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.
Jul 10, 2009
From the Document
To inform Cirrus SR-22 model airplane operators and those who oversee them of the new FAA-approved AFMS, applicable to Title 14 Code of Federal Regulation (14 CFR) part 135, § 135.163, Equipment Requirements: Aircraft Carrying Passengers Under IFR; (instrument flight rules).
Recommended Action: Part 135 directors of safety, directors of maintenance, and directors of operations using Cirrus SR-22 aircraft should provide this information to employees with a need to know and understand the electrical load shedding procedures.
Study Focus: Review instrument planning, procedures and operating decisions.
Original Issue
Apr 3, 2009
From the Document
This InFO discusses the interim process for locating and printing revisions to MMELs.
Recommended Action: Operators and the public can find final MMELs on the public FSIMS Web-site at http://fsims.faa.gov. MMELs are also available to FAA personnel on the internal FSIMS Web-site at http://fsims.avs.faa.gov.
Original Issue
Feb 18, 2009
From the Document
This InFO contains information about CDCCLs mandated by Airworthiness Directive (AD).
Recommended Action: Air carriers, operators, and repair facilities should only use FAA Oversight Office-approved methods of compliance. If anyone wishes to seek approval for an AMOC, they should coordinate with the design approval holder to determine the most efficient approach to obtaining the approval.
Study Focus: Review maintenance and airworthiness responsibilities.
Original Issue
Dec 30, 2008
From the Document
This InFO contains information and recommendations concerning the flammability of blankets typically carried aboard air carrier aircraft. It has been developed in response to National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) safety recommendation A-94-131 and supersedes Flight Standards Information Bulletin for Air Transportation (FSAT) 96-11.
Recommended Action: Air carriers are encouraged to review the above mentioned document and consider the findings when selecting its airline blankets. Approved by: AFS-200 OPR: AFS-220
Original Issue
Oct 29, 2008
From the Document
To advise airplane operators of the potential of severe shortage of RDF for the winter season 2008/2009, which may impact an airplane operator’s ability to safely operate during winter storm conditions at some airports.
Recommended Action: Each operator should alert its pilots, dispatchers/flight followers and station personnel of the potential shortage of RDF, and the effect it may have on safe and timely operations during winter storm events this winter season. Each operator should insure it has adequate procedures for appropriate operations personnel to evaluate airport surface conditions and the airport’s availability and planned use of RDF if necessary.
Study Focus: Review surface awareness and decisions during taxi, takeoff and landing.
Original Issue
Sep 3, 2008
From the Document
To prevent wrong runway takeoffs by identifying known contributing factors and by promoting pertinent operating procedures and training for pilots and flight engineers.
Recommended Action: Directors of safety, directors of operations, chief pilots, trainers of flightcrew, and flightcrew themselves – pilots and flight engineers – should be aware that these (above) are among the most persistent of the factors contributing to wrong runway takeoffs, and should collaborate to address them in ground training and in flight training using flight simulation devices. Operators are encouraged to read the panel’s full report to develop…
Study Focus: Review surface awareness and decisions during taxi, takeoff and landing.
Original Issue
Jul 24, 2008
From the Document
To announce changes in Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) § 61.23(d), effective July 24, 2008.
Recommended Action: Directors of safety, directors of operations, schedulers of pilots, and pilots themselves should be aware of the extended validity periods of airman’s medical certificates for pilots under age 40. For more information go to http://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/rulemaking/recently_published/ For More Information About the Content of This InFO: Any questions regarding the content of this InFO should be directed to Judi Citrenbaum, Office of…
Study Focus: Review qualification and recent-experience requirements.
Original Issue
Jul 10, 2008
From the Document
This InFO emphasizes the importance of pilot awareness regarding the characteristics and capabilities of non-instantaneous vertical speed instruments. It has been developed in response to National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) safety recommendation A-97-90 and supersedes Flight Standards Information Bulletin for Air Transportation (FSAT) 98-10A.
