Glossary – Regulations and Governing Associations

As our aviation glossary series continues, we are interested in hearing from you! What aviation term would you like to learn more about? Can you offer additional clarification to any of the terms we’ve listed? Send a comment, then stay come back next Friday to see if we’ve been able to answer your question!

AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE (AD) Notification to aircraft owner/operators of a known safety issue with a particular model of aircraft, engine, avionics or other system. ADs in the U.S. are issued by the FAA and may be categorized as voluntary, mandatory or emergency.

ARG/US (Aviation Research Group/U.S., Inc.) A leader in the field of corporate aviation safety and operational information, ARG/US conducts objective, non-intrusive, and fact-based safety analysis for Part 135 charter operators called The CHEQ report (Charter Evaluation and Qualification report). The CHEQ system has three major components: Historical Safety Ratings, Current Aircraft and Pilot Data, and On-Site Safety Audits. Sterling Aviation is ARG/US Gold Rated.

ATC (Air Traffic Control) The FAA service providing separation services to participating airborne traffic and clearances to land, take off or taxi at airports with a control tower.

FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) The Department of Transportation’s agency for aviation. In addition to regulating airports, aircraft manufacturing and parts certification, aircraft operation and pilot certification (“licensing”), the FAA operates Air Traffic Control, purchases and maintains navigation equipment, certifies airports and aids airport development, among other activities.

FAR (Federal Aviation Regulations) The Federal Aviation Regulations under which aircraft are certified and operate in the U.S. Codified into Parts.

FLIGHT STANDARDS DISTRICT OFFICE (FSDO) A regional office of the United States Federal Aviation Administration that concentrates on enforcing regulations. There are over 80 FSDOs nationwide. Contact an FSDO when spotting low-flying aircraft; to report an accident; to obtain aircraft modifications and permits; for certification and surveillance of air operators, air agencies, and airmen; for enforcement and investigation or for aviation safety education and training.

FLIGHT SERVICE STATION (FSS) Air traffic facilities that provide pilot briefing, en route communications and VFR search and rescue services, assist lost aircraft and aircraft in emergency situations, relay ATC clearances, originate Notices or Airmen, broadcast aviation weather and NAS information, receive and process IFR flight plans, and monitor NAVAIDs. In addition, at selected locations, FSSs provide En route Flight Advisory Service (Flight Watch), take weather observations, issue airport advisories, and advise Customs and Immigration of trans-border flights.

NTSB (National Transportation Safety Board) The independent federal agency charged with investigating and finding “probable cause” of transportation accidents.