Advisory Circulars (ACs)
| Title | Summary | Applicable Makes |
| Use of Manufacturers’ Maintenance Manuals (January 2016) | This advisory circular (AC) informs owners and operators about the usefulness
of manufacturer’s maintenance manuals for servicing, repairing, and maintaining aircraft,
engines, and propellers. |
|
| Use of Manufacturers’ Maintenance Manuals (January 2016) | This advisory circular (AC) informs owners and operators about the usefulness
of manufacturer’s maintenance manuals for servicing, repairing, and maintaining aircraft,
engines, and propellers. |
|
| 20-149B - Installation Guidance for Domestic Flight Information Service- Broadcast (December 2015) | This advisory circular (AC) supports the use of Flight Information Services-Broadcast (FIS-B) weather and other aeronautical data link products for enhanced situation awareness of flight conditions. In this AC, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recommends one way to gain airworthiness approval for the installation of FIS-B avionics equipment. We identify safety and installation requirements for continued airworthiness of aircraft FIS-B avionics equipment, systems, and applications. This AC is not mandatory and does not constitute a regulation. This AC describes an acceptable means, but not the only means, to gain airworthiness approval for your FIS-B avionics equipment. However, if you use the means described in this AC, you must follow it in its entirety. |
|
| 20-149A - Installation Guidance for Domestic Flight Information Services - Broadcast (Cancelled) (December 2015) | a. This advisory circular (AC) supports the use of Flight Information Services - Broadcast (FIS-B) weather and other aeronautical data link products for enhanced situation awareness of flight conditions. In this AC, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recommends one way to gain airworthiness approval for the installation of FIS-B avionics equipment. We identify safety and installation requirements for continued airworthiness of aircraft FIS-B avionics equipment, systems, and applications. This AC is not mandatory and does not constitute a regulation. This AC describes an acceptable means, but not the only means, to gain airworthiness approval for your FIS-B avionics equipment. However, if you use the means described in this AC, you must follow it in its entirety.
b. FIS-B was introduced to improve safety and to increase the utility, efficiency, and capacity of the National Airspace System (NAS). Timely delivery of quality, accurate, and consistent information is utilized by pilots for assisting in operational decisions.
c. This AC was revised to remove outdated information on the Flight Information Services Data Link (FISDL) program and replace with the current FIS-B system while maintaining alternative third party subscription services. |
|
| Airworthiness Approval of Synthetic Vision Guidance System (December 2015) | In this advisory circular (AC), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) provides
applicants with guidance for obtaining airworthiness approval for equipment installation
of a Synthetic Vision Guidance System (SVGS) in aircraft. This AC only provides
airworthiness guidance to applicants for eligible SVGS for use on Special Authorization
(SA) Category (CAT) I Instrument Landing System (ILS) approaches. Operational
approval must still be obtained from the Flight Standards Service. |
|
| Airworthiness Approval of Automatic Dependent Surveillance - Broadcast OUT Systems | This advisory circular (AC) provides guidance for the installation and airworthiness approval of
Automatic Dependent Surveillance - Broadcast (ADS-B) OUT systems in aircraft. |
|
| Airworthiness Approval of Automatic Dependent Surveillance - Broadcast (ADS-B) Out Systems (December 2015) | This Advisory Circular (AC) provides guidance for the installation and airworthiness approval of
Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast (ADS-B) Out systems in aircraft. |
|
| AC 20-184 - Guidance on Testing and Installation of Rechargeable Lithium Battery and Battery Systems on Aircraft Document Information (November 2015) | he guidance in this AC is intended for manufacturers, installers, maintenance personnel, and users of installed rechargeable lithium batteries and battery systems on aircraft. As with all advisory material, this AC is not mandatory and does not constitute a regulation. It is issued for guidance purposes and to outline a means of compliance with applicable airworthiness requirements.
This advisory circular (AC) provides manufacturers and installers with an acceptable means of compliance to meet the installation, operation, maintenance and airworthiness requirements for installation of lithium batteries on aircraft (14 CFR part 21, 23, 25, 27 and 29). |
|
| Guide for Developing a Receiving Inspection System for Aircraft Parts and Materials (August 2015) | PURPOSE. This advisory circular (AC) provides guidance and information for
incorporation into operators’ existing receiving/inspection systems to help prevent the
introduction of unairworthy parts into inventories. The aim is to establish sufficient traceability
to establish that the part(s) were manufactured under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations
(14 CFR) part 21, were previously determined to be Airworthy under 14 CFR part 43, and
produced to established industry or U.S. Government standards or accepted foreign standards.
