Aviation Regulations and Compliance
Expert-defined terms from the Global Certificate in Aviation Maintenance Management course at London School of Business and Administration. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
Aviation Regulations and Compliance Glossary #
Aviation Regulations and Compliance Glossary
1 #
AC (Advisory Circular)
- Explanation: Advisory Circulars are non-binding guidance documents issu… #
They provide recommendations, information, or procedures for compliance with aviation regulations.
2 #
Airworthiness
- Explanation: Airworthiness refers to the condition of an aircraft confo… #
Compliance with airworthiness standards is essential for safe flight operations.
3 #
AMO (Approved Maintenance Organization)
- Explanation: An AMO is a maintenance facility that has been approved by… #
Compliance with regulatory requirements is a key aspect of AMO operations.
4 #
C of A (Certificate of Airworthiness)
- Explanation: The Certificate of Airworthiness is a document issued by t… #
Compliance with airworthiness requirements is necessary for obtaining a C of A.
5 #
CAMO (Continuing Airworthiness Management Organization)
- Explanation: A CAMO is an organization responsible for ensuring the con… #
It oversees maintenance planning, compliance monitoring, and airworthiness directives to maintain regulatory compliance.
6 #
EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency)
- Explanation: EASA is the regulatory agency responsible for aviation saf… #
It sets and enforces regulations to ensure the highest standards of safety and compliance in European aviation operations.
7 #
FAR (Federal Aviation Regulations)
- Explanation: FARs are regulations established by the FAA to govern all… #
Compliance with FARs is mandatory for operators, maintenance organizations, and other aviation entities.
8 #
ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization)
- Explanation: ICAO is a specialized agency of the United Nations that se… #
It develops SARPs to ensure safety, security, efficiency, and environmental protection in global aviation, promoting regulatory compliance worldwide.
9 #
MEL (Minimum Equipment List)
- Explanation: The MEL is a document that specifies the minimum equipment… #
Compliance with the MEL is essential for maintaining operational safety and regulatory compliance.
10 #
Part 145
- Explanation: Part 145 is a regulation issued by the FAA that governs th… #
Compliance with Part 145 requirements is necessary for maintaining certification and ensuring quality maintenance services.
11 #
SMS (Safety Management System)
- Explanation: An SMS is a systematic approach to managing safety risks i… #
It involves proactive hazard identification, risk assessment, and safety promotion to ensure compliance with safety standards and regulatory requirements.
12 #
STC (Supplemental Type Certificate)
- Explanation: An STC is a document issued by the regulatory authority ap… #
Compliance with the STC is necessary for ensuring that the modified aircraft meets airworthiness requirements and regulatory standards.
13 #
TC (Type Certificate)
- Explanation: A TC is a document issued by the regulatory authority cert… #
Compliance with the TC ensures that the aircraft conforms to the approved design and meets airworthiness standards for safe operation.
14 #
AD (Airworthiness Directive)
- Explanation: An AD is a directive issued by the regulatory authority to… #
Compliance with ADs is mandatory and ensures that safety-critical issues are resolved to maintain airworthiness.
15 #
AOC (Air Operator Certificate)
- Explanation: An AOC is a certificate issued by the regulatory authority… #
Compliance with AOC requirements is essential for demonstrating the operator's ability to meet safety and regulatory standards.
16 #
CAA (Civil Aviation Authority)
- Explanation: A CAA is the national regulatory authority responsible for… #
It establishes regulations, issues certificates, and conducts oversight to ensure compliance with safety and operational standards.
17 #
IA (Inspection Authorization)
- Explanation: An IA is an authorization issued by the FAA to qualified i… #
Compliance with IA requirements is necessary for performing inspections and maintaining regulatory compliance.
18 #
MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul)
- Explanation: An MRO is a facility that provides maintenance, repair, an… #
Compliance with regulatory requirements is essential for MROs to ensure the quality and safety of maintenance operations.
19 #
OPS (Operations Specifications)
- Explanation: OPS are documents issued by the regulatory authority speci… #
Compliance with OPS is necessary for conducting safe and compliant flight operations.
20 #
Part 91
- Explanation: Part 91 is a section of the FARs that governs general oper… #
Compliance with Part 91 is essential for private operators and general aviation pilots to ensure safe and legal flight operations.
21 #
Part 121
- Explanation: Part 121 is a section of the FARs that governs operating r… #
Compliance with Part 121 is essential for ensuring the safety and efficiency of commercial air transport.
22 #
Part 135
- Explanation: Part 135 is a section of the FARs that governs operating r… #
Compliance with Part 135 is essential for ensuring the safety and regulatory compliance of on-demand air services.
23 #
Ramp Inspection
- Explanation: A ramp inspection is an on-site inspection conducted by re… #
Compliance with ramp inspection findings is necessary for maintaining regulatory approval and operational safety.
24 #
Safety Oversight
- Explanation: Safety oversight refers to the regulatory authority's moni… #
Effective safety oversight is essential for maintaining a high level of safety in aviation operations.
25 #
Surveillance Program
- Explanation: A surveillance program is a systematic approach used by re… #
Compliance with surveillance requirements helps identify safety risks and ensure regulatory compliance.
26 #
TCDS (Type Certificate Data Sheet)
- Explanation: A TCDS is a document issued by the regulatory authority th… #
Compliance with TCDS requirements is essential for maintaining the airworthiness of the aircraft.
27 #
Violation
- Explanation: A violation refers to a breach of aviation regulations or… #
Violations can result in enforcement actions, penalties, or sanctions for non-compliance with regulatory standards.
28 #
W&B (Weight and Balance)
- Explanation: Weight and Balance refers to the distribution of weight wi… #
Compliance with weight and balance requirements is essential for safe flight operations and maintaining aircraft performance.
