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.
Jul 1, 2026
From the Document
This SAFO provides safety information to operators that have CVRs installed on their aircraft.
Recommended Action: The FAA recommends that each operator who has a CVR installed confirm that company manuals contain instructions that the CVR circuit breaker be pulled after a reportable event. The instruction that the CVR circuit breaker is pulled could be included in flight operation manuals, maintenance manuals, and dispatch manuals, increasing the likelihood that the task is accomplished.
Original Issue
Jan 8, 2026
FlightPush Overview
Space launches and reentries can close airspace or trigger sudden reroutes when falling debris threatens aircraft. This alert asks air carriers, general aviation operators, and flightcrews to account for launch hazards during planning and prepare for delays, diversions, and airspace changes.
Recommended Action: Directors of Operations, Chief Pilots, Dispatch, Program Managers, Operational Control Staff, and flightcrews should ensure that the appropriate operator, pilot, and dispatch personnel are advised and trained on the impact of space launch and reentry operations and should take appropriate actions to mitigate the impact, which could significantly reduce safety.
Study Focus: Review how launch and reentry activity affects airspace planning.
Original Issue
Oct 7, 2024
From the Document
This SAFO serves to notify Operators of Boeing model 737, 737 -600/-700,-800,-900,- 900ER(737NG) and 737-8, -8200, and -9 (737 MAX) series airplanes equipped with Collins Aerospace SVO-730 RRGAs that the potential exists for limited or jammed rudder movement.
Recommended Action: Operators should familiarize themselves with the information contained in this SAFO and Boeing’s Multi-Operator Message (MOM) 24-0142-02B. This MOM references an Operations Manual Bulletin (OMB) to be provided to each operator to reiterate appropriate flightcrew guidance. Per the Boeing OMB, restricted rudder may also be identified during a dual autopilot approach on airplanes equipped with Fail Operational Autoland systems with RRGA installed.…
Original Issue
Jul 15, 2024
From the Document
This SAFO serves to remind the civilian air show community of the need to ensure that appropriate well-defined procedures are established when conducting mass aircraft demonstrations at air shows.
Recommended Action: The FAA encourages all participants to implement the following risk mitigations while conducting mass aircraft demonstrations: SAFOSafety Alert for Operators U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration SAFO 24005 DATE: 07/15/24 Flight Standards Service Washington, DC Distributed by: Flight Standards • Participant Experience with Mass Aircraft Demonstrations. o The Air Boss should be experienced and have a background in mass…
Original Issue
Mar 4, 2024
From the Document
This SAFO informs owners and operators of Aero Vodochody L39 aircraft of erroneous altitude indications presented to the pilot and reported by the Mode C transponder.
Recommended Action: Owners and operators should contact Aero Vodochody for recommendations to resolve this issue. When contacting Aero Vodochody, owners and operators should reference the CAA Czech Republic letter, ref.: 000590-19-401.
Study Focus: Review qualification and recent-experience requirements.
Original Issue
Jan 25, 2024
From the Document
This SAFO provides information and guidance to operators and manufacturers regarding operations in a GPS/GNSS disrupted environment.
Recommended Action: Prior to departure, operators should be aware of potential risk locations, check for any relevant Notices to Air Missions (NOTAMs), plan fuel contingencies, and research alternative conventional arrival/approach procedures at the destination and all alternate airports. When available, operators should plan to use conventional Navigational Aids (NAVAIDs) in these locations.
Original Issue
Jan 21, 2024
From the Document
This SAFO informs aircraft operators under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) Parts 91, 91 subpart K (Part 91K), 121, 125, 129, and 135 about information pertaining to the Boeing 737-900ER fuselage plug assembly. This SAFO also recommends that operators perform key portions of the Boeing 737-900ER Fuselage Plug Assembly Maintenance Planning Document (MPD) Inspection Tasks, related to the 4 locations where a bolt/nut/pin…
Recommended Action: Operators are encouraged to conduct a visual inspection to ensure the door plug is restrained from any movements through the two (2) upper guide track bolts and two (2) lower arrestor bolts. Please refer to the Aircraft Maintenance Manual and 737-900ER Fuselage Plug Assembly Maintenance Planning Document (MPD) for more information, regardless of if this inspection has been conducted under the existing maintenance program prior to the EAD.
