Urgent FAA safety alerts to operators, with subject, discussion, and recommended action.
What Is This Collection?
A Safety Alert for Operators is the FAA telling operators about an urgent safety issue and the action it recommends. SAFOs come from the FAA Flight Standards Service, usually in response to accidents, incidents, or emerging hazards. They are directive in tone even though compliance is voluntary.
Nov 17, 2015
From the Document
This SAFO encourages operators to define roles and responsibilities for the PF and PM.
Recommended Action: Directors of Operations, Directors of Training, Training Center Managers, Check Pilots, Training Pilots, and flightcrews should be familiar with the content of this SAFO. They should work together to ensure the content of this SAFO is incorporated into operational policy and provided to pilots during ground training, and reinforced during flight training and checks.
Original Issue
Oct 8, 2015
From the Document
This SAFO provides information to Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 119 certificate holders and part 129 foreign air carriers on carriage of spare lithium batteries in passenger and crewmember personal carry-on and checked baggage including carry-on baggage checked at the gate or from on-board an aircraft. Note: For this SAFO, “spare” refers to lithium batteries not installed in a portable electronic device.
Recommended Action: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) strongly urges certificate holders to consider the following actions: • Ensure all crewmembers and ground personnel handling passengers and baggage understand that they must report incidents where fire, violent rupture, explosion, or heat sufficient to be dangerous to packaging or personal safety to include charring of packaging, melting of packaging, scorching of packaging, or other evidence, occurs as…
Study Focus: Review qualification and recent-experience requirements.
Original Issue
Aug 6, 2015
From the Document
This SAFO alerts owners, operators, repair facilities, and maintenance technicians to a situation where several airworthiness approval tags (e.g., FAA Form 8130-3, Authorized Release Certificate) were issued indicating that V2500 fan blades were properly overhauled, however, these fan blades may not meet the VRS1003 blade repair limits for sidewall thickness.
Recommended Action: All owners, operators, repair facilities, and maintenance technicians who purchased V2500 fan blades as identified in the table above should ensure all required inspections, including blade wall thickness inspection (VRS1003), are performed in accordance with the V2500 Engine Manual. This action helps to ensure that V2500 fan blades conform to serviceable limits.
Study Focus: Review qualification and recent-experience requirements.
Original Issue
May 19, 2015
From the Document
This SAFO advises all operators and pilots of the need to ensure that transponders are in the altitude reporting mode whenever their aircraft is on an airport movement area at all airports.
Recommended Action: Operators should ensure that their procedures and manuals clearly state that flightcrews and general aviation (GA) pilots enable transponders to the altitude reporting mode (consult the aircraft’s flight manual to determine the specific transponder position to enable altitude reporting) and enable ADS-B Out transmissions (if equipped) any time their aircraft is positioned on any portion of an airport movement area. This includes all defined…
Original Issue
Mar 25, 2015
From the Document
This SAFO advises airplane owners/operators about the potential for un-commanded feathering events when PCUs and adapters are improperly installed, repaired or overhauled.
Recommended Action: Owners and operators of propellers and aircraft listed above should be familiar with the content of this SAFO and should ensure that any affected PCU’s are removed and replaced as soon as possible; beginning with those twin-engine aircraft where affected units are installed on both engines.
Original Issue
Mar 10, 2015
From the Document
This SAFO encourages air carriers to incorporate scenario-based go-around training into pilot training curricula.
Recommended Action: Directors of operations, directors of training, and training center managers should review the information in this SAFO and revise the go-around procedures and training as appropriate.
Study Focus: Review training practices and proficiency.
Original Issue
Dec 24, 2014
From the Document
This SAFO alerts airplane operators to the requirement that airport aeronautical data must include information obtained from Airport Facility Directories (AFD), Aeronautical Information Publications (AIP) or via Notices to Airmen (NOTAM), and other approved sources for restricted runways.
