Articles and illustrated guides from the FAASTeam public safety library.
What Is This Collection?
The FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam) publishes short safety articles written by FAA safety program managers and volunteer industry experts. Each one targets a specific operational habit or hazard seen in the field.
Jul 13, 2010
From the Document
It is your duty and responsibility as a professional AMT to be assertive and just say “NO” when you have concerns. If you are familiar with the 12 main causes of maintenance human factor errors called the Dirty Dozen you will recall Lack of Assertiveness is one of them.
Study Focus: Review maintenance and airworthiness responsibilities.
Jul 13, 2010
From the Document
Maintenance preplanning can save you valuable time. In other words, take the time to carefully review the maintenance procedures.
Study Focus: Review maintenance and airworthiness responsibilities.
Jul 13, 2010
From the Document
There is an old saying in aviation. “Learn from the mistakes of others, because, you won’t live long enough to make all of them yourself.”
Study Focus: Review maintenance and airworthiness responsibilities.
Jul 13, 2010
From the Document
A ring from your mate is great but a ring on the job will make you sob. This tip is short and sweet.
Study Focus: Review maintenance and airworthiness responsibilities.
Jul 13, 2010
From the Document
Maintenance "Pressure" has always been a factor in the maintenance world whether it is from management, co-workers, or from your personal life. If you are familiar with the Dirty Dozen, you will recall that “Pressure” is one of the 12 major causes of maintenance human error.
Study Focus: Review maintenance and airworthiness responsibilities.
Jul 13, 2010
From the Document
Did you know that continued education is the key to higher levels of personal and operational professionalism? Studies show that the majority of aviation maintenance technicians are typically not trained in soft skills such as communications, team work, decision making, human factors, and leadership.
Study Focus: Review maintenance and airworthiness responsibilities.
Jul 13, 2010
From the Document
Were you ever given a maintenance task you felt you couldn’t do by the book because you didn’t have the required tools, supplies, or test equipment? Odds are that you used some kind of unwritten “alternate” method or “work-around” in order to get the task done.
Study Focus: Review maintenance and airworthiness responsibilities.
Jul 13, 2010
From the Document
The more complex the aircraft is, the more dangerous the maintenance environment. Aircraft manufacturers know this and engineer a variety of special safety equipment.
Study Focus: Review maintenance and airworthiness responsibilities.
Apr 27, 2010
From the Document
The Home Page is your starting point to login to FAASafety.gov or to search the many features available. We recommend that all users have an account and login in to get the most value out of the web site and be able to participate as a full user.
Study Focus: Review airspace access, restrictions and coordination.
Jul 7, 2009
From the Document
1. An error on the page that lists the Airman Award programs has been corrected.
Study Focus: Review training practices and proficiency.
Jul 7, 2009
From the Document
1. An error on the page that lists the Airman Award programs has been corrected.
Study Focus: Review training practices and proficiency.
Nov 26, 2008
From the Document
FLYING LESSONS uses the past week’s mishap reports as the jumping-off point to consider what might have contributed to accidents, so you can make better decisions if you face similar circumstances. In almost all cases design characteristics of a specific make and model airplane have little direct bearing on the possible causes of aircraft accidents, so apply these FLYING LESSONS to any airplane you fly.
Study Focus: Review weather hazards and how they affect planning and flight decisions.
Nov 20, 2008
From the Document
suggested by this week’s aircraft mishap reports FLYING LESSONS uses the past week’s mishap reports as the jumping-off point to consider what might have contributed to accidents, so you can make better decisions if you face similar circumstances. In almost all cases design characteristics of a specific make and model airplane have little direct bearing on the possible causes of aircraft accidents, so apply these FLYING LESSONS to any airplane…
Study Focus: Review surface awareness and decisions during taxi, takeoff and landing.
Nov 13, 2008
From the Document
suggested by this week’s aircraft mishap reports FLYING LESSONS uses the past week’s mishap reports as the jumping-off point to consider what might have contributed to accidents, so you can make better decisions if you face similar circumstances. In almost all cases design characteristics of a specific make and model airplane have little direct bearing on the possible causes of aircraft accidents, so apply these FLYING LESSONS to any airplane…
Study Focus: Review weather hazards and how they affect planning and flight decisions.