Like all AC material, this AC is not mandatory and does not constitute a regulation. It is issued
for guidance and to outline a method of compliance with the rules. This is one means but not the
only means for developing a receiving inspection system. In lieu of following the method(s)
prescribed herein, the applicant may elect to follow an alternate method. |
|
| Airworthiness Approval for ADS-B In Systems and Applications (May 2015) | This advisory circular (AC) provides guidance for the initial and follow-on installations of
Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast (ADS-B) In systems supporting ground
and airborne traffic applications. These applications are defined in TSO-C195b, Avionics
Supporting Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast (ADS-B) Aircraft Surveillance
Applications (ASA). If you have any suggestions for improvements or changes, you may use the
template provided at the end of this AC. |
|
| TURBOJET, TURBOPROP, AND TURBOFAN ENGINE INDUCTION SYSTEM ICING AND ICE INGESTION (March 2015) | This advisory circular (AC) provides guidance and acceptable methods, but not
the only methods, for demonstrating compliance with the applicable engine induction system
icing and engine ice ingestion requirements. These requirements are applicable to the Federal
Aviation Regulations, parts 23, 25, and 33 of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14
CFR parts 23, 25, and 33). The primary purpose of this AC is to reduce inconsistencies and
eventual surprises to both engine manufacturers and engine installers, when installing a part 33
certified engine in a part 23 or 25 aircraft. The guidance in this AC is not intended to address
turboshaft engine installations, or the rotary wing aircraft they are installed on. Due to the
complexity that those aircraft and installations pose for icing, AC 20-73, Aircraft Icing
Protection,is considered the primary AC for those installations. Further, this AC is not intended
to address mixed phase icing conditions (meaning, mixed water and ice precipitation), although
there is a discussion on the subject. While these guidelines are not mandatory, they are
historically based and are derived from extensive Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and
industry experience in determining compliance with the relevant regulations. This AC does take
precedence over the engine and engine installation icing guidance in AC 20-73. It is important
to note that AC 20-73 does contain useful information on the understanding and characterization
of the icing environment. Additionally, AC 23-16, Powerplant Guide for Certification of Part 23
Airplanes, does take precedence over the engine installation guidance provided in this AC, as
one method of compliance to part 23 regulations. |
|
| Airworthiness Approval of Satellite Voice (SATVOICE) Equipment Supporting AirTraffic Service (ATS) Communication (December 2014) | PURPOSE.
This advisory circular (AC) provides guidance on airworthiness approval for designers,
manufacturers, and installers of Satellite Voice (SATVOICE) equipment supporting air
traffic service (ATS). In this AC, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
recommends one way to gain airworthiness approval for SATVOICE equipment. This
AC is not mandatory and does not constitute a regulation. This AC describes an
acceptable means, but not the only means, to gain airworthiness approval for your
SATVOICE equipment. However, if you use the means described in this AC, you must
follow it in its entirety. |
|
| Laser Airworthiness Installation Guidance (December 2014) | In this advisory circular (AC), we recommend one way to obtain Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) airworthiness approval for the installation of aircraft-mounted,
nonrequired, invisible spectrum laser equipment such as infrared surveillance laser and
light detection and ranging (LIDAR) equipment. This AC is not mandatory and does not
constitute a regulation. This AC describes an acceptable means, but not the only means,
to comply with the requirements found in Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations
(14 CFR) 23.1301, 23.1309, 23.1529, 23.1581, 25.1301, 25.1309, 25.1529, 25.1581,
27.1301, 27.1309, 27.1529, 27.1581, 29.1301, 29.1309, 29.1529, and 29.1581 for the
laser equipment aspects only. If you use the means described in this AC, you must
follow it in its entirety. |
|
| ISSUE PAPER PROCESS (November 2014) | 1. Purpose.
a. This advisory circular (AC) provides information on the use of issue papers (IP) and
gives guidance on their role in the IP process to applicants seeking approval for a type
certificate (TC), an amended TC, a supplemental type certificate (STC), an amended STC, type
design changes, approval of articles (14 CFR 21.8(d)), Technical Standard Order Authorization
(TSOA) approvals, or parts manufacturer approval (PMA). It also provides guidance for use of
IPs in type validation programs. This document provides guidance to applicants relative to
FAA Order 8110.112A, Standardized Procedures for Usage of Issue Papers and Development
of Equivalent Level of Safety Memorandums. |
|
| Turbojet, Turboprop, Turboshaft, and Turbofan Engine Induction System Icing and Ice Ingestion (November 2014) | This advisory circular (AC) provides guidance for demonstrating compliance with the engine
induction system icing and engine installation ice requirements of Title 14 Code of Federal
Regulations (14 CFR) parts 23, 25, 27, 29, and 33. This AC discusses the icing environments
depicted in appendices C and O of part 25, appendix C of part 29, and appendix D of part 33.