Recommended Action: Directors of safety and directors of operations (Part 121); should review the Airport Aeronautical Data program approved in OpSpec A009 to ensure that information for runways that are restricted in the AIP, AFD or via NOTAMs or other approved sources are distributed to operations personnel to include dispatch personnel and pilots prior to beginning each flight/mission/leg. Non-certificated runways should not be available for the calculation of…
Original Issue
Dec 15, 2014
From the Document
This SAFO serves to notify aircraft maintenance providers and operators about potential confusion to flightcrews that may result when using tie wraps or collars on circuit breakers.
Recommended Action: Directors of Safety, Directors of Maintenance, Chief Pilots and Training Managers should review aircraft maintenance procedures and ensure that contrasting color tie wraps or collars are available for use. They should also ensure that flightcrews and maintenance personnel are aware of company policy concerning procedures to deactivate and identify inoperative systems.
Study Focus: Review maintenance and airworthiness responsibilities.
Original Issue
Nov 25, 2014
From the Document
This SAFO serves to raise awareness of aircraft misconfigurations on takeoff with an emphasis on flap position.
Recommended Action: Directors of Operations, Directors of Safety, Program Managers, Directors of Training, Training Center Program Managers, Check Pilots, Training Pilots, Chief Pilots and flightcrews should be familiar with the information contained in this SAFO. They should work together to ensure that the content of this SAFO is emphasized in their training programs to raise awareness among their flightcrews of flap misconfiguration events.
Original Issue
Aug 21, 2014
From the Document
This SAFO alerts owners, operators, repair stations, and mechanics to the temporary loss of displayed heading and attitude in aircraft equipped with the Garmin GRS 77/77H AHRS (Attitude Heading Reference System).
Recommended Action: Operators using the products identified above should, as a preventative measure, not move the aircraft on the ground during the first 10 seconds after turning on the pilot’s and co-pilot’s (if present) PFD(s). Do not take off if the heading displayed on the PFD is noticeably drifting.
Original Issue
Mar 10, 2014
From the Document
This SAFO informs operators and maintenance personnel, about the continuing reports of GPS/ GNSS installations or upgrades in which integration with existing autopilots has resulted in less than ideal performance in some modes or conditions. Lateral and vertical performance of particular combinations of legacy autopilots and GPS/GNSS systems may or may not have been considered by the equipment manufacturer during the original integration and…
Recommended Action: All operators, maintenance personnel, Organization Designation Authorizations (ODA), Designated Engineering Representative (DER), and repair stations are reminded that when choosing to install or upgrade systems or equipment by means other than STC, a thorough evaluation of the alteration must still be accomplished. The evaluation must address system compatibility where it has not been previously established.
Study Focus: Review qualification and recent-experience requirements.
Original Issue
Feb 4, 2014
From the Document
This SAFO serves to inform Cessna Citation CE-500 operators of sensitive aileron trim controls.
Recommended Action: Directors of Operations, Program Managers, Directors of Training, Training Center Managers, Check Pilots, Training Pilots, and flightcrews should be familiar with the content of this SAFO. They should address any deficiencies found in their manuals in regards to the manufacturer’s recommended procedures and work together to ensure that the content of this SAFO is incorporated into operational policy, provided to pilots during ground training,…
Original Issue
Nov 4, 2013
From the Document
This SAFO highlights current guidance and best-practices for part 133 operators who conduct external-load operations with non-human external cargo (NHEC).
Recommended Action: Part 133 operators who conduct external-load operations with NHEC should include consideration for the appropriate control of spinning loads in the information section of the Rotorcraft-Load Combination Flight Manual required by § 133.47(c) and in standard operating procedures (SOP). The operator’s procedures should provide the following guidelines: • Pilots and ground personnel should be thoroughly trained and briefed.
Original Issue
Oct 10, 2013
From the Document
This SAFO advises about the potential for un-commanded feathering events when Propeller Control Units (PCU) and adapters are improperly repaired or overhauled.
Recommended Action: Owners and operators with these units should be familiar with the content of this SAFO and should ensure that any affected PCU’s are removed and replaced as soon as possible; beginning with those twin-engine aircraft where affected units are installed on both engines.
Original Issue
Aug 20, 2013
From the Document
This SAFO serves to recommend tie-down procedures for restraint of special cargo loads.