Oct 30, 2008
From the Document
suggested by this week’s aircraft mishap reports FLYING LESSONS uses the past week’s mishap reports as the jumping-off point to consider what might have contributed to accidents, so you can make better decisions if you face similar circumstances. In almost all cases design characteristics of a specific make and model airplane have little direct bearing on the possible causes of aircraft accidents, so apply these FLYING LESSONS to any airplane…
Study Focus: Review surface awareness and decisions during taxi, takeoff and landing.
Oct 23, 2008
From the Document
suggested by this week’s aircraft mishap reports FLYING LESSONS uses the past week’s mishap reports as the jumping-off point to consider what might have contributed to accidents, so you can make better decisions if you face similar circumstances. In almost all cases design characteristics of a specific make and model airplane have little direct bearing on the possible causes of aircraft accidents, so apply these FLYING LESSONS to any airplane…
Study Focus: Review training practices and proficiency.
From the Document
24 FAA Safety Briefing July/August 2014 Passenger SAFETY Briefing S A F E T Y Seat belts fastened for taxi, takeoff, landing. Shoulder harnesses fastened for takeoff, landing.
From the Document
Note: This document suggests techniques and procedures to improve the safety of off-airport operations.
Study Focus: Review surface awareness and decisions during taxi, takeoff and landing.
From the Document
“A common mistake is failing to treat water as glassy. Glassy water exists in varying degrees and sometimes it’s not entirely obvious whether you need to use a glassy water technique.”
Study Focus: Review weather hazards and how they affect planning and flight decisions.
From the Document
Accessories, Continental Magneto S5RSC-25P, Failed Distributor Gear (Number one). (This report—and the following report—comes to us from Hungary by way of the European Aviation Safety Agency.
From the Document
This InFO announces important new ATC procedures and phraseology to improve runway safety, effective Feb. 5, 2007, and recommends pertinent safe practices for pilots.
Recommended Action: Directors of safety, directors of operations, fractional ownership program managers, trainers, and pilots should be familiar with the improved ATC procedures and phraseology effective February 5, 2007. They should work together to the extent necessary to address TIPH, as revised, in the manuals and training programs used by pilots, and to apply the practices contained in Taxi into Position and Hold (TIPH): Guidance for Pilots (found at the…
Study Focus: Review surface awareness and decisions during taxi, takeoff and landing.
From the Document
Doctors Are More Dangerous Than Gun Owners: A Rejoinder to Error Counting 2 Abstract a) Objective: This paper analyzes some of the problems with error counting, as well as the difficulty of proposing viable alternatives.
Study Focus: Review maintenance and airworthiness responsibilities.
From the Document
to take a course on Aeronautical Decision Making. (ALC-62) https://bit.ly/2G0TY0r Date Completed _____________ WINGS flying is more than half the fun.
Study Focus: Review the human factors that influence safe decisions.
From the Document
Disclaimer: Not for operational use. This report contains active and planned airport construction projects, which may impact airport capacity and delays.
Study Focus: Review weather hazards and how they affect planning and flight decisions.
From the Document
Question: I don’t carry a computer with me but I do have a mobile device. Why don’t you offer the FAAST FRAT as an APP?
From the Document
GPS testing is scheduled as follows and may result in unreliable or unavailable GPS signal. A.
From the Document
Airplanes. Beech 58, Fuel Cell Sealant Deterioration.
Study Focus: Review aircraft-system operation, limitations and failure awareness.
From the Document
The governor allows the engine (Allison 250C28) to over-speed," says a mechanic. It failed the shop test.
Study Focus: Review aircraft-system operation, limitations and failure awareness.
From the Document
Power Plants, Lycoming TIO540AE2A, Broken TIT Probe. The TIT probe (turbine inlet temperature) was found split open at its end.
From the Document
"While the aircraft technician was performing an A-B inspection, he found the right and left aft fuselage bleed airline attach brackets pulled from the aft fuselage bulkhead, resulting in cracks in the bulkheads at the frame station 329.92. The technician recommend inspecting this area thoroughly at each inspection and contacting Hawker Beechcraft for repair options.