This AC discusses turboshaft engine installations, but not the rotary wing aircraft they are
installed on.
If you have suggestions for improving this AC, you may use the Advisory Circular Feedback
form at the end of this AC. |
|
| Approval of Propulsion Fuels, Additives, and Lubricating Oils (June 2014) | This advisory circular (AC) provides guidance applicable to adding fuels and oils
as engine, aircraft, or auxiliary power unit (APU) operating limitations. It also provides
guidance on fuel and lubricating oil specifications and standards, and on propulsion fuel and/or
lubricating oil certification plans. This AC provides acceptable methods, but not the only
methods, that may be used to approve aircraft, engines, or APUs to operate with specified
propulsion fuels and lubricating oils.
|
|
| 20-182 - Airworthiness Approval for Aircraft Weather Radar Systems (June 2014) | a. This advisory circular (AC) provides guidance for the initial and follow-on airworthiness approval of aircraft weather radar systems meeting the latest revision of the Technical Standard Order (TSO)-C63, Airborne Weather Radar Equipment. This AC covers aircraft weather and ground mapping pulsed radar systems, and airborne Doppler weather radar systems with forward-looking windshear, turbulence detection or weather hazard indication capability. The guidance is applicable to Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations, parts 23, 25, 27, and 29 aircraft. This AC does not address forward-looking windshear and/or turbulence detection capability for rotorcraft.
b. This AC is not mandatory and does not constitute a regulation. This AC describes an acceptable means, but not the only means, of accomplishing airworthiness approval for the installation of airborne weather radar equipment. However, if you use the means described in this AC, you must follow it entirely. The term "must" is used to indicate mandatory requirements when following the guidance in this AC. The terms "should" and "recommend" are used when following the guidance is recommended but not required to comply with this AC. A list of related documents can be found in Appendix B of this AC.
c. This AC provides guidance intended for new approvals. This AC is not intended to modify, change, or cancel existing equipment design or airworthiness approvals. Equipment with existing approvals can continue to be installed within the provisions of its original design and airworthiness certification. |
|
| The Certification of Aircraft Electrical and Electronic Systems for Operation in the High-intensity Radiated Fields (HIRF) Environment (June 2014) | Purpose.
a. This advisory circular (AC) will provide you with information and guidance on how to
show compliance with Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) 23.1308, 25.1317,
27.1317, and 29.1317, High-intensity Radiated Fields (HIRF) Protection.
b. This AC is not mandatory and does not constitute a regulation. It describes an
acceptable means, but not the only means, for you to show compliance with the requirements for
protection of the operation of electrical and electronic systems on an aircraft when the aircraft is
exposed to an external HIRF environment. If you use the means described in this AC, you must
follow it entirely to comply with this AC. The term “must” is used to indicate mandatory
requirements when following the guidance in this AC. The term “should” is used when
following the guidance is recommended but not required to comply with this AC.
c. This AC updates AC 20-158 to include the latest revision of SAE ARP 5583A (and
EUROCAE document ED-107A), Guide to Certification of Aircraft in a High Intensity Radiated
Field (HIRF) Environment, June 2010.
d. AC 20-158, The Certification of Aircraft Electrical and Electronic Systems for Operation
in a High-Intensity Radiated Field (HIRF) Environment, dated July 30, 2007, is cancelled. |
|
| Airworthiness Approval of Attitude Heading Reference System (AHRS) Equipment | This advisory circular (AC) supplements existing airworthiness approval guidance
for attitude heading reference system (AHRS) articles approved under technical standard order
(TSO)-C201, Attitude Heading Reference System, or later revisions. TSO-C201 includes performance
standards for non-gimbaled attitude, heading, and turn and slip systems. Appendix A contains a list of
acronyms. Appendix B explains where to obtain reference documents. R |
|
| Airworthiness Approval of Positioning and Navigation Systems | This revision adds minor clarifications and new guidance material based on issues and questions
since revision ‘C’ was published. There are several new changes such as: equipment capability
versus installed limitations; clarifying database configuration versus equipment capability;
adding step-down fixes to navigation databases; a new appendix for demonstrating radius to fix
(RF) leg capability; and, including required navigation performance (RNP) prediction guidance
for RNP authorization required approach (RNP AR APCH).
