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.
Jun 15, 2026
From the Document
in a Crisis CDR Kirk Lippold HSLD Aviation LLC WINGS: BK1 AFS0144334 What Pilots Should Know About Drones Greg Reverdiau Pilot Institute WINGS: BK3 AFS0144335 Was That For Us?
Study Focus: Review weather hazards and how they affect planning and flight decisions.
Apr 3, 2026
From the Document
for daily forums at the FAA Safety Center Wednesday April 15 Weather or Not to Fly Jeff Arnold Leidos WINGS: BK1 AFS0140366 Aircraft Tire Care and Maintenance Mary Beth Widak Good Year Tires WINGS BK3/AMT AFS0140367 MOSAIC Final Rule Overview – Sport Pilots, Light-Sport Category Repairmen, Light-Sport Category Aircraft FAA WINGS: BK3/AMT AFS0140368 The Fun and Challenges of Flying Seaplanes Steve Guetter Advanced Flight Training WINGS: BK3…
Study Focus: Review weather hazards and how they affect planning and flight decisions.
Dec 10, 2024
From the Document
Have I had the proper training to support the job task? Am I mentally prepared to perform the job task?
Study Focus: Review maintenance and airworthiness responsibilities.
Aug 16, 2024
From the Document
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Description of Airworthiness Concern The FAA recently received a report of a power lever failure on a Cirrus SR20 airplane. While advancing to full throttle in preparation for takeoff, the power lever sheared and the pilot quickly cut fuel to the aircraft and aborted the takeoff.
Study Focus: Review aircraft-system operation, limitations and failure awareness.
Jul 11, 2023
From the Document
Aircraft maintenance trainers are invited to submit their courses for FAA acceptance as Inspection Authorization refresher courses. IA refresher courses should follow the guidance in FAA Order 8900.1, Volume 3 Chapter 56 Section 1, and be submitted on FAA Form 8610-6.
Study Focus: Review maintenance and airworthiness responsibilities.
May 23, 2023
From the Document
Winter flying in most parts of the United States can adversely affect flight operations. Poor weather conditions with fast moving fronts, strong and gusty winds, blowing and drifting snow, and icing conditions are just part of the conditions that require careful planning in order to minimize their effects.
Study Focus: Review weather hazards and how they affect planning and flight decisions.
Oct 6, 2021
From the Document
PLEASE NOTE: THIS FORM IS FOR YOUR RECORDS ONLY! Continued on Next Page WINGS Certification Activity Quick ListPractical Test Activities Private Pilot Activity #A071102-02 Dated: ___/___/______.
Study Focus: Review qualification and recent-experience requirements.
Oct 6, 2021
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.
Oct 6, 2021
From the Document
to take a course on Avoiding Pilot Deviations (ALC-636) https://bit.ly/309rqsG Date Completed ____________ WINGS flying is more than half the fun. Turn the page and complete your Spring WINGS Flight Activity with your CFI.
Study Focus: Review weather hazards and how they affect planning and flight decisions.
Jul 29, 2021
From the Document
This SAFO provides safety information to the public of potential problems associated with coating or modifying wing struts.
Recommended Action: Aircraft owners, operators, and maintenance personnel should: • Initially inspect airplanes with sealed lift struts at the next annual inspection to determine if the struts have drill holes or other modifications that may have broken the seal. • Annotate in the aircraft record if wing lift struts are no longer sealed.
Study Focus: Review maintenance and airworthiness responsibilities.
Feb 18, 2021
From the Document
APPLICANT NAME: APPLICANT CERTIFICATE #: APPLICANT EMAIL: TYPE AIRCRAFT/SIMULATOR USED BLOCK TIME DPE NAME: DPE DESIGNATION #: DPE EMAIL:
Study Focus: Review weather hazards and how they affect planning and flight decisions.
Oct 17, 2019
From the Document
accident rate by conveying safety principles through training, outreach, and education; while establishing partnerships and encouraging the continual growth of a positive safety culture within the aviation community.
