FAA informational guidance to operators; revisions replace the PDF at the same URL.
What Is This Collection?
An Information for Operators is FAA guidance that explains a safety subject in depth without demanding immediate action. Like SAFOs, InFOs come from the FAA Flight Standards Service. They are how the FAA shares context, best practices, and coming changes with the operator community.
Nov 29, 2015
From the Document
This InFO serves to inform helicopter operators and pilots of potential hazards when accomplishing running landings to runways that have embedded in-pavement lighting systems.
Recommended Action: Directors of Operations, Directors of Training, Training Center Managers, Check Pilots, Fix-Based Operators, Pilots, and flightcrew members (flight nurse, load master, etc.), should be familiar with the content of this InFO. They should work together to ensure that the content of this InFO is incorporated into operational policy, provided to pilots during ground training, and reinforced during flight training and checks.
Original Issue
Oct 20, 2015
From the Document
This InFO serves to remind part 121 air carriers, per part 121 § 121.436, all SICs of part 121 flights must hold an aircraft type rating in the airplane in which they serve by January 1, 2016.
Recommended Action: Part 121 Directors of Operations, Chief Pilots, and Training Managers should consider implementing policies to ensure that all SICs hold an appropriate aircraft type rating by January 1, 2016. Provisions should also be made to remove those SICs without the aircraft type rating from service after December 31, 2015.
Original Issue
Aug 4, 2015
From the Document
This InFO notifies operators that some Iridium SATVOICE aircraft installations, operations centers and service accounts will need to be modified if intended for use as a Long Range Communication System (LRCS). This InFO is not applicable to Inmarsat SATVOICE systems.
Recommended Action: The FAA is actively pursuing policy changes to OpSpec/MSpec B045 or any regulation concerning requirements for communication systems (e.g. Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 121, §121.351; part 125, §125.203; and part 135, §135.165) to allow for ICAO-compliant SATVOICE systems to be used as an LRCS.
Study Focus: Review communication and coordination procedures.
Original Issue
Feb 10, 2015
From the Document
This InFO provides operators with information related to cold temperature altitude restrictions. It contains the additions and subtractions of airports to the Cold Temperature Restricted Airports list located in the NTAP.
Original Issue
Feb 10, 2015
From the Document
This InFO cancels and replaces InFO 15002, dated 2/10/15. In addition, it provides operators with information related to cold temperature altitude restrictions.
Original Issue
Source includes a cancellation/supersession notice.
Jan 14, 2015
From the Document
This InFO reminds part 121 certificate holders conducting operations under part 117 that the deadline for initial Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval of the certificate holder’s fatigue education and awareness training program is January 31, 2015.
Recommended Action: Directors of operations for part 121 certificate holders conducting operations under part 117 should ensure that its fatigue education and awareness training program is submitted to the FAA for initial approval. The program must be approved no later than January 31, 2015.
Study Focus: Review qualification and recent-experience requirements.
Original Issue
Dec 24, 2014
From the Document
This InFO serves to remind operators of the importance of following appropriate procedures when amending an Air Traffic Services (ATS) flight plan.
Recommended Action: Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR), parts 121, 125, 129, 91, 91 subpart K (91K) and 135 Directors of Operations, Directors of Airline Operations Control, Fractional Ownership Program Managers, and flight planning vendors; or pilots (91) should familiarize themselves with the information contained in this InFO and ensure procedures are established for flight plan amendments to eliminate the chance of having conflicting, or…
Study Focus: Review the information and decisions needed before departure.
Original Issue
Aug 21, 2014
From the Document
This InFO serves to inform operators and pilots of the recently developed electronic PIREP submission tool located on the National Weather Service (NWS) Aviation Weather Center (AWC) Aviation Digital Data Service (ADDS) website.
Recommended Action: Operators interested in participating in this effort should direct email inquiries to ncep.awcweb@noaa.gov. The following information is necessary for enrollment.
Study Focus: Review weather hazards and how they affect planning and flight decisions.
Original Issue
Jul 25, 2014
From the Document
This InFO explains the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) initiative promoting the voluntary installation and use of AOA-based systems in GA airplanes.
