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United States Department of Transportation United States Department of Transportation

Advisory Circulars (ACs)

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Advisory Circulars (ACs) search results
Number Title Status Office Date
20-106 Aircraft Inspection for the General Aviation Aircraft Owner

Describes techniques used in aircraft inspections. Designed to familiarize owner, pilots, student mechanics, and others with inspection procedures, it does NOT qualify an individual to make airworthiness determinations.

Active AFS-340 1978-04-01
20-125 Water in Aviation Fuels

Alerts the aviation community to the potential hazards of water in aviation fuels. Additionally, it outlines recommended procedures to prevent, detect, and eliminate water in the fuel systems of aircraft.

Active AFS-340 1997-08-12
20-124 Water Ingestion Testing for Turbine Powered Airplanes

Describes a method of demonstrating compliance with the requirements of the FAR concerning the ingestion of water from the runway/taxiway surface into the airspeed system, the engine, and essential auxiliary power unit air inlet ducts of turbine engine power unit air inlet ducts of turbine engine powered airplanes.

Active ANM-112 1985-09-30
20-74 Aircraft Position and Anticollision Light Measurements

Contains useful information concerning measurements for intensity, covering, and color of aircraft position and anti-collision lights.

Active AIR-120 1971-07-29
20-71 Dual Locking Devices on Fasteners

Provides guidance and acceptable means, not the sole means, by which compliance may be shown with the requirements for dual locking devices on removable fasteners installed in rotorcraft and transport category airplanes.

Active AIR-120 1970-12-08
20-68B Recommended Radiation Safety Precautions for Ground Operation of Airborne Weather Radar

Sets forth recommended radiation safety precautions for ground operation of airborne weather radar.

Active AFS-360 1980-08-08
20-116 Marking Aircraft Fuel Filler Openings with Color Coded Decals

Discusses the conditions under which color coded decals may be used to comply with the requirements in FAR Parts 23, 25, 27, and 29 for marking fuel filler openings.

Active ACE-100 1982-09-17
20-122A Anti-misfueling Devices: Their Availability and Use - Change 1

Includes information relating to the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) standard dimensions for fueling ports now being incorporated during new aircraft production by all General Aviation Manufacturer’s Association member companies.

Active AFS-340 1991-01-29
20-119 Fuel Drain Valves

Provides an acceptable means, but not the only means, of compliance with the requirements of the FARs for positive locking of fuel drain valves in the closed position.

Active AIR-120 1983-02-07
20-135 Powerplant Installation and Propulsion System Component Fire Protection Test Methods, Standards and Criteria with change 1

Provides guidance for use in demonstrating compliance with the powerplant fire protection requirements of the Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR).

Active AIR-600 1990-02-06
20-134 Test Procedures for Maximum Allowable Airspeed Indicators

Provides guidance concerning test procedures which may be used in showing compliance with the standards in technical standards orders C 46a.

Active AIR-120 1990-02-14
20-148 Reusable Software Components

This advisory circular (AC) provides one acceptable means of compliance, but not the only means, for reusable software component (RSC) developers, integrators, and applicants to gain: • The Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) “acceptance” of a software component that may be only a part of an airborne system’s software applications and intended functions

Active AIR-100 2004-12-07
20-120 Nondirectional Beacon Frequency Congestion

Recommends several actions that the user can take to alleviate problems of frequency congestion in the 190-535 kHz frequency range.

Active AIR-500 1984-06-18
20-127 Use of Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Class H11 Bolts

Provides guidance on the use of SAE Class H11 bolts in primary structure on all aircraft, including gliders and manned free balloons, and on aircraft engines and propellers.

Active ANM-110B 1987-07-08
20-113 Pilot Precautions and Procedures to be taken in Preventing Aircraft Reciprocating Engine Induction System and Fuel System Icing Problems

Provides information pertaining to aircraft engine induction system icing and the use of fuel additives to reduce the hazards of aircraft operation that may result from the presence of water and ice in aviation gasoline and aircraft fuel systems.