Recommended Action: Air carriers should review their Weight and Balance manual and cargo loading documents to ensure adherence to the manufacturers’ FAA-approved Weight and Balance manual or supplemental type certificate (STC) supplement. The review is to verify that over-simplified procedure substitutions are not used by the air carrier for securing special cargo load.
Original Issue
Aug 19, 2013
From the Document
This SAFO provides information on reducing the risk of runway incursions when taxiing on intersecting or active runways.
Recommended Action: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) strongly urges directors of operations, directors of safety, directors of training, directors of maintenance, and chief pilots collaborate to: • Minimize distractions, such as heads down time, discretionary company and cabin communications, engine starts and checklists when on any runway. • Promote awareness of the potential lack of visual safeguards when using runways as taxiways.
Study Focus: Review surface awareness and decisions during taxi, takeoff and landing.
Original Issue
May 17, 2013
From the Document
This SAFO advises operators of the potential safety impact of carrying and restraining heavy vehicle special cargo loads. The purpose is to reemphasize current policy and guidance concerning: weight and balance control procedures, cargo loading procedures, loading schedules and loading instructions.
Recommended Action: Each part 121 air carrier should review its approved weight and balance control program with emphasis on heavy vehicle special cargo loads. Point of
Original Issue
Feb 19, 2013
From the Document
This SAFO advises operators of the potential impact on safety due to LHDs (300 ft or more from the cleared flight level) in oceanic airspace. Additionally, this SAFO directs operators to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Oceanic Errors Safety Bulletin (OESB), which discusses current focus areas, standard operating procedures (SOP), and best practices.
Recommended Action: Directors of safety, directors of operations, chief pilots, fractional ownership program managers, training managers, and operators of aircraft should make their aircrews aware of the content of this SAFO. It is highly recommended that operators periodically review the OESB and related Web sites for current updating of best practices for Oceanic Airspace procedures.
Study Focus: Review airspace access, restrictions and coordination.
Original Issue
Jan 18, 2013
From the Document
This SAFO alerts owners, operators, repair stations, and mechanics holding Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certificates, to service difficulties and safety issues associated with the Aero Vodochody L-39C and L-39ZA variants.
Recommended Action: Owners, operators, repair stations, and mechanics that operate and maintain Aero Vodochody L-39C and L-39ZA airplanes should familiarize themselves with the information found in this SAFO, and in the associated Airworthiness Certification job aid.
Study Focus: Review qualification and recent-experience requirements.
Original Issue
Jan 4, 2013
From the Document
This SAFO encourages operators to promote manual flight operations when appropriate.
Recommended Action: Directors of Operations, Program Managers, Directors of Training, Training Center Managers, Check Pilots, Training Pilots, and flightcrews should be familiar with the content of this SAFO. They should work together to ensure that the content of this SAFO is incorporated into operational policy, provided to pilots during ground training, and reinforced in flight training and proficiency checks.
Original Issue
Jan 3, 2013
From the Document
This SAFO serves to inform air carriers and operators about a safety hazard related to standard issue coffee filter packages.
Recommended Action: Air carriers and operators are encouraged to add cautionary instructions and procedures to the Flight Attendant Manual (FAM) and training program, warning crew members of the dangers to personnel and equipment. Directors of safety, directors of operations, directors of in-flight and in-flight training and directors of maintenance, program and training managers should be aware of the safety hazard and mitigation strategies described in this SAFO.
Original Issue
Oct 15, 2012
From the Document
This SAFO advises registered owners and operators of the Boeing Company Model 737 airplanes equipped with B/E Aerospace 64B galleys of an airworthiness concern regarding possible latch failure on galley cabinets with ¼ turn latches installed with adhesive only fasteners.
Recommended Action: The FAA recommends that all owners and operators of the Boeing 737-300 and, 737-500 Series comply with the actions outlined in B/E Aerospace Service Bulletin 25-30-0426, Revision B, dated Oct 3, 2011.
Study Focus: Review maintenance and airworthiness responsibilities.
Original Issue
Jul 18, 2012
From the Document
This SAFO notifies maintenance personnel of a potentially hazardous situation which can cause serious injury and damage to equipment when working on or around the A-330 cargo door.