Recommended Action: Directors of safety and directors of operations (Part 121); directors of operations (part 135) and training managers should make their pilots aware (through specific training, placards, or other means) of the type of vertical speed information (instantaneous/non- instantaneous) provided by the vertical speed indicators installed in their airplanes, and make them aware of the ramifications that type of information could have on their perception…
Original Issue
Jul 10, 2008
From the Document
This InFO addresses Controlled Flight into Terrain (CFIT) training for pilots in air carrier operations and notifies air carrier certificate holders and pilots of a comprehensive training aid entitled “Controlled Flight into Terrain (CFIT) Education and Training Aid,” referred to herein as the CFIT Training Aid. In addition, this InFO has been developed in response to NTSB recommendations A-96-93 and A-96-95; and supersedes Flight Standards…
Recommended Action: Directors of safety, directors of operations and training managers need to be aware of the availability of the CFIT Training Aid and its usefulness in the operator’s training program. In addition: A.
Study Focus: Review qualification and recent-experience requirements.
Original Issue
Jul 10, 2008
From the Document
To ensure that flight crewmembers operating the Boeing DC-10 airplane are provided information about: • the potential for airplane attitude upsets caused by faulty control wheel steering (CWS) sensor inputs • the potential for overshoots in recovering from those upsets because of the airplane’s lag in responding to manual control input by flightcrew in cruise flight conditions This InFO has been developed in response to NTSB recommendations…
Recommended Action: Directors of safety, directors of operations and training managers should ensure that the information contained in this InFO is disseminated to their DC-10 flight crewmembers. In addition, each DC-10 operator should include Boeing Flight Operations Bulletin No.
Study Focus: Review aircraft-control risks and recognition of developing hazards.
Original Issue
Jul 10, 2008
From the Document
The purpose of this InFO is to provide the flight crewmembers operating the Boeing MD-11 airplane with information regarding the potential for pitch attitude upsets caused by improper operation of the autopilot, and to ensure that MD-11 training programs provide pilots with simulator instruction in the proper procedures for autopilot disengagement and the subsequent manual control of the airplane. It has been developed in response to NTSB…
Recommended Action: Directors of safety, directors of operations and training managers of certificate holders operating MD-11 type aircraft shall be aware of the information contained in this InFO. In addition: A.
Study Focus: Review aircraft-system operation, limitations and failure awareness.
Original Issue
Jun 20, 2008
From the Document
This InFO informs operators of new procedures for the acknowledgement/read back of altitude clearances as directed in Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Order 7110.65, Air Traffic Control, Paragraph 2-4-3, Pilot Acknowledgement/Read Back.
Recommended Action: Pilots should read back altitude/flight level assignments. Pilots and operators need to be aware of the change in phraseology and that ATC may request pilots to verify their assigned altitude/flight level.
Original Issue
Jun 3, 2008
From the Document
To alert operators departing Teterboro Airport (KTEB) via the TEB-5 Standard Instrument Departure (SID) of common errors that lead to deviations from the published altitude restrictions.
Recommended Action: Directors of operations, fractional ownership program managers, trainers of pilots, and pilots themselves should be aware of the high number of reported deviations concerning the TEB-5 SID. They should collaborate to ensure that standard operating procedures are developed and explicitly stated in the training programs and manuals used by pilots, specifying briefing requirements and pilots’ actions in conducting all SIDs.
Original Issue
May 27, 2008
From the Document
To make known a philosophy and a template for use in designing checklists for flightcrews in response to evidence of a fire in the absence of a cockpit alert.
Recommended Action: Directors of safety, directors of operations, chief pilots, fractional ownership program managers, trainers of flightcrews, and pilots and flight engineers themselves should be aware of these products and should consider collaborating to apply them to their own checklists, operations and training. Approved by: AFS-200 OPR: AFS-210, AFS-220
Original Issue
May 16, 2008
From the Document
This InFO provides guidance to operations inspectors concerning the use and limitations of the Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS) Freezing Rain Sensor to measure ice accretion. It supersedes Flight Standards Information Bulletin for Air Transportation (FSAT) 00-04.