Study Focus: Review maintenance and airworthiness responsibilities.
Original Issue
Oct 17, 2023
From the Document
This SAFO alerts aircraft owners, operators, air agencies, suppliers, distributors, and maintenance personnel of the sale of salvaged BHT 206 parts.
Recommended Action: Aircraft owners, operators, air agencies, suppliers, distributors, and maintenance personnel are encouraged to accomplish a thorough review of their aircraft, aircraft records, and parts inventories for any article traceable to Mr. Schlotzhauer, Fantasy Flight, LLC, or to the helicopter involved in the accident (Bell BHT-206L, serial no.
Study Focus: Review maintenance and airworthiness responsibilities.
Original Issue
Sep 12, 2023
From the Document
The purpose of this SAFO is to alert aircraft owners, operators, air agencies, parts suppliers and maintenance technicians of suspected unapproved parts represented as being removed from civil aircraft N536T, which are actually from a foreign aircraft of unknown origin.
Recommended Action: Aircraft owners, operators, air agencies, parts suppliers and maintenance technicians are encouraged to accomplish a thorough review of their aircraft, aircraft records, and parts inventories for any article traceable to N536T. Any affected articles identified should be quarantined to prevent installation until eligibility for installation can be determined.
Study Focus: Review maintenance and airworthiness responsibilities.
Original Issue
Aug 4, 2023
From the Document
This SAFO reminds aircraft operators that use CPDLC to ensure that all parts of a clearance are appropriately loaded into the Flight Management System (FMS) prior to departure. In addition, route clearances and revisions received, require the flightcrew to manually input Standard Instrument Departures (SID) into the FMS each time a UM79 message is received.
Recommended Action: Aircraft operators using CPDLC should follow standardized procedures (including checklists) anytime they receive a routing change to ensure all parts of the new route are correctly loaded into their FMS. Particular attention should be paid when receiving UM79 clearances to ensure SIDs are manually reloaded prior to departure.
Original Issue
Jul 28, 2023
From the Document
This SAFO serves to alert operators of Boeing airplane models, 737-200, 737-300, 737-400, 737-500, 747-200, 747-300, 747-400, 757-200, 767-200, and 767-300 of erroneous MTOW calculation from PET Reporters and the methods for correction.
Recommended Action: In accordance with Boeing MOM-MOM-23-0179-01B, Boeing recommends that affected operators: 1) Update PET to Version 4.5, 2) Delete any PET Reporters Runway Takeoff Weight (RTOW) charts that were generated using the older versions of PET, and 3) Generate new RTOW charts using PET Version 4.5.
Original Issue
Jul 25, 2022
From the Document
This SAFO provides information to operators of Boeing airplanes regarding potentially incorrect takeoff and/or landing calculations when using OPT v4.70 for iOS.
Recommended Action: 1. Operators using OPT for iOS should obtain a copy of the applicable MOM and any subsequent communications from Boeing regarding this issue.
Original Issue
Jun 14, 2022
From the Document
This SAFO informs operators that aircraft exposed to wind speeds that meet or exceed the ground gust criteria specified by the Boeing Company in the updated AMM are subject to damage that could cause an incident/accident.
Recommended Action: Owners and operators of Boeing DC-9/MD-80 series and B717 model airplanes should: • Become familiar with the SLs identified in this SAFO, and • Review or develop procedures that define who is responsible for monitoring the wind speeds that affect parked airplanes, and who is responsible for notifying maintenance personnel when conditions could meet or exceed the ground gust criteria specified in the AMM as revised by Boeing.
Study Focus: Review maintenance and airworthiness responsibilities.
Original Issue
Dec 23, 2021
From the Document
This SAFO provides information and guidance to operators regarding the risk of potential adverse effects on RAs when operating in the presence of 5G C-Band wireless broadband signals.
Recommended Action: 1. The FAA encourages all operators to equip their aircraft with 5G C-Band tolerant RAs as soon as possible.
Study Focus: Review communication and coordination procedures.
Revision 1
Oct 20, 2021
From the Document
This SAFO warns of the potential for inadvertent pilot activation of the go-around mode on Boeing 757 and 767 airplanes.