Recommended Action: It is recommended that air carriers that operate this equipment immediately alert maintenance to exercise extreme caution when working around the cargo door. Air carriers that operate this equipment should, as soon as possible, incorporate the information contained in Airbus service bulletin A330-52-3065, into their maintenance manuals and procedures to prevent any future cargo door slamming.
Study Focus: Review maintenance and airworthiness responsibilities.
Original Issue
Jul 9, 2012
From the Document
This SAFO reminds part 135 certificate holders and part 91K operators of the criticality of using SOPs during all phases of flight.
Recommended Action: Part 135 certificate holders and part 91K program managers should carefully review Advisory Circular (AC) 120-71A and other related guidance to ensure that they have in place effective and current SOPs for all phases of their operations. In addition, ensure that flightcrew members understand the importance of adhering to SOPs.
Study Focus: Review qualification and recent-experience requirements.
Original Issue
Apr 16, 2012
From the Document
This SAFO serves to alert Airbus A318/319/320 and A321 series airplane operators of a safety concern regarding over-wing escape slides and painted-over ball-lock release-pins.
Recommended Action: It is recommended that operators of these series of airplanes ensure that their maintenance personnel and providers are aware of the following: • Precautions outlined in manufacturer manuals for repainting this series of airplanes, • The requirement to protect certain parts of the aircraft against paint, and • Ball-lock release pins on over-wing escape slide doors on Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 series aircraft should be clean and free of paint…
Original Issue
Oct 26, 2011
From the Document
This SAFO serves to ensure that aircraft operators, pilots and airport personnel are aware of the installation, meaning, and use of RWSLs.
Recommended Action: Chief Operating Officers, Directors of Operations, Directors of Safety, Directors of Training, Directors of Maintenance, and Chief Pilots should review aircraft and vehicle operator training and incorporate RWSL information and procedures as appropriate: Provide RWSL information and resources on use and location of RWSL installations to pilots and appropriate maintenance personnel, as well as other personnel involved in taxiing aircraft or…
Study Focus: Review surface awareness and decisions during taxi, takeoff and landing.
Original Issue
Aug 15, 2011
From the Document
This SAFO reminds operators of actions necessary on aircraft with deactivated chemical oxygen generators in compliance with Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) Part 121, § 121.1500, SFAR No. 111(b)(1)(iii).
Recommended Action: Air carriers should review safety system processes that interface with the emergency oxygen system such as manual references, training curriculum, safety information cards and placards for aircraft with deactivated oxygen generators. Air carriers with automated preflight safety briefing systems should revise the automated preflight briefing script or instruct crewmembers to provide a “live demonstration” to address decompression procedures.
Study Focus: Review the information and decisions needed before departure.
Original Issue
Jul 9, 2011
From the Document
This SAFO alerts operators of the potential for heading discrepancies caused by surface operations in areas of known or suspected magnetic field anomalies and encourages CRJ operators to develop and implement procedures for operating in such areas.
Recommended Action: Directors of safety, directors of operations, chief pilots, fractional ownership program managers, training managers, and operators of aircraft should develop and implement procedures for operating in areas with known or suspected magnetic field anomalies.
Original Issue
Jul 1, 2011
From the Document
This SAFO alerts operators, owners and maintenance technicians that scrapped jet engine blades and vanes have been reintroduced into the aerospace system.
Recommended Action: Owners, operators, and maintenance technicians who purchased jet engine blades or vanes that were sourced through Shelby Enterprises, including Tara Aviation and Tara Technologies, should remove them from service.
Study Focus: Review aircraft-system operation, limitations and failure awareness.
Original Issue
Jun 10, 2011
From the Document
This SAFO notes an increase in Runway Incursions, and offers recommendations and resources to reduce the number of occurrences involving pilot errors.
Recommended Action: The FAA strongly urges Chief Operating Officers, Directors of Operations, Directors of Safety, Directors of Training, Directors of Maintenance, and Chief Pilots to collaborate to: Distributed by: AFS-200 OPR: AFS-220 Distribute runway incursion prevention information and resources to pilots, maintenance personnel, as well as other personnel involved in taxiing aircraft or operating vehicles within the Airport Operation Area. Ensure all…
Study Focus: Review surface awareness and decisions during taxi, takeoff and landing.