Study Focus: Review maintenance and airworthiness responsibilities.
From the Document
(The following combines two similar reports from the same repair station technician. The second report references a 177B.)
From the Document
A mechanic states that at an earlier date, he installed a Plane Power Alternator Conversion Kit (STC SA10682SC) on this aircraft. During an oil change, the mechanic found the alternator bracket (Plane Power P/N 10-9003) cracked totally in half.
Study Focus: Review maintenance and airworthiness responsibilities.
From the Document
Dassault 2000, Failed Emergency Handle Solder Joints, ATA 5220 February, 2009 1 Dassault: 2000; Failed Emergency Handle Solder Joints; ATA 5220 A repair station technician stated the access cover for the emergency window handle does not have a support lanyard. When the technician removes the cover, the handle hangs by the wiring that illuminates the handle assembly, putting stress on the solder connections for the handle lighting.
Study Focus: Review preparation and response to abnormal or emergency situations.
From the Document
While performing a 100-hour inspection, a mechanic stated he found fine metal particles covering the throat and valve of the fuel injection servo (P/N 2576568-1). The mechanic sent the servo to a repair facility to determine whether any of the metal particles entered the servo's blast tubes.
Study Focus: Review aircraft-system operation, limitations and failure awareness.
From the Document
An unknown submitter writes, This fuselage rear wing attach fitting (P/N 62448-003) was being replaced due to corrosion pits on the front surface. Upon removal, some severe pitting was noted just inboard of the 5/16-inch wing attach bolt hole on the rear side of the fitting.
From the Document
A technician wrote and said that he found the Aft Z” rudder pedal assembly cracked (P/N 62664-0000). The 'Z' assembly is riveted to the top forward end of the tunnel plate (P/N 62601- 003) and acts as an attachment point for the rudder bar support assembly (P/N 63451-000) using four standard AN3-4A bolts, which are secured through nut plates that are riveted on both fore and aft 'Z' assemblies.
From the Document
Runway Status Lights (RWSL) are a series of red in-pavement lights that warn pilots of high-speed aircraft or vehicles on runways. They operate independently of Air Traffic Control.
Study Focus: Review surface awareness and decisions during taxi, takeoff and landing.
From the Document
For additional runway safety education, take the AOPA Air Safety Institute’s Runway Safety online course at www.airsafetyinstitute.org/runwaysafety. By keeping your head down to complete a checklist or other operational duties, OR engaging in non-operational conversation with passengers while approaching the runway, you may accidently cross a hold short line.
Study Focus: Review surface awareness and decisions during taxi, takeoff and landing.
From the Document
Ask for progressive taxi instructions - ATC is there to help! Always have the airport diagram available and reference it when writing down clearance instructions.
Study Focus: Review surface awareness and decisions during taxi, takeoff and landing.
From the Document
When flying a condensed traffic pattern that doesn’t allow you to accurately visualize the runway, you may accidently land on the wrong runway than originally cleared for.
Study Focus: Review surface awareness and decisions during taxi, takeoff and landing.
From the Document
When you’re approaching an airport that has a set of parallel offset runways, you may accidently land on the wrong runway than originally cleared for.
Study Focus: Review surface awareness and decisions during taxi, takeoff and landing.
From the Document
For additional runway safety education, take the AOPA Air Safety Institute’s Runway Safety online course at www.airsafetyinstitute.org/runwaysafety. You may accidently land without a clearance when transitioning from a non-towered airport to a towered airport.
Study Focus: Review surface awareness and decisions during taxi, takeoff and landing.
From the Document
For additional runway safety education, take the AOPA Air Safety Institute’s Runway Safety online course at www.airsafetyinstitute.org/runwaysafety.
Study Focus: Review surface awareness and decisions during taxi, takeoff and landing.
From the Document
Illness, medication, stress, or fatigue; lack of currency (e.g., haven’t flown for several weeks) A d d At least 500 feet to ceiling At least ½ mile to visibility Aircraft An unfamiliar airplane, or an aircraft with unfamiliar avionics/ equipment:
Study Focus: Review weather hazards and how they affect planning and flight decisions.