Recommended Action: 1 Although available data indicates that inadvertent activation of the go-around mode on Boeing 757 and 767 airplanes may be a rare event, the FAA recommends that pilots, operators, and training providers should be aware of the facts and circumstances of February 23, 2019 accident described in this SAFO. The FAA reminds Boeing 757 and 767 pilots, operators, and training providers of the close proximity of the speedbrake lever to the left…
Original Issue
Jul 27, 2021
From the Document
This SAFO warns airplane operators and pilots of risks associated with visual approaches.
Recommended Action: The FAA recommends Directors of Operations, Directors of Safety, Directors of Training, and Chief Pilots to: • Ensure all training programs include scenario-based modules, which stress the risk mitigation strategies in this SAFO, and best practices in SAFO 17001; “Pilot and Flightcrew Awareness of Class B Airspace Boundaries” (January 29, 2017), and SAFO 17010; “Incorrect Airport Surface Approaches and Landings” (August 18, 2017). • Monitor…
Original Issue
Jul 23, 2021
From the Document
This SAFO alerts operators of the importance of notifying ATC when conducting ILS autoland procedures. It emphasizes the importance of pilot awareness throughout the coupled approach and autoland maneuver.
Recommended Action: 1. Operators are encouraged to incorporate flightcrew operational procedures for the flightcrew to inform ATC of their intent to conduct an autoland approach.
Original Issue
Jul 21, 2021
From the Document
This SAFO serves to inform operators about the importance of inspecting lavatory fire extinguishing bottles as part of their return-to-service maintenance checks on aircraft that have been parked or stored for a prolonged period in a high-temperature environment (i.e. any environment where temperatures in the aircraft cabin are likely to reach levels that could trigger lavatory fire extinguishing bottles to discharge). This information applies…
Recommended Action: Operators should inspect lavatory fire extinguishing bottles on in-service aircraft that were parked or stored for a prolonged period in a high-temperature environment, if such inspection was not performed as part of the return-to service checks. Operators should also add this inspection to any future return-to-service aircraft.
Study Focus: Review maintenance and airworthiness responsibilities.
Original Issue
Mar 9, 2021
From the Document
This SAFO alerts aircraft owners, operators, air agencies, and maintenance technicians of fraudulent or intentionally false entries in airworthiness records of parts that may be used on type- certificated products by Big Wings Interiors, Inc. Commonly known as “Big Wings,” this non-certificated interior shop performed work on parts to be installed in aircraft interiors for operators certificated to operate under Title 14 of the Code of Federal…
Recommended Action: Aircraft owners, operators, manufacturers, maintenance organizations, parts suppliers, and parts distributors should inspect their aircraft, aircraft records, and parts inventories for any articles/parts/materials approved for return to service by Big Wings that used a Certificate of Flammability Testing for return to service. An appropriately certificated person should carefully SAFOSafety Alert for Operators U.S.
Study Focus: Review qualification and recent-experience requirements.
Original Issue
Jan 29, 2021
From the Document
This SAFO provides information and recommendations to domestic and foreign operators regarding the return to service of Boeing 737-8 and 737-9 airplanes (referred to collectively as the 737 MAX) and the changes that have been made to the 737 MAX aircraft design, Aircraft Maintenance Manuals (AMM), Fault Isolation Manual (FIM), Component Maintenance Manual (CMM), Maintenance Review Board Report (MRBR), and the Master Minimum Equipment List (MMEL).
Recommended Action: Domestic and foreign operators of Boeing 737 MAX airplanes should be familiar with the content of this SAFO and referenced materials. In addition to completing any actions required by AD 2020-24-02, operators of 737 MAX airplanes should incorporate all of the latest revisions of the Boeing AMM (or equivalent procedures), the latest FIM, and the latest MRBR into their maintenance and/or inspection programs, and must incorporate the latest MMEL…
Study Focus: Review maintenance and airworthiness responsibilities.