Active ACE-100 1981-10-22
20-142 Eligibility and Evaluation of U.S. Military Surplus Flight Safety Aircraft Parts, Engines, and Propellers

This advisory circular (AC) provides information and guidance for use in evaluating and determining the eligibility of U.S. military surplus flight safety critical aircraft parts (FSCAP), engines, and propellers for installation on Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) type-certificated products.

Active AFS-300 2000-02-25
20-143 Installation, Inspection, and Maintenance of Controls for General Aviation Reciprocating Aircraft Engines

Provides guidance regarding the inspection, maintenance, and installation of engine controls with emphasis on the airframe portion of these systems.

Active ACE-100 2000-06-06
20-133 Cockpit Noise and Speech Interference Between Crewmember

Provides information about the relationship between flight crew members cockpit voice communication and cockpit noise levels.

Active AIR-130 1989-03-22
20-156 Aviation Databus Assurance

a. This advisory circular (AC) is for aircraft and aircraft engine manufacturers anddesigners. We provide a means to gain Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval of your aviation databus by showing the databus design performs its intended function and satisfies the applicable airworthiness requirements when installed on an aircraft or aircraft engine.

Active AIR-100 2006-08-04
20-37E Aircraft Propeller Maintenance

Provides information and suggested procedures to increase service life and to minimize blade failures of metal propellers.

Active AFS-350 2005-09-09
20-30B Aircraft Position Light and Anticollision Light Installations

Sets forth acceptable means, but not the only means, of showing compliance with the Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) applicable to installed position lights and anti-collision lights.

Active AIR-120 1981-07-20
20-40 Placards for Battery-Excited Alternators Installed in Light Aircraft

Sets forth an acceptable means of complying with placarding rules in Federal Aviation Regulations 23 and 27 with respect to battery excited alternator installations.

Active ACE-100 1965-08-11
20-33B Technical Information Regarding Civil Aeronautics Manuals 1, 3, 4a, 4b, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 13, and 14

Advises the public that policy information contained in the subject Civil Aeronautics Manuals may be used in conjunction with specific sections of the Federal Aviation Regulations.

Active AIR-100 1975-05-01
20-41A Substitute Technical Standard Order (TSO) Aircraft Equipment

Sets forth an acceptable means for complying with rules governing aircraft equipment installations in cases involving the substitution of technical standard order equipment for functionally similar TSO approved equipment.

Active AIR-120 1977-04-05
20-44 Glass Fiber Fabric for Aircraft Covering

Provides a means, but not the sole means, for acceptance of glass fiber fabric for external covering of aircraft structure.

Active ACE-100 1965-09-03
20-56A Marking of TSO-C72b Individual Flotation Devices

Outlines acceptable methods for marking individual flotation devices which also serve as seat cushions

Active AIR-120 1975-04-01
20-67B Airborne VHF Communication Equipment Installations Active AIR-120 1986-01-16
20-163 Displaying Geometric Altitude Relative to Mean Sea Level

a. This advisory circular (AC) shows you how to gain a type certificate (TC), supplemental TC (STC), amended TC (ATC), amended supplemental TC (ASTC), or technical standard order (TSO) authorization for systems incorporating the presentation of geometric altitude relative to mean sea level (MSL) on electronic displays.

Active AIR-100 2009-07-09
20-107B Composite Aircraft Structure

This AC sets forth an acceptable means, but not the only means of showing compliance with the provisions of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) parts 23, 25, 27, and 29 regarding airworthiness type certification requirements for composite aircraft structures involving fiber reinforced materials, e.g., carbon and glass fiber reinforced plastics.

Active AIR-100 2009-09-08
20-141B Airworthiness and Operational Approval of Digital Flight Data Recorder Systems with Change 1

This advisory circular (AC) contains changes to Appendix 3. This AC provides information on certification (design and installation) and continued airworthiness of digital flight data recorder systems (DFDRS).