Positioning and navigation equipment may be used for a variety of functions such as navigation,
automatic dependent surveillance, and/or terrain awareness and warning systems. This AC
addresses the following avionics:
• Global positioning system (GPS) equipment including those using GPS augmentations.
• Area navigation (RNAV) equipment integrating data from multiple navigation sensors.
• RNAV equipment intended for required navigation performance (RNP) operations.
• Baro-VNAV equipment.
This AC does not address new satellite constellations that are planned or currently under
construction. This AC will be updated when sufficient documentation is available from the
GNSS provider countries and RTCA to support service definition, service performance
commitments, and minimum operational performance standards for multi-constellation
equipment. |
|
| Installation Guidance for Domestic Flight Information Services - Broadcast (September) | This advisory circular (AC) supports the use of Flight Information Services - Broadcast (FIS-B) weather and other aeronautical data link products for enhanced situation awareness of flight conditions. In this AC, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recommends one way to gain airworthiness approval for the installation of FIS-B avionics equipment. We identify safety and installation requirements for continued airworthiness of aircraft FIS-B avionics equipment, systems, and applications. This AC is not mandatory and does not constitute a regulation. This AC describes an acceptable means, but not the only means, to gain airworthiness approval for your FIS-B avionics equipment. However, if you use the means described in this AC, you must follow it in its entirety. |
|
| Approved Model List Supplemental Type Certificate (AML-STC) (August 2013) | This advisory circular (AC) provides guidelines to obtain approved model list
(AML)supplemental type certificate (STC). This AC is not mandatory and does not constitute a
regulation. It describes an acceptable method, but not the onlymethod to obtain an AML-STC.
You may use an alternate method if you establish that it adequatelymeets the requirements.
However, if you use this AC to obtain approval, you must comply with all ofits provisions. |
|
| Flammability Testing of Aircraft Cabin Interior Panels After Alterations | This advisory circular (AC) describes acceptable methods to test aircraft cabin interior materials when new finishes are used on existing aircraft cabin interior panels, typically performed on supplemental type certificates (STC) or major alterations. This AC applies to materials for self-extinguishing flammability only. This AC does not apply to materials that must meet heat release or smoke emissions,standards established by Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 25, Amendment 25-61, and 14 CFR part 121, Amendment 121-289. We, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), have written this AC for applicants, offering several methods for demonstrating compliance that may be more cost-effective and less time-consuming than current methods. |
|
| Design Approval Holder Best Practices for Service Bulletins Related to Airworthiness Directives | This AC represents best practices for drafting service bulletins (SBs) related to an airworthiness directive (AD). This AC also provides information on guidance on ex parte communication and alternative methods of compliance (AMOCs), as well as means for avoiding overlapping and conflicting actions in SBs and maintaining airworthiness of AD-,mandated design changes. |
|
| Controls for Flight Deck Systems | This advisory circular (AC) provides guidance for the installation and airworthiness
approval of flight deck system control devices, from primarily a human factors
perspective. It does not address primary flight controls, secondary flight controls, or
controls that are not located in the flight deck. This AC addresses traditional dedicated
controls such as physical switches and knobs, as well as multifunction controls such as
touch screens and cursor control devices. |
|
| Development of Civil Aircraft and Systems (October 2011) | Purpose: (a) This advisory circular (AC) recognizes the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Aerospace Recommended Practice (ARP) 4754A, Guidelines for Development of Civil Aircraft and Systems, dated December 21, 2010, as an acceptable method for establishing a development assurance process. SAE ARP 4754A discusses the development of aircraft and systems taking into account the overall aircraft operating environment and functions. This includes validation of requirements and verification of the design implementation for certification and process assurance. (b) The guidelines in ARP 4754A were developed in the context of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 25. It may be applicable to other regulations, such as 14 CFR parts 23, 27, 29, 33, and 35. (c) This AC is not mandatory, and is not a regulation. This AC describes an acceptable means, but not the only means, for showing compliance with 14 CFR. (d) While these guidelines are not mandatory, they are derived from FAA and industry experience in determining compliance with the relevant regulations. On the other hand, if we become aware of circumstances that convince us that following this AC would not result in compliance with the applicable regulations, we will not be bound by the terms of this AC, and we may require additional substantiation or design changes as a basis for finding compliance. (e) AC 23.1309-1, System Safety Analysis and Assessment for Part 23 Airplanes, may differ from and will take precedence over this AC with regards to development assurance levels. SAE ARP 4754A may be used as an optional method of compliance for part 23 airplanes but should not be used to assign an assurance level lower than what is specified in AC 23.1309-1 |
|
| Installation of Electronic Flight Bag Components (September 2011) | a. This advisory circular (AC) provides guidance material on the installation of electronic
flight bag (EFB) components including aircraft connectivity provisions. In it, the Federal
Aviation Administration (FAA) describes certification considerations for individual EFB
components and for installing EFB aircraft connectivity provisions by addressing the principal
elements, or “components,” which comprise a typical EFB device or system.