Original Issue
Nov 23, 2020
From the Document
This SAFO serves to alert operators using a Saircorp console in Textron Aviation Inc. (previously Cessna Aircraft Company) Model 172-, 177-, 182-, 185-, 205-, 206-, 210-, 310-, 320-, 337-, and 340-series airplanes, as well as other manufacturers’ aircraft, where the console is not fastened to the aircraft. In the event of an accident, hard landing, braking, or severe turbulence, movement of these hard metal cabinet consoles poses a significant…
Recommended Action: Operators utilizing Saircorp consoles in Textron Aviation Inc. Model 172-, 177-, 182-, 185-, 205-, 206-, 210-, 310-, 320-, 337-, and 340-series airplanes as well as other manufacturers’ aircraft where the console is not fastened to the aircraft should: • Take appropriate preflight action to ensure that the console does not shift during aircraft operations; • Take appropriate preflight action to ensure that the console does not interfere with or…
Original Issue
Nov 18, 2020
From the Document
This SAFO provides information to air carriers (domestic and foreign), operators, and training providers regarding additional pilot training needed due to The Boeing Company, Inc. implementation of design changes and Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) revisions for Boeing 737-8 and 737-9 airplanes.
Recommended Action: U.S. Directors of Operations, Directors of Training, and Training Center Managers should be familiar with the content of this SAFO.
Study Focus: Review qualification and recent-experience requirements.
Original Issue
Jul 21, 2020
From the Document
This SAFO serves to warn operators conducting skydiving operators of the dangers of improperly removing the right hand control wheel and leaving the associated control tube in place.
Recommended Action: All Cessna single engine operators engaging in skydiving operations should check their aircraft to ensure, when the control wheel is removed the remaining control tube be removed as well to prevent a hazard and loss of controllability of the aircraft. This work should be done by an appropriately certificated and qualified personnel preferably with maintenance experience on Cessna single engine aircraft.
Original Issue
Jul 6, 2020
From the Document
This SAFO serves to alert air carriers and commercial operators of the increased risk while operating in terminal airspace or controlled airspace surrounding an airport tower when those ATC facilities unexpectedly cease operations. This SAFO also provides guidance for air carriers and commercial operators authorized to conduct operations under these circumstances.
Recommended Action: Directors of Safety (Part 121 only), Directors of Operations, training managers, flightcrew members, and aircraft dispatchers/flight followers should review OpSpec C064 or C080, as applicable. Additionally, operators authorized to conduct terminal area instrument flight rule (IFR) operations at airports without an operating control tower or in class G (uncontrolled) airspace, should consider the following additional safety measures: (1) For an…
Study Focus: Review airspace access, restrictions and coordination.
Original Issue
Jun 2, 2020
From the Document
This SAFO alerts operators and maintainers of the issue with the Robinson R44 helicopters hydraulic flight control system and to inform the audience of the Safety Advisory Notice AO-2011-016- SAN-001. The Safety Advisory Notice issued by the ATSB in response to a fatal Robinson R44 accident.
Recommended Action: The FAA recommends that operators and maintainers take the necessary actions to inspect the hydraulic flight control system on the Robinson R44 helicopters and review the manufactures service bulletin(s) relevant to the system.
Original Issue
Apr 24, 2020
From the Document
This SAFO alerts aircraft owners, operators, air agencies, and maintenance technicians of fraudulent documentation and possible improper maintenance performed on a variety of aircraft accessories/articles approved for return to service after November 3, 2016, by an employee of Aviatronics, LLC. This repair station previously held Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Certificate No.
Recommended Action: Aircraft owners, operators, manufacturers, maintenance organizations, parts suppliers, and parts distributors should inspect their aircraft, aircraft records, and parts inventories for any articles/parts approved for return to service by Aviatronics, LLC, after November 3, 2016. • Any such articles/parts installed on an aircraft should be removed and an appropriate approval for return to service inspection/action should be accomplished.
Study Focus: Review qualification and recent-experience requirements.
Original Issue
Apr 14, 2020
From the Document
This SAFO alerts aircraft owners, operators, air agencies, and maintenance technicians of potential hazards related to damaged or loosely installed EMAs (i.e., EMA, EMA bracket and EMA housing).
Recommended Action: Aircraft owners, operators, air agencies, and maintenance technicians should periodically ensure that the EMA is not damaged (e.g., cracked or bent) or loosely installed by examining the EMA, EMA housing and EMA brackets. During the examination: • Avoid abrupt impacts to the EMA or EMA installation.
Study Focus: Review maintenance and airworthiness responsibilities.
Original Issue
Apr 6, 2020
From the Document
This SAFO serves to warn owners, operators and maintenance providers of the potential hazards of utilizing vacuum-type (suction grip) fall-arrest protection systems on Boeing model 787 airplanes due to paint adhesion failures.