Active AIR-626 2010-08-17
20-170 Integrated Modular Avionics Development. Verification, Integration and Approval using RTCA/DO-297 and Technical Standard Order C153

This advisory circular (AC) shows you how to obtain Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) airworthiness approval for the development, verification, and integration of an integrated modular avionics (IMA) system for installation into an aircraft or engine.

Active AIR-120 2010-10-28
20-173 Installation of Electronic Flight Bag Components

This advisory circular (AC) provides guidance material on the installation of electronic flight bag (EFB) components including aircraft connectivity provisions.

Active AIR-130 2011-09-27
20-62E Eligibility, Quality, & Identification of Aeronautical Replacement Parts

This advisory circular (AC) provides information and guidance for use in determining the quality, eligibility and traceability of aeronautical parts and materials intended for installation on U.S. type-certificated (TC) products and articles, and to enable compliance with the applicable regulations.

Active AFS-300 2018-09-14
20-42D Hand Fire Extinguishers for Use in Aircraft

This advisory circular (AC) gives you guidance for the fire-fighting effectiveness, selection and safe-use of hand fire extinguishers in airplanes and rotorcraft.

Active AIR-120 2011-01-14
20-27G Certification and Operation of Amateur-Built Aircraft

This Advisory Circular (AC) provides information about Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 21, Certification Procedures for Products and Parts, § 21.191(g) for the purpose of operating amateur-built aircraft.

Active AIR-200 2009-09-30
20-155A Industry Documents To Support Aircraft Lightning Protection Certification

a. This advisory circular (AC) recognizes several SAE Aerospace Recommended Practices (ARPs) and European Organization for Civil Aviation Equipment (EUROCAE)documents as acceptable methods for showing compliance with airworthiness regulations.

Active AIR-130 2013-07-16
20-183 Laser Airworthiness Installation Guidance

In this advisory circular (AC), we recommend one way to obtain Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) airworthiness approval for the installation of aircraft?

Active AIR-130 2014-12-15
20-138D Airworthiness Approval of Positioning and Navigation Systems (Including Change 2)

This revision adds minor clarifications and new guidance material based on issues and questions since revision ‘C’ was published.

Active AIR-130 2014-03-28
20-169 Guidance for Certification of Military and Special Mission Modifications and Equipment for Commercial Derivative Aircraft (CDA)

This advisory circular (AC) provides guidance for the certification of commercial derivative aircraft (CDA).

Active AIR-100 2010-09-30
20-150B Airworthiness Approval of Satellite Voice (SATVOICE) Equipment Supporting Air Traffic Service (ATS) Communication

This advisory circular (AC) provides guidance on airworthiness approval for designers, manufacturers, and installers of Satellite Voice (SATVOICE) equipment supporting air traffic service (ATS).

Active AIR-130 2014-12-23
20-77B Use of Manufacturers’ Maintenance Manuals

This advisory circular (AC) informs owners and operators about the usefulness of manufacturer’s maintenance manuals for servicing, repairing, and maintaining aircraft, engines, and propellers.

Active AFS-300 2016-01-04
20-165B Airworthiness Approval of Automatic Dependent Surveillance - Broadcast OUT Systems

This advisory circular (AC) provides guidance for the installation and airworthiness approval of Automatic Dependent Surveillance - Broadcast (ADS-B) OUT systems in aircraft.

Active AIR-130 2015-12-07
20-153B Acceptance of Aeronautical Data Processes and Associated Databases

This AC describes an acceptable means, but not the only means, for showing compliance with the applicable airworthiness regulations for equipment with an installed aeronautical database.

Active AIR-130 2016-04-19
20-18B Qualification Testing of Turbojet and Turbofan Engine Thrust Reversers

This advisory circular (AC) provides guidance for demonstrating compliance with Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) 33.97, Thrust reversers, and for certifying a thrust reverser for use with a turbojet or turbofan engine.