Original Issue
Feb 28, 2011
From the Document
This SAFO notifies maintenance personnel of a potentially hazardous situation which can cause serious injury while working on or around the EMB 190 thrust reversers.
Recommended Action: It is recommended that air carriers who operate this type of equipment, immediately alert maintenance to exercise extreme caution working around the area with the thrust reverser cowling opened, especially during high wind conditions. In addition, it is recommended that maintenance personnel utilize the thrust reverser hold-open-jib which is part of the engine change boot-strap-kit, to secure the door.
Study Focus: Review maintenance and airworthiness responsibilities.
Original Issue
Feb 4, 2011
From the Document
This SAFO informs Beechcraft Duke (BE-60) model airplane operators and those who oversee them on the need to properly check flap operation prior to takeoff.
Recommended Action: Pilots and operators of the Duke (BE-60) should properly verify the full operation of their wing flaps prior to takeoff in accordance with the Before Takeoff procedures. The Pilot’s Operating Manual reads “Flaps – Check operation and set.”
Study Focus: Review the information and decisions needed before departure.
Original Issue
Jan 6, 2011
From the Document
This SAFO stresses the importance of ensuring properly inflated tires and the potential consequences improper tire pressure can have on the performance of aircraft operations during Taxi, Takeoff and Landing.
Recommended Action: Air Carrier Certificate Holders, Fractional Ownership Program Managers, Training Center Managers, Directors of Maintenance, Accountable Managers, Maintenance Providers and others with responsibility for maintenance should become familiar with the contents of this SAFO. This SAFO’s intent is to ensure appropriate personnel are made aware of the importance of proper tire pressures, appropriately calibrated tire pressure gauges and servicing safety…
Original Issue
Dec 15, 2010
From the Document
This SAFO alerts operators of aircraft equipped with a Night Vision Imaging System (NVIS) of potential deficiencies in the configuration and condition of installed NVIS equipment.
Recommended Action: Directors of Maintenance, Directors of Safety, Directors of Operations, Chief Pilots, mechanics, and pilots operating or maintaining NVIS-equipped aircraft should take appropriate action to confirm the following: 1. Instructions for Continued Airworthiness (ICA) are current, correct, applicable by serial number, and are being properly applied by maintenance departments and personnel.
Study Focus: Review maintenance and airworthiness responsibilities.
Original Issue
Dec 7, 2010
From the Document
This SAFO provides safety information related to engine problems associated with potentially hazardous porous-coke conditions to airplane operators in general and with emphasis to Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 121 Extended-Range Operations (ETOPS) airplane operators.
Recommended Action: Operators should review their Continuous Analysis and Surveillance System (CASS) measures for all engine and oil combinations currently in service, with particular emphasis on the evaluation of airplanes approved for ETOPS with two engines, to determine that they have gathered and evaluated sufficient data, including operational experience and engine hardware disassembly inspection findings, to ensure that these combinations are not at risk of…
Study Focus: Review aircraft-system operation, limitations and failure awareness.
Original Issue
Nov 18, 2010
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.
Original Issue
Aug 6, 2010
From the Document
This SAFO advises operators flying aircraft lower than 1000 ft or less to be aware of the wire hazards in their areas of operation.
Recommended Action: Pilots, directors of operations, chief pilots, training program managers, and training centers providing training in airplanes or helicopters should emphasize to pilots the inherent dangers of flying in the wire environment and ensure such information is incorporated into their pilot training program.
Original Issue
Jul 6, 2010
From the Document
To clarify the meaning of the approaches to stall evaluation criteria as it relates to “minimal loss of altitude” in the Airline Transport Pilot PTS.
Recommended Action: Directors of Operations, Directors of Training, Training Center Managers, Check Pilots, Training Pilots, and flightcrews should be familiar with the content of this SAFO. They should work together to ensure that the content of this SAFO is provided to pilots during ground training, reinforced in flight training, and proficiency checks.