Recommended Action: All operators and repair facilities should review their fall protection procedures. If they allow suction grip type units to be attached to the B-787 upper wing surfaces, they should stop such actions or procedures.
Study Focus: Review maintenance and airworthiness responsibilities.
Original Issue
Mar 26, 2020
From the Document
This SAFO provides information and recommendations to air carriers, aircraft operators and all pilots regarding the potential effects of parking overflow aircraft in excess of airport capacity.
Recommended Action: Directors of Operations, Chief Pilots, and aircraft operators should notify their flightcrew of the existence of various degrees of overflow parking. Air carriers with Safety Management Systems (SMS) should perform risk assessments for each airport experiencing overflow parking to determine specific risk mitigations.
Original Issue
Feb 27, 2020
From the Document
This SAFO alerts operators, owners, and maintenance providers of aircraft with PT6A engines of a safety issue regarding the incorrect installation of reversing levers (beta arms) and related components in PT6A engines.
Recommended Action: Maintenance personnel and facilities should visually verify, on Pratt & Whitney Canada model PT6A engines, that the propeller-reversing lever, or beta arm, and guide pin are correctly installed and, if necessary, fix any improper installations. Verification should be accomplished during routine scheduled inspections both before and after propeller installation.
Study Focus: Review maintenance and airworthiness responsibilities.
Original Issue
Nov 7, 2019
From the Document
This SAFO alerts aircraft owners, operators, air agencies, and maintenance technicians of possible improper maintenance performed by Xtra Aerospace, LLC. (Xtra) repair station, which held Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Certificate No.
Recommended Action: Aircraft owners, operators, manufacturers, maintenance organizations, parts suppliers, and parts distributors should inspect their aircraft, aircraft records, and parts inventories for any articles/parts approved for return to service by Xtra. An appropriately certificated person should carefully scrutinize these articles/parts to determine airworthiness.
Study Focus: Review qualification and recent-experience requirements.
Original Issue
Nov 5, 2019
From the Document
This SAFO alerts aircraft owners, operators, air agencies, and maintenance technicians of improper overhaul performed by Tandem Aviation, Inc., which previously held Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Repair Station Certificate No. T91R901N.
Recommended Action: Aircraft owners, operators, manufacturers, maintenance organizations, parts suppliers, and parts distributors should inspect their aircraft, aircraft records, and/or parts inventories for any accessories/articles approved for return to service as overhauled/repaired by Tandem Aviation, Inc., after September 2016. Any such accessories/articles discovered installed on an aircraft should be removed and an appropriate approval for return to service…
Study Focus: Review qualification and recent-experience requirements.
Original Issue
May 15, 2019
From the Document
This SAFO alerts aircraft owners, operators, air agencies, suppliers, distributors, and maintenance technicians of improper maintenance performed by Sensenich Propeller Services Inc., North Windham, CT. This maintenance provider previously held Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Air Agency Certificate No.
Recommended Action: Since the improper maintenance referenced above occurred during overhaul- level maintenance, owners and operators that may have had propellers overhauled by Sensenich Propeller Service Inc. should have affected propellers inspected by an appropriately rated repair station to determine if the affected propellers meet the manufacturer’s recommended continued airworthiness requirements. This recommended action may be accomplished by completing the…
Study Focus: Review qualification and recent-experience requirements.
Original Issue
Oct 2, 2018
From the Document
This SAFO serves to remind part 135 certificate holders of the criticality of ensuring accurate data is used when calculating aircraft weight and balance.
Recommended Action: Part 135 certificate holders should review Advisory Circular 120-27E, as amended, and conduct a review of their weight and balance procedures to ensure that the persons responsible for the weight and balance calculations are: • Provided with current and correct aircraft weight and balance information, and • Verifying pre-loaded information in weight and balance software programs is correct prior to use.
Study Focus: Review qualification and recent-experience requirements.
Original Issue
Sep 12, 2018
From the Document
This SAFO emphasizes the importance of incorporating procedures for the avoidance of obstacles marked with LED obstruction lights during NVG operations into manuals and/or Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).
Recommended Action: Airplane and rotorcraft operators and pilots should familiarize themselves with the information contained in this SAFO. In addition, operators and pilots are encouraged to report encounters with obstructions marked with non-NVG compatible LED lighting systems, with pertinent information, to the Aviation Safety Reporting System.