Recommended Action: Aircraft maintenance providers, GA pilots, GA airplane owners/operators, flight instructors, flight schools/institutions of higher aeronautical education, training centers, and other stakeholders should implement the following recommendations identified below for their respective roles: 1. The GA community should install and use AOA-based systems to reduce the risk of an inadvertent stall that may result in a LOC accident; 2.
Study Focus: Review training practices and proficiency.
Original Issue
May 20, 2014
From the Document
This InFO provides information to Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 121 air carriers regarding the prohibition on personal use of electronic devices on the flight deck.
Recommended Action: This prohibition on personal use of electronic devices on the flight deck in the final rule is applicable only to operations under part 121. However, Directors of Safety and training managers for all operators under parts 135 and 125, as well as part 91K, are encouraged to include operating procedures in their manuals and crewmember training programs prohibiting flightcrew members from using such devices for personal use during aircraft…
Original Issue
Mar 13, 2014
From the Document
This InFO provides an update to Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) Parts 121, 125, and 135 Certificate Holders and pilots on the progress of PRD rulemaking and database development efforts.
Recommended Action: Each part 121, 125, and 135 Director of Operations, Chief Pilot and pilot flightcrew member should review the contents of this InFO and familiarize themselves with the applicable provisions of P.L. 111-216.
Study Focus: Review qualification and recent-experience requirements.
Original Issue
Mar 4, 2014
From the Document
This InFO serves to inform operators that digital certificates for the purpose of signing documents in the Web-based Operations Safety System (WebOPSS) and eForm 337 may be obtained from the DCS homepage.
Recommended Action: Certificate holders, fractional ownership program managers, training managers and individual operators can acquire or renew a digital signature certificate from the FAA’s DCS Home Page at https://dcs.faa.gov/. This site also includes instructions on how to acquire or renew such certificates.
Study Focus: Review qualification and recent-experience requirements.
Original Issue
Dec 2, 2013
From the Document
This InFO informs Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 121 and part 135 operators of the requirement to provide F/As with training regarding serving alcohol to passengers, recognizing intoxicated passengers, and dealing with disruptive passengers.
Recommended Action: Directors of operations, safety, program managers, training managers and instructors operating under parts 121 and 135 must be aware of the requirements of the amended 49 U.S.C section 44734 and of the safety issues discussed in this InFO.
Study Focus: Review training practices and proficiency.
Original Issue
Dec 2, 2013
From the Document
This InFO informs Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 121 and 135 operators that no person may serve as a F/A unless that person has demonstrated the ability to read, speak, understand, write and carry out written and oral instructions in English regarding the proper performance of their duties.
Recommended Action: Directors of operations, safety, program managers, training managers, instructors, and crewmembers under part 121 and 135 should be aware of the requirements of the Act and of the safety issues discussed in this InFO and should include these requirements in appropriate areas of F/A training and operations.
Original Issue
Nov 4, 2013
From the Document
This InFO advises owners and operators of Embraer aircraft operating under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) parts 121 and 135, that returning aircraft to service with an ETD that does not have an accompanying Agência Nacional de Aviação Civil (ANAC) Form F-106-06, may be contrary to 14 CFR parts 43, 121 and 135 requirements.
Recommended Action: Operators should ensure maintenance personnel are aware that an ETD is not considered approved data without an accompanying F-106-06, and is not considered acceptable data without accompanying substantiating data. Operators should coordinate questions regarding the proper use of ETD’s without an accompanying ANAC Form F-106-06, with their appropriate flight standards office.
Original Issue
May 8, 2013
From the Document
This InFO announces the publication of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) NAT Resource Guide for U.S. Operators and states where it may be viewed.
Recommended Action: US Operators which transit the NAT Region should be familiar with the NAT Resources for U.S. Operators file when preparing aircrews for operations in NAT airspace.
Original Issue
Jan 18, 2013
From the Document
This InFO clarifies regulatory requirements regarding accessibility and use of crewmember manuals while crewmembers are performing assigned duties.
Recommended Action: Air carriers should ensure that their procedures are consistent with the requirements of §121.137(b). Directors of Safety, Directors of Operations, crewmembers and training managers should be aware of the regulatory requirements regarding accessibility and use of crewmember manuals while crewmembers are performing assigned duties as discussed in this InFO.