Study Focus: Review aircraft-control risks and recognition of developing hazards.
Original Issue
Jun 16, 2010
From the Document
This SAFO alerts operators of Bombardier model CL-600-2B19/2C10/2D15/2D24 (CRJ-200, -700, and -900 series) airplanes, specifically, and generally others, of the need to ensure proper directional heading alignment of slaved compass systems and indications prior to the airplane taking flight.
Recommended Action: Directors of safety, directors of operations, chief pilots, fractional ownership program managers, training managers, dispatchers, and operators of airplanes equipped with slaved compass systems should familiarize their pilots of the potential for such anomalous behavior when such magnetic disturbances are likely.
Original Issue
Jun 16, 2010
From the Document
To alert all operators of MD-11 aircraft equipped with the Honeywell Pegasus FMC, with Future Air Navigation System (FANS) enabled, of possible erroneous Air Traffic Control (ATC) messages displayed in the CPDLC log.
Recommended Action: Directors of Operations, Safety, Training, and Maintenance for any MD-11 operator with the Honeywell Pegasus FMC, FANS enabled, should be fully informed of the seriousness of this problem and take the necessary steps to ensure that the MD-11 CPDLC data link system displays only valid current messages. If this anomaly continues, operators should consider the CPDLC data link system unreliable and develop alternate communication procedures.
Study Focus: Review communication and coordination procedures.
Original Issue
May 24, 2010
From the Document
To provide safety information to the public of potential problems associated with aircraft with oversize tires (tundra tires), ski, and wheel/ski configurations.
Recommended Action: Persons interested in operating aircraft with oversize tundra tire, ski, or wheel/ski installations should be aware of the safety risks involved and take appropriate measures to reduce those risks. SAFOSafety Alert for Operators U.S.
Original Issue
Mar 16, 2010
From the Document
This SAFO provides information concerning approved training programs for flight crewmembers and inadvertent encounters of in-flight icing conditions, including freezing drizzle/freezing rain.
Recommended Action: Directors of safety and directors of operations (part 121 and 135); and training managers for all operators are encouraged to review and amend, if required, flight crewmember and dispatcher training programs to include: a. A review of meteorological conditions likely to cause freezing drizzle and freezing rain aloft (SLD conditions) b.
Study Focus: Review weather hazards and how they affect planning and flight decisions.
Original Issue
Feb 18, 2010
From the Document
This SAFO informs the aviation industry of possibly contaminated halon gas, used in fire extinguishers.
Recommended Action: The FAA recommends that air agencies with L-EE ratings perform a quality test of the halon products currently within their facility. Verify the quality of halon in their possession or provided by suppliers through effective testing or certification attesting to the quality of halon.
Original Issue
Feb 4, 2010
From the Document
To alert operators and pilots of airplanes with unpowered elevator control surfaces that increased elevator control forces may be required for proper rotation to the takeoff attitude after treatment with Type II or IV anti-icing fluids.
Recommended Action: For operators of aircraft with unpowered elevator controls and rotation speed below, at, or only marginally above 100 knots, directors of training, directors of operations, directors of safety, chief pilots, check airmen, pilot instructors, and training providers should review winter operations training to ensure that pilots are trained on the control column forces that may be necessary to rotate the aircraft to the takeoff attitude when the…
Study Focus: Review weather hazards and how they affect planning and flight decisions.
Original Issue
Dec 12, 2009
From the Document
This SAFO alerts owners, operators, and certificated repair stations that passenger and/or crew DC power outlets on retrofitted aircraft may be improperly installed and may present a potential airworthiness hazard.
Recommended Action: Owners/operators of aircraft with retrofitted DC power outlet installations should discontinue use of these installations and or disable them until an evaluation by an appropriately FAA- certified mechanic or designee has determined that the adapters can be safely used and all airworthiness requirements are met. This determination should confirm that the documented installation conforms to the aircraft’s properly altered condition and that other…
Study Focus: Review qualification and recent-experience requirements.