From the Document
I watched the little Miles Sparrowhawk take off and cross the airfield boundary. I had been promised a ride in this beautiful little bird, the only remaining example of this beautiful, 1935 British racer.
Study Focus: Review surface awareness and decisions during taxi, takeoff and landing.
Page 1 Manual Tl-7000 Martinaire Aviation L.L.C. FCD-170301 Fleet Campaign Directive FLEET CAMPAIGN DIRECTIVE Date: March 06, 2017 FCD-170301 TITLE: HORIZONTAL STABALIZER MOUNT BOLTS REPLACEMENT/…
Study Focus: Review maintenance and airworthiness responsibilities.
From the Document
Hello Aviation Industry Members, The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) received numerous requests from the Aviation Industry (Industry) to reinstate the Aviation Maintenance Alerts (AC-43-16) (AMA) to assist industry members when sharing information regarding any anomalies and safety issues found during aircraft maintenance or related to their in-flight experiences.
Study Focus: Review maintenance and airworthiness responsibilities.
From the Document
Hello Aviation Industry Members, The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) received numerous requests from the Aviation Industry (Industry) to reinstate the Aviation Maintenance Alerts (AC-43-16) (AMA) to assist industry members when sharing information regarding any anomalies and safety issues found during aircraft maintenance or related to their in-flight experiences. This newly created Aviation Maintenance Alerts (AMA) Template is available…
Study Focus: Review maintenance and airworthiness responsibilities.
From the Document
[OMEGA Bolt Heads Maintenance Alert 1 REMOVE OMEGA PMA BOLT NUMBER GYS186C21-OAA FROM SERVICE Since 2016, several notable Omega PMA Bolt failures have occurred on Beech Jet 400 Aircraft; this resulted in main landing gear wheel tire deflation and wheel separation. These failures include:
Study Focus: Review surface awareness and decisions during taxi, takeoff and landing.
From the Document
This Alert results from an accident that occurred on May 27, 2018 in Houston, Texas where a SR-20 airplane crashed shortly after takeoff.
Study Focus: Review surface awareness and decisions during taxi, takeoff and landing.
From the Document
The carry-thru spar can develop corrosion and cracks. Corrosion can propagate and lead to crack development.
Study Focus: Review maintenance and airworthiness responsibilities.
From the Document
office had a simple, practical machine called a typewriter. It took a little time to learn the basics of the QWERTY keyboard, but mastery of the machine was still a straightforward mechanical matter.
Study Focus: Review weather hazards and how they affect planning and flight decisions.
From the Document
\850\FJK\FAASafety.gov_Flight_Activities\Flight Activity Worksheets WINGS Flight Activity # A100125-07 Worksheet ASEL - Airport Operations
Study Focus: Review surface awareness and decisions during taxi, takeoff and landing.
From the Document
This document has been developed with assistance, contributions, and suggestions from a number of general aviation pilots and flight instructors. Special thanks are due to Barb Adams, FAA; Bob Conyers, Global Aerospace; Mike Gilbert, Aviation Adventures; Sandy and JoAnn Hill, National Association of Flight Instructors; Michael Lenz, FAA; Lindsey McFarren, NATA; Arlynn McMahon, Aero-Tech Incorporated; and members of the General Aviation Joint…
Study Focus: Review weather hazards and how they affect planning and flight decisions.
From the Document
In other words; WINGS training confirms that pilots can perform to the minimum standards associated with their certificate level and seeks to improve that performance level. Aviation instructors are the key to aviation safety.
Study Focus: Review qualification and recent-experience requirements.
From the Document
Introduction to Scenario-Based Training – September 2007 Introduction to Scenario-Based Training September 2007 Federal Aviation Administration
Study Focus: Review weather hazards and how they affect planning and flight decisions.
From the Document
Managing Risk through Scenario Based Training, Single Pilot Resource Management, and Learner Centered Grading by Michele M. Summers, MS Frank Ayers, MS Thomas Connolly, Ed.D.
Study Focus: Review weather hazards and how they affect planning and flight decisions.