Original Issue
Jan 2, 2013
From the Document
This InFO reminds pilots of the proper use of safety equipment in flight to minimize injury in the event of an accident or incident.
Recommended Action: Part 137 operators, chief supervisors, and pilots should review the regulatory requirements of § 137.42 and develop SOPs and/or checklists to emphasize the use of shoulder harnesses. Additionally, operators should carefully consider the location of aftermarket installations in the cockpit and encourage use of DOT-approved safety helmets.
Original Issue
Dec 3, 2012
From the Document
This InFO notifies subscribers to the FAA websites for Aircraft Ground Deicing, Air Carrier Contract Training, Air Carrier Training and Part 142 Training Centers that they must re-subscribe to the email list.
Recommended Action: Those who were subscribed to the websites listed below should re-subscribe to the appropriate website(s). Those not subscribed, but interested in receiving update notifications to the websites, may subscribe by clicking on the links below, clicking on the green check button and entering their email address.
Study Focus: Review training practices and proficiency.
Original Issue
Nov 5, 2012
From the Document
This InFO outlines the importance of accurate flight plan filing and the changes to the IFR ICAO format flight plans effective November 15, 2012.
Recommended Action: Directors of Safety, Directors of Operations, and Training Managers, review the ICAO 2012 guidance for flight planning found on the FAA Planned Changes to Filed Flight Plans in 2012 website.http://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/ato/service_units/enroute/flight_plan_f iling/general/icao_2012/ Each aircraft’s MEL should be reviewed for system deferrals that may affect the CNS capabilities of the aircraft. The remarks and…
Study Focus: Review instrument planning, procedures and operating decisions.
Original Issue
Sep 20, 2012
From the Document
This InFO provides updated information regarding the Fair Treatment of Experienced Pilots Act (the Act), effective December 13, 2007. This InFO supersedes InFOs 07021, 07023 and 08001.
Recommended Action: Directors of safety, directors of operations, chief pilots, trainers, and pilots under parts 121 and 135 should be aware of the requirements of the Act. They should refer to the public website (above) for more information relating to the Act.
Original Issue
Sep 17, 2012
From the Document
This InFO advises pilots flying within the Gander and Shanwick Oceanic Control Areas (OCA) in the North Atlantic (NAT) airspace that an RLongSM trial is ongoing.
Recommended Action: Directors of safety, directors of operations, chief pilots, dispatch supervisors, fractional ownership program managers, training managers, and operators of aircraft should make their flight crews aware of the content of this InFO.
Study Focus: Review airspace access, restrictions and coordination.
Original Issue
Jul 30, 2012
From the Document
This InFO serves to inform operators that seat belt extenders marketed to the public as Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-approved should not be permitted for use.
Recommended Action: Operators should include instructions and procedures regarding passenger provided seat belt extenders in the crewmember manuals so that assigned personnel (pilots or flight attendants as appropriate) can adequately perform their assigned tasks. Directors of safety, crewmembers, program managers, training managers, directors of maintenance and aircraft mechanics, should be aware of the safety issues and mitigations discussed in this InFO.
Original Issue
Jul 9, 2012
From the Document
This InFO informs aircraft operators, pilots, and airport personnel of the installation, meaning and use of EMAS.
Recommended Action: Chief Operating Officers, Directors of Operations, Program Managers, Directors of Safety, Directors of Training, Directors of Maintenance, and Chief Pilots should review aircraft and vehicle operator training and incorporate EMAS information and procedures as appropriate: Provide EMAS information and resources on use and location of EMAS installations to pilots and appropriate maintenance personnel, as well as other personnel involved in…
Original Issue
Jun 26, 2012
From the Document
This InFO explains some of the differences between the magnetic courses charted on Standard Instrument Departure/Standard Terminal Arrival (SID/STAR) charts and magnetic courses displayed by some RNAV systems.
Study Focus: Review instrument planning, procedures and operating decisions.
Original Issue
Apr 24, 2012
From the Document
This InFO clarifies the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) requirements for use of corrective lenses and the possession of a spare set of lenses.
Recommended Action: Pilots who require corrective lenses should carry a spare set of lenses for use within the US and they must carry a spare pair of lenses while flying internationally.