Active ANE-111 2015-07-07
20-160A Onboard Recording of Controller Pilot Data Link Communication (CPDLC) In Crash Survivable Memory

This advisory circular (AC) provides guidance material for applicants seeking an airworthiness approval for aircraft with an installed Data Link Recording (DLR) system that records Controller Pilot Data Link Communications (CPDLC).

Active AIR-130 2016-09-28
20-182A Airworthiness Approval for Aircraft Weather Radar Systems

This advisory circular (AC) provides guidance for the initial and follow-on airworthiness approval of aircraft weather radar systems meeting the latest revision of the Technical Standard Order (TSO)-C63, Airborne Weather Radar Equipment.

Active AIR-130 2016-10-01
20-164A Designing and Demonstrating Aircraft Tolerance to Portable Electronic Devices

This advisory circular (AC) identifies RTCA, Inc., document DO-307A, Aircraft Design and Certification for Portable Electronic Device (PED) Tolerance, dated December 15, 2016, as an acceptable means for designing and demonstrating aircraft toleranceto potential electromagnetic interference from portable electronic devices (PEDs).

Active AIR-100 2017-06-09
20-115D Airborne Software Development Assurance Using EUROCAE ED-12( ) and RTCA DO-178( )

This AC describes an acceptable means, but not the only means, for showing compliance with the applicable airworthiness regulations for the software aspects of airborne systems and equipment in type certification or TSO authorization.

Active AIR-134 2017-07-21
20-140C Guidelines for Design Approval of Aircraft Data Link Communication Systems Supporting Air Traffic Services (ATS)

This AC provides guidance material for applicants seeking an airworthiness approval for aircraft with an installed data link system intended to support air traffic services (ATS) data communication.

Active AIR-130 2016-09-28
20-45 Safetying of Turnbuckles on Civil Aircraft

Provides information on turnbuckle safetying methods that have been found acceptable by the FAA during past aircraft type certification programs.

Active ACE-100 1965-09-17
20-100 General Guidelines for Measuring Fire-Extinguishing Agent Concentrations in Powerplant Compartments

Describes the installation and use of a model GA-2A fire extinguisher agent concentration recorder in determining the distribution and concentration of fire-extinguishing agents when discharged in an aircraft powerplant compartment.

Active AIR-120 1977-09-21
20-69 Conspicuity of Aircraft Instrument Malfunction Indicators

Provides design guidance information on methods of improving conspicuity of malfunction indication devices.

Active AIR-120 1970-05-14
20-97B Aircraft Tire Maintenance and Operational Practices with Change 1

This advisory circular (AC) provides recommended tire care and maintenance practices needed to assure the safety of support personnel and the continued airworthiness of aircraft.

Active AFS-300 2005-04-18
20-65A U.S. AIRWORTHINESS CERTIFICATES AND AUTHORIZATIONS FOR OPERATION OF DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN AIRCRAFT

Provides general information and guidance concerning issuance of airworthiness certificates for U.S. registered aircraft, and issuance of special flight authorizations for operation in the United States of foreign aircraft not having standard airworthiness certificates issued by the country of registry.

Active AIR-200 2004-07-08
20-104 Revised Powerplant Engineering Report No. 3A Standard Fire Test Apparatus and Procedure (for Flexible Hose Assemblies)

Announces the availability of the subject report.

Active AIR-120 1978-07-19
20-128A Design Considerations for Minimizing Hazards caused by Uncontained Turbine Engine and Auxiliary Power Unit Rotor Failure

Sets forth a method of compliance with the requirements of Sections 23.903(b)(1), 25.901(d) and 25.903(d)(1) of the FAR pertaining to design precautions taken to minimize the hazards to an airplane in the event of uncontained engine or auxiliary power unit rotor (compressor and turbine) failure and engine fan blade failures.