Recommended Action: Directors of safety and directors of operations (Part 121); directors of operations (part 135) and training managers should ensure that the information contained in this InFO is made available to their flightcrews. In addition, ice accretion remarks reported by ASOS should NOT be used as the basis for airplane de-icing decisions or to make changes to anti-icing or de-icing procedures.
Original Issue
May 16, 2008
From the Document
A. This InFO was created to encourage the practice of preparing for an instrument approach as a backup during operation in night visual meteorological conditions (VMC), or whenever instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) might be encountered.
Recommended Action: Directors of safety, directors of operations, training managers and pilots should be aware of the importance of standard operating procedures and, in particular, the importance of pilot briefings and descent planning for visual approaches. The following recommended practice should be included as SOP in the training program and in the manuals used by the operator’s flightcrews: Approved by: AFS-200 OPR: AFS-220 Flightcrews should prepare for an…
Study Focus: Review weather hazards and how they affect planning and flight decisions.
Original Issue
May 16, 2008
From the Document
More than half of all transport category airplane accidents occur during approach and landing. This InFO promotes flightcrew training to reduce approach and landing accidents, using new training materials developed specifically for that purpose and it applies to the operations of transport category airplanes under parts 121 and 135.
Recommended Action: Directors of safety and directors of operations (Part 121); directors of operations (part 135); training managers and pilots are encouraged to be familiar with and use these flight crew training guides to reduce approach and landing accidents. Approved by: AFS-200 OPR: AFS-210
Study Focus: Review training practices and proficiency.
Original Issue
May 16, 2008
From the Document
This InFO emphasizes the notification responsibilities of a certificate holder’s management and those specific persons exercising operational control. It has been developed in response to National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) safety recommendation A-00-53 and supersedes Flight Standards Information Bulletin for Air Transportation (FSAT) 02-01A.
Recommended Action: Directors of safety and directors of operations (Part 121); directors of operations (part 135); training managers; and pilots should be aware of the contents of this InFO. In addition, certificate holders should review the hazardous materials spill procedures outlined in their manuals.
Study Focus: Review qualification and recent-experience requirements.
Original Issue
May 16, 2008
From the Document
This InFO provides guidance and information for pilots and operators regarding icing encounters at high altitudes.
Recommended Action: Directors of safety, directors of operations, fractional ownership program managers (as applicable), and flightcrew members of turbine aircraft need to understand, be aware of, and maintain constant vigilance for signs of high altitude icing conditions, for the effect these conditions can have on airplane and engine performance, and the need for the appropriate use of the engine anti-ice system. Approved by: AFS-200 OPR: AFS-220
Study Focus: Review weather hazards and how they affect planning and flight decisions.
Original Issue
May 16, 2008
From the Document
This InFO announces Change 22 to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Order 8900.1. This order contains aviation safety policy used by aviation safety inspectors (ASI) in performance of their official duties.
Recommended Action: Air carrier managers and other personnel should be aware that Change 22 to FAA Order 8900.1 is incorporated electronically into the FSIMS website. Air carrier personnel who are actively engaged in a process that uses FAA safety policy or are interacting with FAA Aviation Safety Inspectors should be aware that this Change is present in FSIMS.
Original Issue
Apr 29, 2008
From the Document
To inform air carrier certificate holders seeking to hire displaced pilots, and pilots seeking reemployment, of the provisions of the Pilot Records Improvement Act of 1996 (PRIA, or the Act) with respect to failed airlines holding pertinent pilot records.
Recommended Action: Directors of safety, directors of operations, chief pilots, persons involved with the hiring of pilots, and job-seeking pilots themselves should be aware of the content of this InFO, and the supplementary information available at the websites shown above. Point of
Study Focus: Review qualification and recent-experience requirements.
Original Issue
Apr 17, 2008
From the Document
This InFO captures Flight Standards Information Bulletins for Air Transportation (FSATs) that contain historical information useful in understanding how the FAA resolved past policy issues. Guidance: The FSATs presented below were not included in Order 8900.1, Flight Standards Information Management System (FSIMS).
