as well as having realistic performance expectations during flight.
Four Corners of the Country | July/August 2015
- July/August (PDF) For any
compatible viewer
The July/August 2015 issue of FAA Safety Briefing highlights the many unique opportunities that GA flying enables in all four corners of our great nation. Articles in this issue help prepare pilots for what to expect when traveling outside their home airspace in terms of plan, pilot, and plane.
All Things IFR | September/October 2015
- September/October (PDF)
For any compatible viewer
The September/October 2015 "All Things IFR" issue of FAA Safety Briefing focuses on general aviation instrument flight training and IFR proficiency. Articles in this issue address the importance of having both the right physical and mental flying skills required in today’s challenging IFR environment, as well as a provide a review of the regulatory landscape designed to keep pilots safe when flying in the clouds.
Good N.I.G.H.T. | November/December 2015
- November/December (PDF)
For any compatible viewer
The November/December 2015 "Good Night" issue of FAA Safety Briefing focuses on general aviation night operations. Articles in this issue address the importance of having both the right physical and mental preparation for flying at night, as well as how technology can help.
New Technology in Aviation | January/February 2014
- Jan/Feb (PDF, 7.5 MB) For any
compatible viewer
The Jan/Feb 2014 issue of FAA Safety Briefing explores the important role technology plays in keeping general aviation safe and efficient. Articles discuss the many benefits of emerging technologies as well as the potential safety hazards of being too technologically focused.
Getting Back in the Game | March/April 2014
- Mar/Apr (PDF, 6.7 MB) For any
compatible viewer
The March/April 2014 issue of FAA Safety Briefing takes a look at what it takes to "get back in the flying game." Whether it’s transitioning to a new type of aircraft, or returning from a flying hiatus, the articles here will provide safety and training advice and help you fine tune your plan for returning to the skies.
Leveraging Certification and Standards to Avoid Monstrous Maintenance Mistakes | May/June 2014
- May/June (PDF, 9.4 MB) For
any compatible viewer
The May/June 2014 issue of FAA Safety Briefing is all about Airworthiness Certification and Standards. In this issue, we look at the hidden dangers of layering supplemental type certificates (STC), who to go to when your plane has an issue, and how to take care of an aging aircraft. In addition, you can learn more about the airworthiness directive process and how to apply for an STC.
Flying Companion’s Guide to GA | July/August 2014
- July/August (PDF, 11.7 MB) For
any compatible viewer
The July/August 2014 issue focuses on Flying Companions. In this issue, we look to provide a basic guide for friends and loved ones who join us in the air or might have an interest in doing so. In addition, you can learn about the current state of ADS-B and where it’s going in the future.
Student Pilot Guide, Part II | September/October 2014
- September/October (PDF, 4.7 MB
) For any compatible viewer
The September/October 2014 issue of FAA Safety Briefing focuses on the world of student pilots and airmen-in-training. As a continuation to our last student pilot-themed edition in 2012, this issue explores additional tips and resources to help provide a successful path to initial pilot certification, as well as provide a refresher to those more experienced aviators.
Winter Operations | November/December 2014
- November/December (P
DF, 18.3 MB) For any compatible viewer
The November/December 2014 issue of FAA Safety Briefing focuses on winter operations. Articles cover some of the exciting opportunities that the winter flying season offers as well as provide a review of several important cold weather safety strategies.
Aeromedical Advances | January/February 2013
- Jan/Feb (PDF, 5 MB) For any
compatible viewer
The Jan/Feb 2013 issue of FAA Safety Briefing focuses on aerospace medicine. Articles cover key issues that affect medical certification for pilots, discuss the pilot's role in this process, and explain the FAA's responsibilities.
- Medical Infographic (PDF, 7.2 MB)
Safety Standdown | March/April 2013
- Mar/Apr (PDF, 5.6 MB) For any
compatible viewer
The March/April 2013 issue of FAA Safety Briefing focuses on the themes of the 4th Annual FAA Safety Standdown: building a safety community, human error, and loss of control - the leading causal factor in general aviation accidents. Articles explore each of these critical areas and provide important insight, tips and resources for improving GA safety.
Flying Green | May/June 2013
- May/Jun (PDF, 7.6 MB) For any
compatible viewer
The May/June 2013 issue of FAA Safety Briefing focuses on environmental advances in general aviation. Articles explore ways we can "fly green" through new technology and by following environmentally sound practices.
Be Prepared | July/August 2013
- July/August (PDF) For any
compatible viewer
The July/August 2013 issue of FAA Safety Briefing focuses on airman preparedness. Articles explore procedures, techniques, and equipment that can help you stay ahead of the aviation safety curve and prepare for the unexpected.