Original Issue
Apr 16, 2012
From the Document
This InFO reminds operators of the potential for erroneous glideslope, and/or localizer indications caused by movement of aircraft or equipment through ILS critical areas.
Recommended Action: Directors of safety, directors of operations, directors of training, chief pilots, fractional ownership program managers, training managers, and operators of aircraft should: Distribute ILS critical area information, reporting recommendations to ATC, and guidance to flightcrews. Emphasize positive aircraft control with or without the use of automation.
Original Issue
Mar 12, 2012
From the Document
This InFO provides background information on the function of FLT IDs transmitted by Mode S transponders within ATC systems and discusses reports of some operators transmitting incorrect FLT IDs. Also provided are causal factors associated with the reports and guidance to aid operators in addressing these factors.
Recommended Action: Directors of Operation, chief pilots, fractional ownership program managers, training managers, and individual operators should review their training and equipment operating procedures to ensure the content of this InFO is adequately addressed. For more detailed information refer to the following: www.eurocontrol.int/msa; JAA Temporary Guidance Leaflet 13; ICAO Doc 4444 section 6 subparagraph 4.5.3.4; and, ICAO Doc 8585.
Original Issue
Feb 14, 2012
From the Document
This InFO serves to explain the differences in phraseology flightcrews can expect when issued a STAR by Canadian ATC when operating in Canadian Airspace.
Recommended Action: Program Managers, Directors of Operations, Directors of Safety, Pilots, dispatchers, flight planning services and flight followers should review the following table and information found on the NavCanada website; http://www.navcanada.ca/ContentDefinitionFiles/ Publications/AeronauticalInfoProducts/AIP/Next/PDF/EN/part_5_aic/5aic_eng_2010_21.pdf Approved by: AFS-200 OPR:AFS-470 ATC Instructions – FAA FAA Requirements DESCEND VIA (STAR designator)…
Study Focus: Review airspace access, restrictions and coordination.
Original Issue
Jan 18, 2012
From the Document
This InFO emphasizes RVSM flight planning guidance which states “If either the operator or the aircraft or both have not received RVSM authorization (non-RVSM aircraft) the pilot will neither request nor accept a clearance into RVSM airspace…”
Recommended Action: Program Managers, Directors of Operations, Directors of Safety, Pilots, dispatchers, flight planning services and flight followers should review the AIM guidance regarding RVSM airspace. 1.
Study Focus: Review airspace access, restrictions and coordination.
Original Issue
Nov 17, 2011
From the Document
This InFO describes where the ACSPT ARC charter and report can be found and where requested responses to the report should be directed.
Study Focus: Review training practices and proficiency.
Original Issue
Oct 6, 2011
From the Document
This InFO supersedes InFO 11017, dated 10/06/2011, and clarifies U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Part 382 requirements with respect to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) - approved MMEL relief for aircraft.
Recommended Action: Air carriers are strongly encouraged to contact the DOT whenever questions about Part 382 exist.
Original Issue
Source includes a cancellation/supersession notice.
Sep 30, 2011
From the Document
This InFO reminds operators to ensure required training and checking is accomplished before a B-777 or B-787 pilot type rating is issued. In addition, it should be noted that a holder of a FAA pilot certificate with a B-777 endorsement is not automatically authorized for the addition of the B-787 type rating to the pilot’s certificate without appropriate training and checking.
Recommended Action: Directors of operations, chief pilots, training managers, and operators of B-777 and B787 aircraft should familiarize themselves with the information found in this InFO, and ensure that the required training and checking is accomplished before a B-777 or B-787 pilot type rating is issued.
Study Focus: Review qualification and recent-experience requirements.
Original Issue
Sep 1, 2011
From the Document
This InFO serves to inform aircraft operators and pilots of ATIS messages and takeoff/landing clearances they may receive at airports where runway construction is underway or just completed.
Recommended Action: Directors of safety, directors of operations, chief pilots, fractional ownership program managers, training managers, and operators of aircraft should familiarize themselves with the information found in this InFO, recheck aircraft performance on shortened runways and be prepared to ask for a different clearance or additional information if unable to use the assigned runway.
Study Focus: Review surface awareness and decisions during taxi, takeoff and landing.