Study Focus: Review training practices and proficiency.
Jul 15, 2019
From the Document
The objective of the FAA’s Pilot Proficiency Program, also known as WINGS, is to help pilots avoid the primary accident causal factors that continue to plague the general aviation community. WINGS does this by organizing ground training and flight activities that focus on the identified causal factors.
Study Focus: Review training practices and proficiency.
Jun 12, 2019
From the Document
\850\FJK\FAASafety.gov_Flight_Activities\Flight Activity Worksheets WINGS Flight Activity # A100125-08 Worksheet ASEL - Performance Flight Maneuvers and Ground Reference Maneuvers
Jun 12, 2019
From the Document
\850\FJK\FAASafety.gov_Flight_Activities\Flight Activity Worksheets WINGS Flight Activity # A070405-07 Worksheet ASEL - Takeoffs, Landings, and Go Arounds
Study Focus: Review surface awareness and decisions during taxi, takeoff and landing.
Jun 12, 2019
From the Document
\850\FJK\FAASafety.gov_Flight_Activities\Flight Activity Worksheets WINGS Flight Activity # A070405-08 Worksheet ASEL – Slow Flight, Stalls, Basic Instruments
Jun 5, 2019
From the Document
Are you flying to Tucson International Airport (KTUS) soon, or one of the many surrounding airfields?
Study Focus: Review surface awareness and decisions during taxi, takeoff and landing.
Feb 14, 2019
From the Document
In this paper I describe how Fitts and Jones laid the foundation for aviation human factors by trying to understand why human errors made sense given the circumstances surrounding people at the time. Fitts and Jones remind us that human error is not the cause of failure, but a symptom of failure, and that "human error"—by any other name or by any other human—should be the starting point of our investigations, not the conclusion.
Study Focus: Review surface awareness and decisions during taxi, takeoff and landing.
Jan 10, 2019
From the Document
In 1947, it was agreed to begin issuing NOTAMs via telecommunications. NOTAMs were modeled after Notice to Mariners, which advised ship captains of hazards in navigating the high seas.
Study Focus: Review surface awareness and decisions during taxi, takeoff and landing.
Jan 10, 2019
From the Document
In 1947, it was agreed to begin issuing NOTAMs via telecommunications. NOTAMs were modeled after Notice to Mariners, which advised ship captains of hazards in navigating the high seas.
Study Focus: Review surface awareness and decisions during taxi, takeoff and landing.
Sep 28, 2016
From the Document
Safety Guidance for Manned Aircraft Pilots Operating in the Presence of Drones June 1, 2016 – Flight Safety in the Drone Age (FSDA) was released today by the initiative’s Permanent Editorial Board. FSDA offers voluntary guidance to advance the safety of flight when operating near unmanned aircraft, or drones.
Study Focus: Review airspace access, restrictions and coordination.
May 24, 2016
From the Document
Powered Civil Aircraft W/ Standard Category Airworthiness Certificates FAR 91.205; 91.207; 91.209 (Current as of 2016-05-24) VFR Day (91.205 (b)1-17) Engine Performance & Navigation Safety Tachometer (for each engine) Airspeed Indicator Fuel Gauge (for each tank) Oil Pressure Gauge (for each engine) Altimeter Landing Gear Position Indicator (if applicable) Temperature Gauge (for each engine if liquid cooled) Magnetic Direction Indicator Approved…
Study Focus: Review qualification and recent-experience requirements.
Mar 17, 2016
From the Document
Add These Training Courses to Your Aviation Safety Checklist: ❑ One-day aviation physiology workshop with altitude chamber, vertigo simulation, and night vision demonstration ❑ One-day post-crash survival workshop
Study Focus: Review fitness for flight and physiological hazards.