Original Issue
Sep 4, 2018
From the Document
This SAFO serves to alert operators, pilots, and flightcrews of a potential takeoff data error due to runway number transposition; one location for this type of event involves runways 01L and 10L at SFO.
Recommended Action: Directors of Operations, Directors of Safety, Directors of Training, Vice Presidents/Directors of Flight, training, or supervising pilots and flightcrews should be familiar with the information contained in this SAFO. These individuals should work together to provide awareness to all flightcrews and reach out to industry to share and solidify the knowledge of this potential error, the possible results, and embrace the mitigations for this…
Study Focus: Review surface awareness and decisions during taxi, takeoff and landing.
Original Issue
Jul 18, 2018
From the Document
This SAFO alerts aircraft owners, operators, air agencies, suppliers, distributors, and maintenance technicians of improper maintenance performed by AeroBearings LLC. This maintenance provider previously held Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Air Agency Certificate No.
Recommended Action: Aircraft owners, operators, air agencies, suppliers, distributors, and maintenance technicians should:
Study Focus: Review qualification and recent-experience requirements.
Original Issue
Jun 1, 2018
From the Document
This SAFO warns operators in NAT HLA airspace of the potential for flightcrew confusion associated with the 7-character display label of waypoints on some avionics. Crews are advised that with some avionics, undesignated (not named by Air Traffic Control [ATC]) significant points (used by ATC) entered as geographic coordinates are given a 7-character display label that does not include minutes.
Recommended Action: For operators with 7-character waypoint labels who fly in NAT airspace with unnamed points spaced at a half degree of latitude, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recommends operators ensure their oceanic procedures are consistent with the Sample Oceanic Checklist found in Appendix D of Advisory Circular 91-70B, Oceanic and Remote Continental Operations (revised in 2016). In addition, flightcrew training should be revised (as needed) to…
Study Focus: Review airspace access, restrictions and coordination.
Original Issue
Mar 26, 2018
From the Document
This SAFO serves to identify a need to enhance flight crew procedures that mitigate the risk to passengers and crew in the event of odors, smoke and/or fumes.
Recommended Action: Operators, under their existing Safety Management System structure, should review their company’s odor, smoke and/or fumes procedures to ensure they address benign odor events as well as toxic odor, smoke and/or fumes, in an expeditious manner to limit exposure of passengers and crew. Operators should: • Review International Civil Aviation Organization Document 9481 (2017-2018 Edition), titled Emergency Response Guidance for Aircraft Incidents…
Original Issue
Mar 12, 2018
From the Document
This SAFO alerts aircraft owners, operators, air agencies, and maintenance technicians of improper overhaul performed by Aircraft Technical Support, Inc. (ATS) Repair Station, which previously held Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Certificate No.
Recommended Action: Aircraft owners, operators, manufacturers, maintenance organizations, parts suppliers, and parts distributors should inspect their aircraft, aircraft records, and parts inventories for any articles/parts approved for return to service as overhauled or repaired by ATS after April 21, 2009. Any articles/parts installed on an aircraft should be removed, and an appropriate return to service inspection/action should be accomplished.
Study Focus: Review qualification and recent-experience requirements.
Original Issue
Dec 19, 2017
From the Document
This SAFO provides safety information to Textron King Air 90-Series airplane owners, operators, and training departments/centers on the possibility of dual engine failure due to improper fuel management during CROSSFEED operation.
Recommended Action: During training and operation, King Air 90-series owners, operators, and training departments/centers should emphasize the following: • In the event of BOOST PUMP failure, if the pilot chooses to continue flight with the CROSSFEED valve OPEN, adequate fuel quantity should be verified on the side with the operating BOOST PUMP considering fuel burn on that side will be double with the CROSSFEED OPEN. • In the event of BOOST PUMP failure, if…
Study Focus: Review aircraft-system operation, limitations and failure awareness.
Original Issue
Dec 14, 2017
From the Document
This SAFO informs the operators of Rockwell Collins Flight Management Systems (FMS) Pro Line 4 and Pro Line 21 FMS of the reinstatement of approximately 10,000 approach procedures and provides awareness to flightcrews of the new Rockwell Collins Temperature Compensation Limitations. The approach procedures will be reinstated in the 12/14/2017 navigation database update.