b. This AC describes an acceptable means, but not the only means, to comply with Title
14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 23, 25, 27, or 29. This AC is not
mandatory and does not constitute a regulation. However, if you use the means described in this
AC, you must follow it entirely. The term “must” is used to indicate mandatory requirements
when following the guidance in this AC. The terms “should” and “recommend” are used when
following the guidance is recommended but not required to comply with this AC. |
|
| Approval of Propulsion Fuels and Lubricating Oils (June 2011) | This advisory circular (AC) provides guidance applicable to adding fuels
and oils as engine, aircraft, or auxiliary power unit (APU) operating limitations. It also
provides acceptable methods, but not the only methods, that may be used to approve
aircraft, engines, or APUs to operate with specified propulsion fuels and lubricating oils. |
|
| 20-66B - Propeller Vibration and Fatigue | This advisory circular (AC) provides guidance and describes one method, but not the only method, for demonstrating compliance with §§ 23.907 and 25.907 of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) for the evaluation of vibratory stresses on propellers installed on airplanes. This evaluation uses fatigue and structural data obtained in accordance with 14 CFR part 35. |
|
| 65-9A - Airframe and Powerplant Mechanics General Handbook (Cancelled) | This advisory circular (AC) was cancelled on 01-02-2008. |
|
| 65-15A - Airframe and Powerplant Mechanics Airframe Handbook | This advisory circular (AC) is designed to familiarize student mechanics with airframe construction, repair, and the operating theory of airframe systems. |
|
| 65-12A - Airframe and Powerplant Mechanics Powerplant Handbook | This advisory circular (AC) is designed to familiarize student mechanics with the construction, theory of operation, and maintenance of aircraft powerplants. |
|
| 43.13-1B - Acceptable Methods, Techniques, and Practices - Aircraft Inspection and Repair | This advisory circular (AC) contains methods, techniques, and practices acceptable to the Administrator for the inspection and repair of nonpressurized areas of civil aircraft, only when there are no manufacturer repair or maintenance instructions. This data generally pertains to minor repairs. The repairs identified in this AC may only be used as a basis for FAA approval for major repairs. |
|
| 43-211 - Recommended Alternative Inspection Schedule for Socata TBM-700 Aircraft | This advisory circular (AC) provides a recommended inspection schedule for all owners of Socata TBM-700 aircraft who operate their aircraft 100 hours a year or less. While this AC provides one way of addressing the annual or progressive inspection on TBM-700 aircraft, it may not be the only way. |
|
Aerospatiale/Eurocopter/Socata
|
|
| 91-59A - Inspection and Care of General Aviation Aircraft Exhaust Systems | This advisory circular (AC) emphasizes the safety hazards of poorly maintained aircraft exhaust systems (reciprocating powerplants) and highlights points at which exhaust system failures occur. Further, it provides information on the kinds of problems to be expected and recommends pilots perform ongoing preventive maintenance and mechanics perform maintenance. |
|
| 91-82 - Fatigue Management Programs for Airplanes with Demonstrated Risk of Catastrophic Failure Due to Fatigue | This advisory circular (AC) provides guidance on developing and implementing a Fatigue Management Program (FMP). An applicant may develop an FMP as one method to address the unsafe condition that arises when the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has determined an airplane type design has an unsafe condition associated with a demonstrated risk of catastrophic failure due to fatigue (hereinafter referred to as demonstrated risk). |
|
| 43-4A - [Large AC] Corrosion Control for Aircraft | Summarizes current available data regarding identification and treatment of corrosive attack on aircraft structure and engine materials. SN 050-007-01044-3.
|
|
| AC 43-206 Inspection, Prevention, Control, and Repair of Corrosion on Avionics Equipment | AC contains acceptable methods, techniques, and practices for inspection, prevention, control and repair of corrosion on avionic systems and equipment.
|
|