Nov 24, 2015
Page 1 Know Before You Fly DO: FLY YOUR UNMANNED AIRCRAFT BELOW 400 FEET DO: FLY WITH LOCAL CLUBS DO: TAKE A LESSON BEFORE YOU FLY DO: INSPECT YOUR AIRCRAFT BEFORE YOU FLY DON’T: FLY…
Study Focus: Review remote-pilot operating considerations.
Oct 29, 2015
From the Document
www.FAASafety.gov Produced by FAA’s General AviaƟon and Commercial Division General AviaƟon Joint Steering CommiƩee Training Aid January 2016 Aircraft Control After Engine Failure on Takeoff Studies have shown that startle responses during unexpected situaƟons such as power‐plant failure during takeoff or iniƟal climb have contributed to loss of control of aircraŌ. By including an appropriate plan of acƟon in a departure briefing for a…
Study Focus: Review surface awareness and decisions during taxi, takeoff and landing.
Jun 4, 2015
From the Document
The General Aviation Joint Steering Committee is a government / industry group that analyzes GA accidents and incidents. The Committee feels that improved risk assessment before and during flight can significantly improve pilots’ chances of avoiding accidents and incidents.
Jul 23, 2013
From the Document
The WINGS – Pilot Proficiency Program, as outlined in FAA Advisory Circular 61-91J (AC61-91J), is designed to assist pilots in maintaining, improving and/or refreshing their proficiency in appropriate categories and classes of aircraft, and in their knowledge of aviation subject matter and best practices. The WINGS Program is automated and hosted on the FAA Web site www.FAASafety.gov, where additional information on the WINGS Program can be…
Study Focus: Review surface awareness and decisions during taxi, takeoff and landing.
Jul 18, 2013
From the Document
x@faa.gov Key to Aerodrome Forecast (TAF) and Aviation Routine Weather Report (METAR) (Front) TAF KPIT 091730Z 0918/1024 15005KT 5SM HZ FEW020 WS010/31022KT FM091930 30015G25KT 3SM SHRA OVC015 TEMPO 0920/0922 1/2SM +TSRA OVC008CB FM100100 27008KT 5SM SHRA BKN020 OVC040 PROB30 1004/1007 1SM -RA BR FM101015 18005KT 6SM -SHRA OVC020 BECMG 1013/1015 P6SM NSW SKC NOTE: Users are cautioned to confirm DATE and TIME of the TAF. For example FM100000 is…
Study Focus: Review weather hazards and how they affect planning and flight decisions.
Jun 27, 2013
From the Document
with point-and-click interaction, predominately usi ng Google maps and graphics for ease of use. The website is designed to include the MACA programs of all DoD aviation installations in the CONUS, Alaska, Hawaii, Virgin Islands, Guam and Puerto Rico.
Study Focus: Review traffic awareness and collision avoidance.
May 23, 2013
From the Document
I certify that ________________________ , holder of pilot certificate number _______________ , has satisfactorily demonstrated proficiency in the required tasks outlined in the WINGS – Pilot Profiency Program, activity number __________________ on _______________ (date). I certify that ________________________ , holder of pilot certificate number _______________ , has satisfactorily demonstrated proficiency in the required tasks outlined in the…
Study Focus: Review qualification and recent-experience requirements.
Apr 25, 2013
From the Document
suggested by this week’s aircraft mishap reports FLYING LESSONS uses the past week’s mishap reports 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.
Apr 18, 2013
Page 1 ©2013 Mastery Flight Training, Inc. All rights reserved. FLYING LESSONSFLYING LESSONS for April 18, 2013 suggested by this week’s aircraft mishap reports FLYING LESSONS uses the past week’s…
Study Focus: Review weather hazards and how they affect planning and flight decisions.
Apr 4, 2013
From the Document
suggested by this week’s aircraft mishap reports FLYING LESSONS uses the past week’s mishap reports 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.
Mar 28, 2013
From the Document
suggested by this week’s aircraft mishap reports FLYING LESSONS uses the past week’s mishap reports 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.