Active ANM-114 1997-03-25
20-73A Aircraft Ice Protection

This advisory circular (AC) tells type certificate and supplemental type certificate applicants how to comply with the ice protection requirements of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) parts 23, 25, 27, 29, 33, and 35.

Active AIR-120 2006-08-16
20-88A Guidelines on the Marking of Aircraft

Provides revised guidelines on the marking of aircraft powerplant instruments and electronic displays (cathode ray tubes, etc.).

Active ANM-110 1985-09-30
20-123 Avoiding or Minimizing Encounters with Aircraft Equipped with Depleted Uranium Balance Weights during Accident Investigations

Provides information and guidance to individuals who come in contact with depleted uranium contained in aircraft control surfaces during accident investigations.

Active AFS-330 1984-12-20
20-117 Hazards Following Ground Deicing and Ground Operations in Conditions Conducive to Aircraft Icing

Provides information on the identified hazards associated with ground deicing and ground operations in conditions conducive to aircraft icing.

Active AFS-200 1982-12-03
20-131A Airworthiness Approval of Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance Systems (TCAS II) and Mode S Transponders

Provides guidance material for the airworthiness and operational approval of Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance Systems (TCAS II) and Mode S transponders.

Active ANM-110 1993-03-29
20-118A Emergency Evacuation Demonstration

Sets forth acceptable means, but not the only means, of showing compliance with the Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) applicable to required emergency evacuation demonstrations from airplanes certified to the requirements of SFAR 23, SFAR 41, Appendix A of Part 135, or Part 23, commuter category.

Active ACE-100 1987-03-09
20-157 How to Prepare Reliability Assessment Plans for Aircraft Systems and Equipment

This AC shows you how to develop and use a reliability assessment plan. An assessment plan documents the controlled, repeatable processes for assessing the reliability of aircraft and engine electronic and electrical systems, including their electromechanical elements and equipment.

Active AIR-120 2007-01-19
20-47 Exterior Colored Band around Exits on Transport Airplanes

Sets forth an acceptable means, but not the only means, of complying with the requirement for a 2-inch colored band outlining exits required to be openable from the outside on transport airplanes.

Active ANM-100 1966-02-08
20-161 Aircraft Onboard Weight and Balance Systems

This Advisory Circular (AC)gives manufacturers and installers an acceptable means of compliance to meet the installation, operation, and airworthiness requirements for aircraft onboard weight and balance systems (OBWBS)

Active AIR-130 2008-04-11
20-94A Digital Clock Installation in Aircraft Active AFS-350 2007-04-13
20-171 Alternatives to RTCA/DO-178B for Software in Airborne Systems and Equipment

On January 11,1993, we, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), published Advisory Circular (AC) 20-115B recognizing RTCA/DO-178B, Software Considerations in Airborne Systems and Equipment Certification, dated December 1, 1992, as a means, but not the only means, to seek FAA approval of airborne software.

Active AIR-120 2011-01-19
20-175 Controls for Flight Deck Systems

This advisory circular (AC) provides guidance for the installation and airworthiness approval of flight deck system control devices, from primarily a human factors perspective.

Active AIR-120 2011-12-08
20-168 Certification Guidance for Installation of Non-Essential, Non-Required Aircraft Cabin Systems & Equipment (CS&E)

This AC provides the primary certification guidance on how to meet the airworthiness requirements for installation of non-essential, non-required aircraft cabin systems & equipment (CS&E).

Active AIR-120 2010-07-21
20-174 Development of Civil Aircraft and Systems

This advisory circular (AC) recognizes the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Aerospace Recommended Practice (ARP) 4754A, Guidelines for Development of Civil Aircraft and Systems, dated December 21, 2010, as an acceptable method for establishing a development assurance process.

Active AIR-120 2011-09-30
20-147A Turbojet, Turboprop, Turboshaft, and Turbofan Engine Induction System Icing and Ice Ingestion

This advisory circular (AC) provides guidance for demonstrating compliance with the engine induction system icing and engine installation ice requirements of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) parts 23, 25, 27, 29, and 33.