Original Issue
Nov 5, 2009
From the Document
To ensure that Learjet 60 Training curriculums properly address the best practices on recognizing thrust reverser(s) stowage while commanding deployment during takeoff and landing phases of flight.
Recommended Action: Directors of safety, directors of operations, training center program managers and individuals responsible for training programs are encouraged to review their training curriculums to ensure emphasis on recognizing inadvertent stowage of thrust reversers during takeoff and landing phases of flight.
Study Focus: Review training practices and proficiency.
Original Issue
Oct 20, 2009
From the Document
To emphasize the importance of including maximum performance landings on contaminated runways in simulator training.
Recommended Action: Directors of safety, directors of operations, chief pilots, check airmen, pilot instructors, line pilots of certificate holders, and training providers should develop a program with the following minimum elements: • Standard operating procedures (SOP)/profiles should incorporate the stabilized approach terminating with a landing in the touchdown zone, the proper application of aircraft landing performance data, the proper deployment of aircraft…
Study Focus: Review training practices and proficiency.
Original Issue
Oct 20, 2009
From the Document
To emphasize to operators and flightcrews the importance of recognizing and acting on rapidly deteriorating weather conditions in regards to landings.
Recommended Action: Directors of safety, directors of operations, chief pilots, check airmen, pilot instructors, and line pilots of certificate holders should become familiar with the content of this SAFO and understand that the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recommends this training be required. The FAA will poll operators in the coming six months to discern their implementation.
Study Focus: Review weather hazards and how they affect planning and flight decisions.
Original Issue
Sep 11, 2009
From the Document
To provide insights to operators and crew for mitigating fatigue in short-haul flight operations.
Recommended Action: The part 121 Directors of Operations and Safety and part 135 Directors of Operations should review their current policies and procedures addressing flight crewmember fatigue countermeasures. This review should address at minimum: Approved by: AFS-200 OPR: AFS-220/250 Approved by: AFS-200 OPR: AFS-220/250 • Current scheduling practices; • Scheduled or assigned rest periods; • Establish effective rest enhancing prerequisites for layover city…
Study Focus: Review the human factors that influence safe decisions.
Original Issue
Jun 23, 2009
From the Document
To recommend procedures for fighting fires caused by lithium type batteries in portable electronic devices (PED).
Recommended Action: Directors of safety, directors of operations, training managers, and crewmembers should collaborate to include these procedures in the operator’s manuals, operations, and training.
Original Issue
Jun 12, 2009
From the Document
This SAFO emphasizes the necessity for operators of all aircraft and especially the Learjet Model 60, to maintain the correct tire pressure. This is done by measuring cold tire pressure at the intervals recommended by the manufacturer.
Recommended Action: The accident in South Carolina is one of many in which malfunctioning aircraft tires may have been a safety issue. All personnel should become familiar with the contents of this SAFO, and the appropriate personnel should check tire pressure using the manufacturer’s recommended intervals and procedures.
Original Issue
May 21, 2009
From the Document
Incorporate constant-angle-of-descent techniques for all nonprecision approach procedures. This SAFO addresses National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Safety Recommendation A-06-8.
Recommended Action: Part 121 Directors of Safety and Directors of Operations, part 135 Directors of Operations, and Training Managers should perform a thorough review of their General Operations Manual (GOM) and training program to evaluate and, if necessary, develop and implement procedures for the use of constant angle descent techniques during nonprecision approach procedures. The use of constant angle of descents techniques should be a focal point during all…
Original Issue
Apr 29, 2009
From the Document
To inform air operators of recently developed guidance from the CDC.
Recommended Action: Directors of safety, directors of operations, and fractional ownership program managers should be familiar with the CDC Web-site and its recommendations about the swine flu. The FAA expects that these individuals will adopt new or revised CDC recommendations, as appropriate, and distribute this information to its crewmembers.
Original Issue
Apr 6, 2009
From the Document
This SAFO supersedes Flight Standards Air Transportation (FSAT) Bulletin 96-17, which addressed National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) safety recommendation A-95-098. It reminds operators the importance of accurately verifying the indications of a powerplant failure, and to appropriately respond with proper procedures while planning for the remainder of the flight.