Original Issue
Aug 15, 2011
From the Document
The purpose of this InFO is to advise air carriers and other persons who employ pilots of the requirement to prepare for and retain various records, as discussed below, for transmission to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Pilot Records Database. Specifically, all air carriers or persons who employ pilots under parts 91, 121, 125 and 135 are required to retain all records defined in the discussion section of this document that were…
Recommended Action: Air carriers and other persons who have employed an individual as a pilot at any time after August 1, 2005 should review the applicable provisions of Public Law 111-216, § 203, which is available at the Government Printing Office (GPO) Web Site at the following URL: http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/PLAW-111publ216/pdf/PLAW-111publ216.pdf. Persons covered by the Act should take appropriate actions to preserve relevant records to comply with the Act.
Original Issue
Aug 10, 2011
From the Document
This InFO serves to inform operators of two things: 2011-2012 HOTs, AFS-200’s Aircraft Ground Deicing website’s notification feature.
Recommended Action: All operators that utilize the HOTs and related documents should take advantage of the Aircraft Ground Deicing website’s Subscription feature.
Original Issue
Mar 28, 2011
From the Document
This InFO alerts all users to a revision to the 2010-2011 Ground Deicing Holdover Time tables and guidance on the FAA AFS-200 web site at: http://www.faa.gov/other_visit/aviation_industry/ airline_operators/airline_safety/deicing/
Recommended Action: All air carrier and ground deicing service provider personnel charged with oversight responsibility for insuring that de/anti-icing fluids are properly applied should consult the updated 2010-2011 Holdover Times published on the FAA AFS-200 web site for the revised LOUTs. These personnel should ensure that the revised LOUTs are being respected as per the guidance and notes contained in the revised document.
Original Issue
Mar 28, 2011
From the Document
This InFO emphasizes the requirement for operators to comply with all altitude restrictions (i.e. stepdown altitudes) prior to the Final Approach Segment when cleared for an ILS approach.
Recommended Action: Directors of safety, directors of operations, chief pilots, fractional ownership program managers, training managers, and operators of aircraft should ensure that aircraft under their control, when cleared for an ILS approach, do not descend below published step-down altitudes on an ILS final approach course, while outside the Final Approach Segment.
Original Issue
Feb 23, 2011
From the Document
This InFO describes procedures for subscribing to updates to the US Prohibitions, Restrictions, and Notices website for operators issued OpSpec/MSpec/LOA B450, Sensitive International Areas.
Recommended Action: Operators issued B450 and needing notification of updates to the U.S. Prohibitions, Restrictions, and Notices website should send their email address to 9-ATOR-HQ- IFOS@faa.gov with a subject line of OpSpec B450.
Original Issue
Feb 15, 2011
From the Document
This InFO advises operators that LED lights are significantly less visible than traditional incandescent lightbulbs when viewed through EFVS, EVS and NVG. Random installations of LED lights are occurring at airports and on obstacles worldwide.
Recommended Action: Operators utilizing advanced vision systems should be familiar with the contents of this InFO. They are urged to use caution when relying on advanced vision system (EFVS, EVS or NVG) imagery.
Original Issue
Jan 6, 2011
From the Document
This InFO informs air carriers and operators of the need to place a greater emphasis on finding new ways to identify areas susceptible to smoke or may become susceptible to smoke.
Recommended Action: After each smoke incident/event the air carrier or operator should ensure that the company follows policies, procedures, and instructions in accordance with its manuals. The FAA is requesting that at each CASS meeting, air carriers and or operators put special emphasis on the smoke events data and track it separately for trend analysis.
Original Issue
Dec 15, 2010
From the Document
This InFO advises operators to be aware of the potential of multiple tie bolt failures on aircraft wheels.
Recommended Action: Operators should use the internal data collected by Continuing Analysis and Surveillance System (CASS) in determining if reported tie bolt failures outside of their normally scheduled inspection intervals warrants additional action. Operators should ensure that their maintenance program addresses the proper inspection and installation procedures to ensure the integrity of the tie bolts.
Original Issue
Oct 18, 2010
From the Document
The purpose of this InFO is to remind each Air Carrier of the Statutory Requirement to submit its FRMP to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for Review by October 31, 2010.
Recommended Action: Each part 121 Director of Operations and Director of Safety should ensure the carrier’s FRMP is submitted to the FAA by October 31, 2010.