Recommended Action: Operators may use these FSATs as reference material to gain an understanding of particular policy and/or safety issues. These FSATs may or may not present current guidance but are maintained here for historical purposes only.
Original Issue
Mar 21, 2008
From the Document
This InFO provides guidance to air carriers, operators, and flight crewmembers regarding the conduct of “other commercial flying” by flight crewmembers.
Recommended Action: The director of safety and director of operations (part 121) and director of operations (part 135) should accomplish the following: • Ensure that their manuals provide instruction and information to flight crewmembers addressing the reporting of “other commercial flying” • Have a process in place to ensure that “other commercial flying” is included in the flight time totals of the air carrier’s records in order to preclude any violations of the…
Original Issue
Mar 17, 2008
From the Document
Provides all operators advance notice of the change in phraseology that controllers in Canada will use when clearing aircraft to enter a runway in preparation for take off.
Recommended Action: Directors of safety, directors of operations, trainers, and pilots should clearly understand differing ATC terminology regulations when operating in Canada and other ICAO countries with regard to taxi clearances and the meaning of taxi clearances issued by Approved by: AFS-200 ground controllers. Pilots should be aware that if any ATC instructions are not understood a pilot should call upon ATC to clarify the discrepancy before taxiing or at any…
Study Focus: Review surface awareness and decisions during taxi, takeoff and landing.
Original Issue
Feb 28, 2008
From the Document
To provide updated compliance information regarding the ICAO Language Proficiency standards for operating internationally.
Recommended Action: All private, commercial or ATP as well as FEs and flight navigators should hold a certificate with the “English Proficient” endorsement when operating internationally as required crewmembers of an airplane or helicopter no later than March 5,
Study Focus: Review qualification and recent-experience requirements.
Original Issue
Source includes a cancellation/supersession notice.
Feb 15, 2008
From the Document
To provide operators with information pertaining to the extension of specific sections of the recently published extended operations (ETOPS) rule. Summary: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is delaying the compliance date for certain sections of the Extended Operations (ETOPS) final rule, published January 16, 2007, that established regulations governing the design, operation, and maintenance of certain airplanes operated in flights over…
Recommended Action: Directors of Operations, Chief Pilots, Directors of Maintenance, Company Check Airmen, Training Managers, and pilots of Part 135 air carriers should be aware of the new ETOPS compliance dates and begin implementing the processes, procedures, manual and training program updates to facilitate ETOPS compliance if so applicable.
Study Focus: Review maintenance and airworthiness responsibilities.
Original Issue
Feb 14, 2008
From the Document
Provide specific recommendations for air tour operators to maintain a responsive passenger manifest system that would correlate the flight number, passenger names, and contact information for NTSB accident investigators to use following an air tour accident.
Recommended Action: Air tour management personnel are highly encouraged to implement a responsive passenger manifest system that would correlate the flight number, passenger names, and contact number. Additionally, these records should be maintained for a minimum of 30 day.
Original Issue
Feb 14, 2008
From the Document
Recommend that part 91 and 135 air tour operators maintain a proactive flight operations monitoring program to assist in increasing the quality of service, to ensure pilot compliance with company and safety practices, and to assist NTSB accident investigators in investigating aircraft accident causal factors.
Recommended Action: Air tour management personnel are highly encouraged to implement a proactive flight operations monitoring program. This program should include innovative monitoring devices, along with periodic reviews of selected devices, videos, etc.
Original Issue
Feb 13, 2008
From the Document
To ensure that the message recently delivered to directors of safety, directors of operations, and chief pilots reaches every pilot and flight engineer under Part 121; and also to address concerns voiced by a number of certificate holders regarding the original 30-day target date for completion of the outreach action plan. Specifically, this InFO describes an alternative agenda for completion, no later than May 1, 2008.
Study Focus: Review surface awareness and decisions during taxi, takeoff and landing.
Original Issue
Source includes a cancellation/supersession notice.