Aviation Citizenship | September/October 2013
- September/October (PDF)
For any compatible viewer
The September/October 2013 issue of FAA Safety Briefing focuses on aviation citizenship. Articles highlight the shared values, customs, and culture we share as citizens of the general aviation community.
Flight Standards | November/December 2013
- November/December (PD
F) For any compatible viewer
The November/December 2013 issue of FAA Safety Briefing explores the critical function of FAA’s Flight Standards Service in promoting safety within our National Airspace System. Articles focus on the diverse roles and responsibilities of Flight Standards and highlight the important contributions of its many dedicated safety professionals.
- FSDO Map (PDF, 8 MB)
New Pilot's Guide | January/February 2012
January/February (PDF, 10 MB)
In the January/February 2012 issue of FAA Safety Briefing, we explore some of the resources available to help you in your initial quest for pilot certification, as well as the lifelong quest to improve your aeronautical knowledge.
Standing Down for Safety | March/April 2012
March/April (PDF, 11.9 MB)
The March/April 2012 issue of FAA Safety Briefing focuses on the themes of the 3rd Annual FAA Safety Standdown: loss of control accidents, aeronautical decision making, and advanced preflight. Articles on each of these critical areas provide important insight, tips and resources for improving general aviation safety.
Extreme Weather | May/June 2012
May/June (PDF, 4.8 MB)
The May/June 2012 issue of FAA Safety Briefing focuses on extreme weather. Articles provide important tips on how to detect, prepare, and avoid some of the more extreme varieties of weather conditions you may encounter in your region of the country as well as offer tools and resources for improving general aviation safety.
Making Flying Fun! | July/August 2012
July/August (PDF, 9.2 MB)
The July/August 2012 issue of FAA Safety Briefing explores the fun side of personal flying. Articles focus on many of the interesting activities and opportunities pilots have to keep the spirit of fun and adventure in aviation alive and well.
Aviation Educators' Guide | September/October 2012
September/October (PDF, 7.8 MB)
The Sep/Oct 2012 issue of FAA Safety Briefing explores the critical role of the aviation educator. Articles focus on flight instructor requirements and best practices as well as the many tools and educational resources that can help sharpen your teaching skills.
Small Airplane, Big World | November/ December 2012
November/December (PDF, 5.9 MB) 
The theme of the Nov/Dec 2012 issue of FAA Safety Briefing is "Small Airplane, Big World." Articles explore the significance of general aviation on a more global scale and focus on the tools and resources that can help you operate safely beyond our borders.
Celebrating 50 Years of Aviation News! | January/February 2011
January/February (PDF, 9.7 MB)
The January/February 2011 issue of FAA Safety Briefing celebrates the 50th anniversary of the publication by looking back at the enormous general aviation safety strides we have made as a community and by looking forward to how we can work together to reduce GA accidents. Also, learn about ramp safety, risk management, and how to outfit your aircraft to improve survivability in case of an accident.
Standing Down for Safety | March/April 2011
March/April (PDF, 11.4 MB)
The March/April 2011 issue of FAA Safety Briefing focuses on the four themes of the 2nd Annual FAASTeam Safety Standdown: positive flight attitude, going beyond preflight, en route cruise, and maneuvering flight. You will find articles on each of these critical areas where training and focus can improve general aviation safety.
Airman's Guide to NAS Safety | May/June 2011
May/June (PDF, 6.3 MB)
The May/June 2011 issue of FAA Safety Briefing explores how developments in the National Airspace System affect and benefit general aviation pilots. Articles highlight some of the changes and challenges of flying in today’s NAS, and provide tips pilots can use to meet those challenges safely and efficiently.
Professionalism and Mentoring in GA | July/August 2011
July/August (PDF, 7.4 MB)
The July/August 2011 issue of FAA Safety Briefing presents ideas for enhancing mentoring and professionalism in general aviation. Articles highlight the importance of the attitudes, skills, and knowledge needed to take you to the top of your flying game.
The Wide World of Flying | September/October 2011
September/October (PDF, 12.4 MB)
The September/October 2011 issue of FAA Safety Briefing presents the wide world of flying and showcases many of the training and educational opportunities available in aviation. Articles highlight the benefits of seeking out and sharpening your general aviation skill set.
All About Airports | November/December 2011
November/December (PDF, 10.7 MB)
The November/December 2011 issue of FAA Safety Briefing takes an in-depth look at the nation’s wide array of public-use airports. Articles highlight the benefits of exploring new places to land as well as help raise awareness of runway safety and wildlife hazards.