Study Focus: Review the human factors that influence safe decisions.
Original Issue
Aug 30, 2010
From the Document
This InFO informs operators that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) website www.opspecs.com will cease operations August 31, 2010.
Recommended Action: Industry users should review the contents of this InFO, become familiar with the applicable websites, and subscribe to any sites as necessary.
Original Issue
Aug 16, 2010
From the Document
To alert operators of Bombardier’s CL-600 series of airplanes, listed above, the importance of proper takeoff stabilizer-trim settings and the mistrim-takeoff characteristics of the airplane.
Recommended Action: Directors of safety, directors of operations, trainers and check airmen for operators flying CL-600 series of airplanes, listed above, should make known to their flightcrews the mistrim takeoff characteristics described above. This information should emphasize the potential for a catastrophic accident, especially when operational constraints, such as a balanced field length are also present.
Original Issue
Aug 10, 2010
From the Document
To elevate public awareness of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Notice JO 7110.536, Line Up And Wait (LUAW) Operations, dated September 30, 2010 (see InFO 10014SUP). This notice revises FAA Air Traffic Control Order JO 7110.65, by replacing the TIPH phraseology and procedure with LUAW instructions when authorizing an aircraft to TIPH.
Recommended Action: Operators of all aircraft and airport services personnel must be briefed on the conditions and phraseology specified in Notice JO 7110.536.
Study Focus: Review communication and coordination procedures.
Original Issue
Jul 27, 2010
From the Document
To elevate public awareness of FAA Notice JO 7110.532, Taxi and Ground Movement Operations, dated June 30, 2010 (see InFO 10011SUP), which revises FAA Air Traffic Control Order JO 7110.65, Paragraph 3-7-2, Taxi and Ground Movement Operations, by deleting the phraseology and procedure of issuing “taxi to” when authorizing an aircraft to taxi to an assigned takeoff runway, thus allowing an aircraft to cross all runways/taxiways which the taxi…
Recommended Action: Operators of all aircraft and airport services personnel must be briefed on the conditions and phraseology specified in Notice JO 7110.532, as attached. As a reminder, pilots and operators of ground vehicles should expect to hold short of all intersecting runways unless specifically approved otherwise by ground control.
Study Focus: Review surface awareness and decisions during taxi, takeoff and landing.
Original Issue
Jul 6, 2010
From the Document
This InFO highlights the availability and merits of the Airplane Upset Recovery and Training Aid Revision 2 for all Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) parts 91K, 121, 125, and 135 air operators and part 142 training centers.
Recommended Action: Directors of operations, directors of safety, chief pilots, training managers and training centers should consider incorporating material in this training aid into flightcrew training. When tailored to specific aircraft and operator procedures, the suggested actions presented in this aid provide an excellent framework for an effective upset recovery training module.
Study Focus: Review aircraft-control risks and recognition of developing hazards.
Original Issue
Jun 28, 2010
From the Document
To inform aircraft operators of the need to have adequate procedures and training to help crewmembers ensure passenger compliance with their safety instructions regarding the use of PEDs.
Recommended Action: Directors of Safety, Directors of Operations and In-Flight Services, and Crewmember Training Managers should ensure that manual procedures and training are in place that clearly addresses: • PEDs approved for use on board their aircraft; • Prohibition of PEDs not on the operator’s approval list; • Times when approved PEDs can and cannot be used; • PED’s modes of operation that can and cannot be used; • How and when to inform passengers of the…
Study Focus: Review training practices and proficiency.
Original Issue
Jun 17, 2010
From the Document
To inform aircraft and avionics maintenance technicians about the critical role of voluntary service difficulty reporting system reports involving malfunctions or defects associated with electronic primary flight, navigation, and control display systems.
Recommended Action: Aircraft operators and maintenance technicians should voluntarily report equipment malfunctions or failures, abnormal operations, and other safety issues associated with glass cockpit display systems on the FAA’s Service Difficulty Reporting site at http://av-info.faa.gov/sdrx/Default.aspx
Study Focus: Review aircraft-system operation, limitations and failure awareness.
Original Issue
Jun 9, 2010
From the Document
This InFO discusses the change in location of the MMEL Policy Letters.