Feb 7, 2008
From the Document
This InFO is issued to provide education and clarification for operators and pilots about the appropriate use and meaning, connotations and regulatory definitions of the terms “minimum fuel,” “emergency fuel,” and “reserve fuel.” Background and Definitions: a.
Recommended Action: Appropriate air operator management personnel should ensure that this information is made available to pilots and, where appropriate, incorporated into company flight operations manuals. Point of
Study Focus: Review aircraft-system operation, limitations and failure awareness.
Original Issue
Jan 16, 2008
From the Document
To consolidate questions and answers relating to the Fair Treatment of Experienced Pilots Act (the Act), effective December 13, 2007. This InFO supersedes InFOs 07021 and
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 and should collaborate immediately in implementing its provisions. They should refer to the public website (above) for more information relating to the Act.
Original Issue
Dec 18, 2007
From the Document
This InFO resolves any rumor or misinformation regarding cochlear implants. They are hearing aids within the meaning of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and may be used by passengers.
Recommended Action: Directors of safety, directors of operations, managers and trainers of ground-based passenger service agents and crewmembers, flight attendants and pilots should bear in mind that government and industry are committed to making air travel as easy as possible for people with disabilities. They should be aware of the growing popularity of cochlear implants and of the FAA determination permitting their use during flight operations.
Original Issue
Oct 18, 2007
From the Document
This InFO announces the September 27, 2007 launch of a new FAA application, available to operators, that consolidates a broad range of FAA source and reference materials for easy use.
Recommended Action: Directors of safety, directors of operations, trainers, aircraft dispatchers, pilots, flight attendants, and many others should become familiar with FSIMS in order to employ it as a powerful tool in pursuing our common goal of aviation safety. Approved by: AFS-200
Original Issue
Aug 3, 2007
From the Document
This InFO consolidates new and previously published information and supersedes SAFO 07002, In-Flight Fires Caused by Lithium Ion and Lithium Battery Failures. In addition to reminding operators to be aware of the risks associated with using lithium and lithium-ion batteries, this InFO announces the availability of guidance for the safe transport of batteries and battery-powered devices in the cabin.
Recommended Action: Directors of safety, directors of operations, training managers, and crewmembers in all operations should continue to be aware of the risks associated with batteries and battery-powered devices in the passenger cabin. Additionally, crewmembers should be aware of the content of the PHMSA guidance for the transport of batteries and battery-powered devices and should continue to be vigilant as batteries become more powerful and battery- powered…
Original Issue
Source includes a cancellation/supersession notice.
Jun 11, 2007
From the Document
This InFO provides operators with additional information to assist them in complying with Title 14 of the Code of the Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 121, § 121.340, Emergency flotation means. This InFO incorporates the essential content of SAFO 06003, which has been canceled.
Recommended Action: The director of safety and/or the director of operations for each air carrier operating under part 121 should accomplish the following: • Review the flotation equipment installed for use by passengers, paying particular attention to type, size, and number of units installed, including spares; • Consider installing flotation equipment designed specifically for in-lap children; • Review procedures for use of installed flotation equipment for…
Study Focus: Review preparation and response to abnormal or emergency situations.
Original Issue
Jun 6, 2007
From the Document
This InFO clarifies the meaning of regulations regarding an aircraft operator’s authority to determine the most appropriate passenger seat for use by a child using an approved CRS, including a harness-type CRS.
Recommended Action: Directors of safety, directors of operations, training managers, and crewmembers should understand regulations in parts 121, 125, and 135 with regards to seat locations for children using an approved CRS. Directors of safety and/or operations should ensure their carrier’s policy for the use of a CRS, including a harness-type CRS approved by § 21.305(d), complies with the applicable regulations in parts 121, 125, or 135.
Original Issue
May 17, 2007
From the Document
This InFO emphasizes that separation and sequencing of airplanes by air traffic control (ATC) depends on uniform performance by pilots with respect to published altitude and speed constraints, especially when conducting RNAV procedures.