Recommended Action: Directors of safety, directors of operations, and individuals responsible for training programs are encouraged to review their training curriculums for emphasis of the following points: • Initial and recurrent training programs should provide a broad range of engine failure scenarios, including failures that may be misinterpreted as an engine failure. • Once the flightcrew verifies an engine failure, they should take action to accomplish the…
Study Focus: Review aircraft-system operation, limitations and failure awareness.
Original Issue
Mar 6, 2009
From the Document
This SAFO advises operators utilizing NVGs that certain LED lighting systems fall outside the combined visible and near-infrared spectrum of NVGs.
Recommended Action: Pilots, directors of operations, chief pilots, training program managers, and training centers either using, or providing training for NVGs should advise pilots of the limitations outlined in this SAFO and ensure such information is incorporated into the pilot NVG training program. Approved by: AFS-200 OPR: AFS-250
Original Issue
Feb 11, 2009
From the Document
This SAFO emphasizes the importance of pilots’ and dispatchers’ preflight and in-flight planning for winter airport operations during taxi, takeoff, and landing. The SAFO elaborates on the previously published, SAFO 08012 regarding ground operations during snow and ice conditions.
Recommended Action: Directors of Operations, Directors of Training and flightcrews should review and emphasize operations guidance and procedures in the following areas: 1) Preflight and In-Flight Planning: Aircraft operators and flightcrews need to be proactive in obtaining accurate and timely airport surface condition information. These actions may require direct contact, via landline or radio, with the airport operator, air carrier’s local operations facility,…
Study Focus: Review the information and decisions needed before departure.
Original Issue
Jan 27, 2009
From the Document
This SAFO is issued to remind inspectors, operators, owners and maintenance technicians of the mandatory requirement to comply with Airworthiness Directive (AD) 87-20-03 R2. This AD requires periodic inspections of the seat tracks, and repair or replacement of the tracks as necessary.
Recommended Action: Recommend pilots and operators become familiar with the requirements and intervals of AD 87-20-03 R2 due to the significant operational safety concern it addresses. Also recommend pilots and operators confirm their maintenance provider’s knowledge and accomplishment of this AD to eliminate incidents and accidents due to in-flight seat slippage of pilot and co-pilot seats.
Study Focus: Review aircraft-system operation, limitations and failure awareness.
Original Issue
Jan 13, 2009
From the Document
To recommend comprehensive procedures and training for all electrical failures with a potential for main battery depletion.
Recommended Action: Directors of Safety, Directors of Training, Directors of Operations, trainers and check airmen for operators of transport category aircraft should review Additional, Irregular, Non-Normal and Emergency procedures regarding electrical difficulties for conformance with manufacturer’s recommended procedures. Review QRH or other procedural guidance to ensure that the procedures lead to problem resolution rather than complication.
Study Focus: Review aircraft-system operation, limitations and failure awareness.
Original Issue
Dec 10, 2008
From the Document
This SAFO is issued to encourage all airlines operating under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 121, that have the capability to review flight data recorder (FDR) data, including in particular regional airlines, to review FDR data from non-revenue flights for safety analysis purposes.
Recommended Action: All air carriers operating under part 121 that have the capability to review FDR data, including in particular regional airlines, should place special emphasis on reviewing FDR data from non-revenue flights in order to verify that the flights are being conducted according to standard operating procedures (SOP). If FDR analysis indicates a potential trend of SOP non-compliance during such flights, that information should be communicated to…
Original Issue
Nov 14, 2008
From the Document
This SAFO is to familiarize Convair 580 operators with the circumstances of a recent accident that occurred from not following the manufacturer’s approved procedures for fuel crossfeed. This SAFO replaces SAFO 06011, Convair 580 fuel crossfeed, and potential for fuel starvation.
Recommended Action: Directors of safety, directors of operations, instructors and pilots of certificate holders operating the Convair 580 should be familiar with the pertinent NTSB accident report and with the content of this SAFO. They should review the procedures contained in the operating manuals used by their pilots, and pertinent pilot training.
Study Focus: Review aircraft-system operation, limitations and failure awareness.
Original Issue