Recommended Action: Operators should familiarize themselves with the information in this SAFO, as well as OPSB 0166-17R4, which provides guidance for flight crews to operate Rockwell Collins systems or products. Flight crews should be aware of the new Rockwell Collins-imposed limitations as well as the recommendations identified in OPSB 0166-17R4.
Study Focus: Review how operating privileges apply to compensation and expense sharing.
Original Issue
Sep 28, 2017
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 18, 2017
From the Document
This SAFO provides some best practices for accomplishing an approach and landing on the correct airport surface.
Recommended Action: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) strongly urges directors of operations, directors of safety, directors of training, and chief pilots collaborate to: • Emphasize the existing procedures and practices that ensure successful approaches and landings on the correct airport surface. • Promote awareness of actual incorrect-surface landings throughout the National Airspace System, as well as international locations.
Original Issue
May 25, 2017
From the Document
This SAFO serves to notify aircraft operators of potential operational limitations of some attitude indicators in the event of unusual attitude recovery as recommended by National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Safety Recommendation A-14-108.
Recommended Action: Operators should be aware of design limitations of the make and model of the attitude indicator installed in their aircraft. The design of the instrument, if displaying only a minimum pitch indication of ± 25° vertically, could “peg” at this maximum or minimum pitch indication or “tumble” and provide erroneous pitch and bank indications when the aircraft exceeds these limits.
Original Issue
May 4, 2017
From the Document
This SAFO encourages the development of training and line-operations policies which will ensure that proficiency in manual flight operations is developed and maintained for air carrier pilots.
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.
Study Focus: Review training practices and proficiency.
Original Issue
Mar 9, 2017
From the Document
This SAFO serves to warn operators that strapping cargo to a pallet to restrain cargo must be done in accordance with configurations explicitly permitted by the design approval holder’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-approved Weight and Balance Manual (WBM) or WBM supplement.
Recommended Action: Air carriers are reminded that they may only strap cargo to a pallet only when specifically permitted by the operating limitations defined in the airplane’s WBMs.
Original Issue
Jan 29, 2017
From the Document
This SAFO serves to alert all pilots and flightcrew operating near the boundaries of Class B airspace to the risk of excursions out of and incursions into Class B airspace. This SAFO also serves to emphasize the importance of a pilot’s and flightcrew’s role in maintaining proper aircraft separation.
Recommended Action: During preparations for operations in or near Class B airspace, pilots and flightcrews are encouraged to thoroughly review and brief the boundaries of that airspace. During approach, pilots and flightcrews operating within Class B airspace should be attentive to proper descent profiles and their current position relative to airspace boundaries.
Study Focus: Review airspace access, restrictions and coordination.
Original Issue
Nov 15, 2016
From the Document
This SAFO emphasizes the importance of utilizing checklists and specifically performing stabilized hover checks before departure.
Recommended Action: It is recommended that pilots perform the following during the takeoff sequence: 1. Always ensure the area you are taking off from is sufficient for the conditions and the capabilities of the aircraft, as well as free and clear of debris that could pose a hazard to an aircraft.
Original Issue
Nov 9, 2016
From the Document
This SAFO serves to alert rotorcraft operators operating in accordance with Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 or 133, public aircraft operators and government agencies of the possibility of an inadvertent load release caused by the phenomenon of D-Ring reversal resulting in an accident.
Recommended Action: Winching and longline operators should: • Develop procedures which list the specific D-Rings or equipment which may be attached to a specific rescue hook wherein the possibility of D-Ring reversal is physically impossible. • Use only rescue hooks which have a mechanical locking keeper or guards to prevent D-ring reversal or dynamic roll-out.
Original Issue
Oct 26, 2016
From the Document
This SAFO alerts pilots and operators to separation issues caused by Flight Management System (FMS) management techniques and procedures.
Recommended Action: Operators and pilots should familiarize themselves with the information contained in this SAFO and ensure their training and procedures reflect the requirements of § 91.703.
Study Focus: Review traffic awareness and collision avoidance.
Original Issue
Oct 25, 2016
From the Document
This SAFO informs air carriers and airport fueling agents of a safety issue involving fuel caps separating from aircraft during operations.