Recommended Action: Directors of safety, directors of operations, fractional ownership program managers, and pilots should cooperate in ensuring that the practices described in this InFO are clearly understood and uniformly applied in flight operations. Approved by: AFS-200
Study Focus: Review traffic awareness and collision avoidance.
Original Issue
May 16, 2007
From the Document
This InFO announces Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) 07-22R1, alerting owners and operators of Eurocopter France (EFC) AS 350 and AS 355E helicopters of a potential hazard concerning the serrated lock washers (part number 341A75-3000-20) on the lower servo-control rod end-fittings on flight control actuators.
Recommended Action: Directors of operations, directors of maintenance, chief pilots, fractional ownership program managers, training managers, pilots, and mechanics operating/maintaining ECF AS 350 and AS 355E helicopters should review SAIB 07-22R1; mechanics and pilots should implement its specific recommended practices. Approved by: AFS-200
Study Focus: Review maintenance and airworthiness responsibilities.
Original Issue
Apr 4, 2007
From the Document
This InFO announces a four-level scheme of precipitation observations now used by air traffic controllers (ATC), and corresponding terms used in reporting precipitation to pilots.
Recommended Action: Directors of safety, directors of operations, fractional ownership program managers, trainers, and pilots should be aware of the implementation and meanings of new terms used by ATC when reporting precipitation to pilots, and ensure that those terms are addressed in training programs used by pilots. Approved by: AFS-200
Original Issue
Mar 16, 2007
From the Document
This InFO informs air carriers of the availability of the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) National Aviation Resource Manual for Quarantinable Diseases. The manual is for organizations involved in the response to a quarantinable disease incident of major public health significance at a United States (U.S.) international airport.
Recommended Action: Directors of safety, directors of operations, fractional ownership program managers and crewmembers of operators who may be potentially involved in the response to or recovery from a quarantinable disease incident at a U.S. international airport should be aware of the availability of this manual and the guidelines it contains. The manual is designed to be used as a resource for these organizations as they develop more detailed response plans to…
Original Issue
Feb 6, 2007
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.
Original Issue
Jan 5, 2007
From the Document
This InFO alerts operators, directors of operations (DOs), chief pilots, and flight crewmembers who may be using noise-canceling headsets of the potential for misdetection of audible alarms and other environmental sounds.
Recommended Action: Operators, DOs, chief pilots, and crewmembers of aircraft should evaluate their use of noise-canceling headsets. The FAA recommends sampling the available manufactured makes and models when performing such evaluations, since performance and attenuation properties vary.
Original Issue
Jan 5, 2007
From the Document
To inform operators at Thule or within range of the Thule VORTAC (THT) of position errors that can result from intentional or unintentional use of THT for position updating by Class II navigation systems using VOR signals for automatic updating.
Recommended Action: Directors of operations, directors of maintenance, directors of safety, training managers, chief pilots, and pilots operating to/from Thule or in range of the THT VORTAC should be familiar with the possible hazard described in this InFO. They should collaborate to develop procedures and training to ensure that THT VORTAC is de-selected before an airplane enters its service volume, and remains de-selected until the airplane leaves its service…
Original Issue
Nov 28, 2006
From the Document
To inform aircraft operators of the need for pilots to coordinate with the appropriate air traffic facility when they plan a maneuver away from a cleared route.
Recommended Action: Directors of safety, directors of operations (parts 121 and 135), training managers, and pilots should maintain or refresh their awareness of reporting requirements involving maneuvers in oceanic airspace. The key in this awareness is timeliness in communicating a crew’s intentions and/or actions.
Study Focus: Review airspace access, restrictions and coordination.
Original Issue
Oct 30, 2006
Introducing InFOs.
Recommended Action: Besides FAA inspectors, air carrier certificate holders particularly directors of safety (DOS) and directors of operations (DO) fractional ownership program managers, and training center managers should know of the InFO process and should pay particular attention to any InFO bearing directly on their operations. Operators should consider immediate implementation of any applicable action recommended in an InFO.
Original Issue