29 #
14 CFR (Code of Federal Regulations)
- Explanation: 14 CFR is the portion of the U #
S. Code of Federal Regulations that contains regulations governing civil aviation in the United States. Compliance with 14 CFR is essential for all aviation stakeholders to ensure legal and safe operations.
30 #
145.A.50 (Maintenance Organization Exposition)
- Explanation: 145 #
A.50 refers to the section of Part 145 regulations that requires maintenance organizations to have a documented Maintenance Organization Exposition (MOE) outlining their procedures, processes, and quality system. Compliance with 145.A.50 is necessary for maintaining regulatory approval and demonstrating adherence to quality standards.
31 #
91.411 (Altimeter System and Altitude Reporting Equipment Tests)
- Explanation: 91 #
411 is a regulation under Part 91 that mandates testing and inspection of an aircraft's altimeter system and altitude reporting equipment. Compliance with 91.411 is essential for verifying the accuracy and reliability of altitude-related systems for safe flight operations.
32 #
91.413 (ATC Transponder Tests and Inspections)
- Explanation: 91 #
413 is a regulation under Part 91 that requires testing and inspection of an aircraft's transponder and secondary surveillance radar equipment. Compliance with 91.413 is necessary for ensuring that the transponder functions properly and responds to air traffic control (ATC) signals.
33 #
145.A.42 (Certification of Maintenance Tasks)
- Explanation: 145 #
A.42 is a section of Part 145 regulations that outlines the requirements for certifying maintenance tasks performed on aircraft and components. Compliance with 145.A.42 ensures that maintenance activities are properly documented, certified, and compliant with regulatory standards.
34 #
145.A.45 (Maintenance Records)
- Explanation: 145 #
A.45 is a section of Part 145 regulations that specifies the requirements for maintaining and managing maintenance records for aircraft and components. Compliance with 145.A.45 is essential for demonstrating the history, status, and airworthiness of aircraft through accurate record-keeping practices.
35 #
145.A.47 (Maintenance Procedures)
- Explanation: 145 #
A.47 is a section of Part 145 regulations that mandates maintenance organizations to establish and follow approved maintenance procedures for conducting maintenance tasks. Compliance with 145.A.47 ensures the standardization, safety, and quality of maintenance operations.
36 #
145.A.65 (Certification of Airworthiness Review)
- Explanation: 145 #
A.65 is a section of Part 145 regulations that requires maintenance organizations to conduct airworthiness reviews and issue certifications for aircraft and components. Compliance with 145.A.65 ensures that airworthiness standards are met, and regulatory requirements are fulfilled for continued safe operation.
37 #
145.A.70 (Certification of Release to Service)
- Explanation: 145 #
A.70 is a section of Part 145 regulations that specifies the requirements for certifying and releasing aircraft or components back into service after maintenance. Compliance with 145.A.70 ensures that maintenance work is completed, documented, and compliant with airworthiness standards before returning to service.
38 #
145.A.75 (Certification of Components)
- Explanation: 145 #
A.75 is a section of Part 145 regulations that governs the certification and release of components or parts after maintenance, repair, or overhaul. Compliance with 145.A.75 ensures that components meet airworthiness requirements and are approved for installation on aircraft.
39 #
145.A.80 (Component Maintenance)
- Explanation: 145 #
A.80 is a section of Part 145 regulations that outlines the requirements for component maintenance, repair, and overhaul activities performed by maintenance organizations. Compliance with 145.A.80 ensures that components are serviced, inspected, and certified in accordance with regulatory standards.
40 #
147 (Aviation Maintenance Training Schools)
- Explanation: Section 147 of the FARs regulates aviation maintenance tra… #
Compliance with Part 147 requirements ensures that training programs meet the standards for producing skilled and qualified maintenance professionals.
41. 65 (Certification #
Airmen Other Than Flight Crewmembers)
- Explanation: Section 65 of the FARs governs the certification requireme… #
Compliance with Section 65 ensures that individuals meet the qualifications and standards for performing aviation maintenance duties.
42 #
43 (Maintenance, Preventive Maintenance, Rebuilding, and Alteration)
- Explanation: Section 43 of the FARs prescribes the rules and procedures… #
Compliance with Section 43 requirements is essential for maintaining airworthiness and regulatory compliance in maintenance activities.
43 #
65.91 (Experience Requirements for Mechanics)
- Explanation: Section 65 #
91 of the FARs establishes the experience requirements for individuals seeking certification as aviation maintenance technicians (A&P mechanics). Compliance with Section 65.91 ensures that candidates have acquired the necessary practical experience and skills to perform maintenance tasks competently.
44 #
91.207 (Emergency Locator Transmitters)
- Explanation: Section 91 #
207 of the FARs mandates the installation and maintenance requirements for emergency locator transmitters (ELTs) in aircraft. Compliance with Section 91.207 ensures that ELTs are operational, properly installed, and capable of transmitting distress signals in emergency situations.
45 #
91.409 (Inspections)
- Explanation: Section 91 #
409 of the FARs outlines the inspection requirements for aircraft to ensure airworthiness and compliance with safety regulations. Compliance with Section 91.409 mandates regular inspections, including annual inspections and 100-hour inspections, to maintain aircraft in safe operating condition.
46 #
121.369 (Continuing Analysis and Surveillance)
- Explanation: Section 121 #
369 of the FARs requires air carriers to establish a Continuing Analysis and Surveillance Program (CASP) for monitoring and analyzing safety data to enhance operational safety. Compliance with Section 121.369 ensures that air carriers implement effective safety management practices to maintain regulatory compliance.
47 #
135.63 (Aircraft Airworthiness)