Recommended Action: All air carriers, in addition to those who operate Airbus aircraft, should inspect their aircraft fuel caps at their earliest convenience. The inspection should verify that fuel caps are of an approved type for that aircraft, functioning properly and adequately secured to the aircraft.
Study Focus: Review aircraft-system operation, limitations and failure awareness.
Original Issue
Sep 16, 2016
From the Document
This SAFO alerts air carriers to the requirements of the United States (U.S.) Department of Transportation (DOT) Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Technical Instructions for Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods (ICAO TI).
Recommended Action: Air operators are urged to consider the following recommendations: • Operator personnel responsible for cargo processing should know and understand that damaged or safety-recalled lithium batteries—including those installed in equipment and devices—are forbidden on aircraft as air cargo. • Operator personnel responsible for passenger processing and cabin safety should know and understand that damaged or recalled lithium batteries—including those…
Original Issue
Jul 26, 2016
From the Document
This SAFO promotes the importance of standard operating procedures (SOP) for ensuring accurate takeoff performance data is utilized to reduce the risk of runway excursions during takeoff.
Recommended Action: Personnel responsible for flight operations and safety, ground programs, customer service, pilot training centers and those training or supervising pilots and flightcrews should be familiar with the information contained in this SAFO. These individuals should work together to provide emphasized training within their respective areas that encompass solid procedures and adequate training of those procedures.
Study Focus: Review surface awareness and decisions during taxi, takeoff and landing.
Original Issue
Jun 27, 2016
From the Document
This SAFO alerts operators of UH-1 series restricted category helicopters, modified to be flown from the left seat during external load and long line operations, of the hazards associated with intermittent loss or total loss of hydraulic pressure.
Recommended Action: All operators should be aware of the potential danger imposed by a hydraulic failure and the inability of the pilot to easily access the hydraulic switch. The Aircraft Maintenance Division recommends that a duplicate secondary hydraulic switch be installed in the left bubble door instrument panel on all UH-1 series aircraft modified to perform external load operations from the left seat.
Original Issue
May 25, 2016
From the Document
This SAFO alerts operators of CRJ 200, 700 & 900 series aircraft to a safety concern regarding the forward F/A overhead supplemental oxygen system.
Recommended Action: Directors of safety, directors of operations (Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations Part 121, 125, 135 and 91K), inflight management and training management should develop procedures and training to instruct F/As on where the forward F/A masks will deploy, be cognizant of the attitude and pitch of the aircraft when mask are deployed and how best to obtain oxygen from a seated position. Flight attendants should be trained to maintain…
Original Issue
May 6, 2016
From the Document
This SAFO alerts Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 121, 125, 129 and 135 operators of the new Dangerous Goods/Hazardous Materials requirements contained in ICAO Technical Instructions (TI) for the shipment of lithium batteries. This SAFO also encourages operators to notify their customers who offer lithium battery cargo shipments of these changes.
Recommended Action: Operators should review the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration; {Docket No. PHMSA-2016-0014; Notice No.
Original Issue
Feb 17, 2016
From the Document
This SAFO emphasizes the importance of MU-2B series airplane pilots, operators, and flight instructors using only FAA accepted checklists as required by Special Federal Air Regulation (SFAR) No.
Recommended Action: Directors of operations (part 135), training providers (parts 91, 141, and 142), program managers (part 91K) and pilots (part 91) should take appropriate action within their operation to ensure only FAA accepted checklists are used in MU-2B series airplanes. All MU-2B series airplane flight instructors, owners, operators, and pilots must be knowledgeable and fully compliant with SFAR No.
Original Issue
Jan 19, 2016
From the Document
This SAFO serves to alert Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 121, 125, 129 and 135 operators of the potential risk for a catastrophic hull loss due to significant identified dangers associated with the transport of lithium batteries as cargo on either passenger or cargo aircraft. Additionally, this SAFO contains information and recommendations, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) strongly recommends, for operators to…
Recommended Action: Before operators engage in the transport of lithium ion batteries as cargo on passenger aircraft, or lithium ion or lithium metal batteries on cargo aircraft, be aware that ICAO and major airframe manufacturers (Boeing and Airbus) have recommended that operators perform safety risk assessments in order to establish whether, or how, they can manage the risk associated with the transport of these batteries. The FAA strongly supports these…
Original Issue