Recommended Action: FAA personnel and industry users should review the contents of this InFO and become familiar with accessing and viewing MMEL Policy Letters on FSIMS and draft Policy Letters on www.Opspecs.com.
Original Issue
Apr 26, 2010
From the Document
To emphasize to crewmembers and operators that engaging in tasks not directly related to required flight duties, including using personal electronic devices (PED), constitutes a safety risk.
Recommended Action: Operators should create a safety culture that clearly establishes guidance, expectations and requirements to control cockpit distractions, including use of PEDs, during flight operations. Directors of Operations and Directors of Safety should review and reinforce these policies and guidance.
Original Issue
Mar 16, 2010
From the Document
To consolidate guidance on industry best practices in operational areas such as checklist design, training, procedures, crew resource management, and error trapping.
Recommended Action: Directors of safety, directors of operations, training managers, and trainers of flight crew should be familiar with the list of best practices resources in this InFO. Directors of operations and training managers should review their approved programs and operating procedures to determine if any areas of operation need to be improved based on these best practice documents.
Study Focus: Review the human factors that influence safe decisions.
Original Issue
Mar 9, 2010
From the Document
To alert owners/operators and pilots about a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) operational safety concern regarding amateur-built airplanes operating under an experimental airworthiness certificate and possessing high wing loading with stall speeds in excess of 61 knots.
Recommended Action: The FAA recommends that pilots operating the amateur built experimental aircraft, such as the Lancair amateur-built experimental airplanes do the following- 1. Review and thoroughly understand all available information regarding the slow-flight and stall characteristics of their own Lancair prior to attempting to duplicate these maneuvers.
Study Focus: Review qualification and recent-experience requirements.
Original Issue
Dec 1, 2009
From the Document
This InFO supersedes InFO 08051, dated 10/22/2008. It describes the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) requirement to carry a standardized certified true copy of the Air Operator Certificates (AOC) on board any aircraft operated internationally.
Recommended Action: A certificate holder who flies or intends to fly internationally should request Template A999 in WebOPSS from its POI, so that it may be issued before January 1, 2010. The certificate holder should then work with its POI to properly fill in the information on the template.
Study Focus: Review qualification and recent-experience requirements.
Original Issue
Source includes a cancellation/supersession notice.
Nov 12, 2009
From the Document
To clarify guidance for air carriers about the stowage of items in seat pockets.
Recommended Action: Directors of safety and directors of operations should review their approved programs to ensure they consider the hazard presented by stowing items in seat pockets and the programs appropriately mitigate the associated risks. Training managers and crewmembers should be aware of the risk mitigations developed by the air carrier.
Original Issue
Oct 1, 2009
From the Document
To emphasize the significance of unsafe conditions regarding performance and controllability caused by small amounts of contamination on aircraft aerodynamic and control surfaces.
Recommended Action: Directors of safety, directors of operations, and aviation instructors should ensure that their pilots and students understand that even small amounts of contamination can adversely affect the aerodynamic and control capability of the aircraft. They should emphasize the best practices for detecting small or thin amounts of contamination on the aircraft they operate.
Original Issue
Aug 18, 2009
From the Document
This InFO informs aircraft operators of the potential for pitot-static system malfunctions after an aircraft is repainted.
Recommended Action: Persons engaged in repainting of aircraft and/or return to service of aircraft after painting should follow the manufacturers’ recommendation concerning painting of pitot tubes and/or any other component delivered from the manufacturer unpainted. If uncertain, the manufacturer should be contacted for information about a specific aircraft or component.
Original Issue
Jul 13, 2009
From the Document
This InFO contains information and recommendations concerning the separation of the engine-fan cowls on certain aircraft during flight. It is based on National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) safety recommendations A-08-080 and A-08-081.
Recommended Action: Air Carriers who operate Airbus single isle A319-132 and Bombardier CL-600-2B19 model airplanes are recommended to develop a training program for maintenance personnel and flightcrews on inspection procedures to verify that the engine-fan’s cowl to be latched. It is also recommended to revise their procedures to require maintenance personnel to inform flightcrews when engine-fan cowls have been opened before flight.
Study Focus: Review aircraft-system operation, limitations and failure awareness.
Original Issue