Human Factors | January/February 2010
January/February (PDF, 6.9 MB)
In this issue, we focus on the critical role human factors play in aviation safety. Articles address fatigue, decision making, aircraft design and technology, and more.
Promoting Safety Through Outreach and Education | March/April 2010
March/April (PDF, 7 MB)
In this issue, we focus on the FAA Safety Team’s (FAASTeam) role in promoting safer skies through outreach, training, and education.
Introducing the Next Generation Air Transportation System | May/June 2010
May/June (PDF, 11.5 MB)
In this issue, we introduce the Next Generation Air Transportation System, or NextGen, and highlight the changes and the enabling technologies that will bring more efficient navigation, more effective communications, and greatly improved surveillance capabilities.
Strategies for Coping with Mother Nature | July/August 2010
July/August (PDF, 6.2 MB)
In this issue we focus on aviation weather and its critical effect on safe GA flying. Articles address obtaining and interpreting weather data, developing strategies for avoiding marginal or hazardous weather, and what services ATC can and cannot provide in adverse conditions.
Proficiency: Going Beyond Currency | September/October 2010
September/October (PDF, 8.5 MB)
In this issue we focus on proficiency and its absolute importance for pilots and aviation maintenance technicians. We provide tips on developing your personal improvement plan, address getting back to flying after an absence, give suggestions on how AMTs can keep their edge, talk about the complicated subject of receiving compensation for your flying, and more.
Handling Abnormal and Emergency Situations | November/December 2010
November/December (PDF, 11.4 MB)
The November/December 2010 issue of FAA Safety Briefing focuses on planning for the "unplanned" and outlines the tools and resources pilots need to handle abnormal and emergency situations. Articles provide tips on unusual attitude recovery, partial-power takeoffs, and understanding your aircraft’s electrical system.
Pilot's Guide to Aeromedical Issues | January/February 2009
January/February (PDF, 4.6 MB)
In this issue, we focus on the FAA’s approach to key aeromedical issues, including authorization for special issuance medicals and other "fit to fly" topics.
Technology Soars into Tomorrow | March/April 2009
March/April (PDF, 4.9 MB)
In this issue, we highlight advances in aviation technology that could bring about a host of safety benefits to old and new aircraft alike.
Aircraft Certification | May/June 2009
May/June (PDF, 4.5 MB)
In this issue, we focus on FAA’s responsibility to set standards for aircraft certification and airworthiness, as well as the important role that pilots and mechanics play in ensuring safety.
Light-Sport | July/August 2009
July/August (PDF, 7.3 MB)
In this issue, we highlight the exciting opportunities that light-sport aviation offers to today’s pilot, including a look at sport pilot certificate privileges, training tips, and maintenance requirements.
Exhibition Flying | September/October 2009
September/October (PDF, 7.2 MB)
In this issue, we focus on exhibition flying safety. Highlighted are the FAA’s role at the National Championship Air Races & Air Show, the challenges of competition and formation flying, and the behind-the-scenes efforts to keep vintage aircraft and their legacy thriving and flying.
Winter Flying | November/December 2009
November/December (PDF, 5.3 MB)
In this issue, we focus on winter flying safety, including icing avoidance strategies, safe operations on icy runways, and snow/frost contamination.
Aviation Safety from Cover to Cover | January/February 2008
January/February (PDF, 4.6 MB)
In this issue, we focus on teaching the teachers, knowing your NOTAMs, and ADS-B in the Gulf of Mexico.
Sun 'n Fun 2008 | March/April 2008
March/April (PDF, 3.4 MB)
In this issue, we look at Sun 'n Fun. defeating dehydration, formation flying, experimental flight training, and insurance.
Project PIREP | May/June 2008
May/June (PDF, 2.9 MB)
In this issue, we highlight PIREPs, insurance, weather, TAC charts, and how to plan a flying workshop.
Behind the Scene at AirVenture 2008 | July/August 2008
July/August (PDF, 2.6 MB)
In this issue, we look at the legend of Lake Winnebago, transit traps, tips to keep you flying safely, the national GA awards, and the Young Eagles.
Balloon Fiesta from the Ground Up | September/October 2008
September/October (PDF, 3 MB)
In this issue, we look at launching dreams, energizing the next generation of pilots, and TFR taxanonmy.
Night Flying Safety | November/December 2008
November/December (PDF, 5.7 MB)
In this issue, we shed the light on night flying, how to avoid CFIT at night, how to tame the non-towered babble, and airport surface safety.