Mar 19, 2013
Page 1 • Online Courses • WINGS Program • AMT Awards Programs • Safety Seminars • Resources for AirmenYour Aviation Safety Web SiteFAASafety.gov• Online Courses • WINGS Program • AMT Awards…
Mar 14, 2013
From the Document
suggested by this week’s aircraft mishap reports FLYING LESSONS uses the past week’s mishap reports 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.
Mar 14, 2013
From the Document
policy helps state clearly a company’s expectations about safety and employee performance. It helps employees understand their responsibilities.
Study Focus: Review maintenance and airworthiness responsibilities.
Mar 14, 2013
From the Document
Have I performed the task previously? Do I have the proper tools and equipment to perform the task?
Study Focus: Review training practices and proficiency.
Mar 14, 2013
From the Document
Credit card and telephone numbers available for alternate plans Appropriate clothing or personal needs (eye wear, medication...) in the event of unexpected stay Your Personal Minimums Checklist—
Study Focus: Review weather hazards and how they affect planning and flight decisions.
Mar 7, 2013
From the Document
suggested by this week’s aircraft mishap reports FLYING LESSONS uses the past week’s mishap reports 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.
Feb 28, 2013
From the Document
suggested by this week’s aircraft mishap reports FLYING LESSONS uses the past week’s mishap reports 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 surface awareness and decisions during taxi, takeoff and landing.
Feb 21, 2013
From the Document
suggested by this week’s aircraft mishap reports FLYING LESSONS uses the past week’s mishap reports 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.
Feb 14, 2013
From the Document
suggested by this week’s aircraft mishap reports FLYING LESSONS uses the past week’s mishap reports 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.
Feb 13, 2013
From the Document
I consider our maintenance department to be a team. As leader of that team I will strive daily to build a positive safety culture.
Study Focus: Review maintenance and airworthiness responsibilities.
Feb 13, 2013
From the Document
Upon my honor I swear that I shall hold in sacred trust the rights and privileges conferred upon me as a certified mechanic. Knowing full well that the safety and lives of others are dependent upon my skill and judgment, I shall never knowingly subject others to risks which I would not be willing to assume for myself, or for those dear to me.
Study Focus: Review maintenance and airworthiness responsibilities.
Feb 13, 2013
From the Document
www.FAASafety.gov Your Aviation Safety Web Site Go to Maintenance Hangar on FAASafety.gov for Awards Programs
Study Focus: Review maintenance and airworthiness responsibilities.
Feb 13, 2013
From the Document
Have I performed the task previously? Do I have the proper tools and equipment to perform the task?
Study Focus: Review training practices and proficiency.
Feb 13, 2013
Page 1 FAASTeamwww.FAASafety.govwww.FAASafety.gov OK-08-5720 Even the Best Pilots Make Mistakes. Minimize the Number and Break the Chain. • Autorotation • Dynamic Rollover Helicopter Training…
Study Focus: Review surface awareness and decisions during taxi, takeoff and landing.
Feb 7, 2013
From the Document
suggested by this week’s aircraft mishap reports FLYING LESSONS uses the past week’s mishap reports 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.
Jan 31, 2013
From the Document
suggested by this week’s aircraft mishap reports FLYING LESSONS uses the past week’s mishap reports 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.
Jan 24, 2013
From the Document
suggested by this week’s aircraft mishap reports FLYING LESSONS uses the past week’s mishap reports 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.
Jan 10, 2013
From the Document
suggested by this week’s aircraft mishap reports FLYING LESSONS uses the past week’s mishap reports 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.
Jan 3, 2013
From the Document
suggested by this week’s aircraft mishap reports FLYING LESSONS uses the past week’s mishap reports 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.
Dec 27, 2012
From the Document
suggested by this week’s aircraft mishap reports FLYING LESSONS uses the past week’s mishap reports 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.
Dec 20, 2012
From the Document
suggested by this week’s aircraft mishap reports FLYING LESSONS uses the past week’s mishap reports 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.