Active ANE-100 2014-10-22
20-166A Issue Paper Process

a. This advisory circular (AC) provides information on the use of issue papers and gives you guidance on your role in describing and tracking the resolution of significant technical, regulatory, and administrative issues derived from the issue paper process.

Active AIR-110 2014-11-06
20-66B Propeller Vibration and Fatigue

This advisory circular (AC) provides guidance and describes one method, but not the only method, for demonstrating compliance with §§ 23.907 and 25.907 of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) for the evaluation of vibratory stresses on propellers installed on airplanes.

Active ANE-111 2011-03-24
20-177 Design and Installation Guidance for an Airborne System for Non-Required Telecommunication Service in Non Aeronautical Frequency Bands

A. In this advisory circular (AC), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recommends one way to gain airworthiness approval for an Airborne System for Non-Required Telecommunication (ASNRT) service equipment in the cockpit.

Active AIR-130 2012-02-28
20-178 Flammability Testing of Aircraft Cabin Interior Panels After Alterations

This advisory circular (AC) describes acceptable methods to test aircraft cabin interior materials when new finishes are used on existing aircraft cabin interior panels, typically performed on supplemental type certificates (STC) or major alterations.

Active AIR-100 2012-06-04
20-176A Service Bulletins Related to Airworthiness Directives and Indicating FAA Approval on Service Documents

This advisory circular (AC) presents best practices for drafting service bulletins (SB) related to an airworthiness directive (AD).

Active AIR-140 2014-06-16
20-180 Approved Model List Supplemental Type Certificate (AML-STC)

This advisorycircular(AC)providesguidelines and requirements to obtain approved model list (AML)supplemental typecertificate(STC).

Active AIR-110 2013-05-14
20-181 Airworthiness Approval of Attitude Heading Reference System (AHRS) Equipment

This advisory circular (AC) supplements existing airworthiness approval guidance for attitude heading reference system (AHRS) articles approved under technical standard order (TSO)?

Active AIR-130 2014-04-07
20-24D Approval of Propulsion Fuels, Additives, and Lubricating Oils

This advisory circular (AC) provides guidance applicable to adding fuels and oils as engine, aircraft, or auxiliary power unit (APU) operating limitations.

Active AIR-20 2014-06-30
20-184 Guidance on Testing and Installation of Rechargeable Lithium Battery and Battery Systems on Aircraft

The guidance in this AC is intended for manufacturers, installers, maintenance personnel, and users of installed rechargeable lithium batteries and battery systems on aircraft.

Active AIR-133 2015-10-15
20-149B Installation Guidance for Domestic Flight Information Service- Broadcast

This advisory circular (AC) supports the use of Flight Information Services-Broadcast (FIS-B) weather and other aeronautical data link products for enhanced situation awareness of flight conditions.

Active AIR-100 2015-12-21
20-167A Airworthiness Approval of Enhanced Vision System, Synthetic Vision System, Combined Vision System, and Enhanced Flight Vision System Equipment

This advisory circular (AC) provides guidance for gaining airworthiness approval for enhanced and synthetic vision systems in aircraft.

Active AIR-130 2016-12-06
20-53C Protection of Aircraft Fuel Systems Against Vapor Ignition Caused by Lightning

This advisory circular (AC) provides applicants with guidance for obtaining Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval of compliance pursuant to title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) 23.954, 27.954, and 29.954, Fuel system lightning protection.

Active AIR-600 2018-09-24
20-151C Airworthiness Approval of Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance Systems (TCAS II), Versions 7.0 & 7.1 and Associated Mode S Transponders

We wrote this advisory circular (AC) to guide applicants seeking airworthiness approval for TCAS II version 7.1 (V7.1) certified to technical standard order (TSO) C119c, TSO-C119d or TSO-C119e, Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) Airborne Equipment, TCAS II with Hybrid Surveillance.

Active AIR-100 2017-07-21