FAA Order 8900.1, the Flight Standards Information Management System (FSIMS), stands as a comprehensive and dynamic resource that provides the essential policy and guidance for Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) aviation safety inspectors. More than just a rulebook, FSIMS is the central repository that ensures standardization and consistency in how the FAA oversees aviation operations, including those conducted under Part 135 regulations governing commuter and on-demand air carriers.
Origins and Evolution
The evolution of FAA Order 8900.1 is rooted in the FAA’s need to consolidate and standardize the guidance provided to its safety inspectors. In the past, inspectors relied on various handbooks and directives, which could sometimes lead to inconsistencies in interpretation and application of regulations.
The precursor documents, such as FAA Order 8300.10 (Airworthiness Inspector’s Handbook) and FAA Order 8400.10 (Air Transportation Operations Inspector’s Handbook), were the foundational elements that were eventually integrated into a more unified system. The formal establishment of FAA Order 8900.1 created FSIMS as the single, authoritative source for inspector guidance. This move aimed to improve efficiency, ensure uniformity in oversight, and make critical safety information more accessible.
The transition to an electronic, web-based system further enhanced its accessibility and allowed for more timely updates and revisions to reflect changes in regulations, technology, and operational practices. This dynamic nature is crucial in the ever-evolving aviation landscape. While earlier notices or orders might have carried the 8900.10 designation for specific, often temporary guidance (as seen with a cancelled Notice 8900.10 regarding EASA Part 145 approvals), the overarching and enduring system for inspector guidance is now encompassed within FAA Order 8900.1.
How Part 135 Operators Utilize 8900.1
For operators conducting operations under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) Part 135, FAA Order 8900.1 is an indispensable reference, particularly during the certification process and for ongoing compliance. Although the order is primarily directed at FAA inspectors, it provides invaluable insight for operators by detailing the procedures, standards, and criteria that inspectors use to evaluate their operations.
Here are some key ways Part 135 operators use FAA Order 8900.1:
- Certification Guidance: The order outlines the multi-phased process for obtaining a Part 135 air carrier certificate. It details the requirements for each phase, from the initial pre-application statement of intent (PASI) and formal application to the design and performance assessments. Operators can gain a clear understanding of the expectations and documentation required by the FAA. Volume 2 of 8900.1 specifically addresses Part 135 certification.
- Developing Manuals and Programs: Part 135 operators are required to develop various manuals (e.g., General Operations Manual, Training Manual) and programs (e.g., training programs, maintenance programs). FAA Order 8900.1 provides detailed guidance on the content and acceptability of these documents from the FAA’s perspective. Operators can use this information to ensure their submissions meet the necessary standards, even for areas where the regulations themselves might be less prescriptive.
- Understanding Inspection Procedures: By reviewing the sections of 8900.1 that detail how inspectors conduct surveillance and inspections, Part 135 operators can better prepare for these evaluations. This includes understanding the areas of focus for ramp inspections, base inspections, and other forms of oversight.
- Operational Guidance: The order contains detailed guidance on various operational aspects relevant to Part 135, such as approved methods for navigation, approved equipment, and procedures for specific types of operations. This helps operators ensure their proposed operations align with FAA policy.
- Interpreting Regulations: While regulations in 14 CFR are the binding rules, FAA Order 8900.1 often provides the FAA’s interpretation and acceptable means of compliance for these regulations. This is crucial for operators to ensure they are not only meeting the letter of the law but also the FAA’s intended standard.
- Understanding Different Part 135 Structures: The order describes the certification and oversight of different types of Part 135 operators, including basic Part 135 operators, single pilot-in-command operators, and single-pilot operators, outlining the specific requirements and potential deviations applicable to each.
In essence, FAA Order 8900.1 serves as a critical bridge between the broad regulations of Part 135 and the specific expectations and procedures of the FAA inspectors who are responsible for enforcing those regulations. By understanding and utilizing this comprehensive guidance system, Part 135 operators can navigate the complexities of certification and ongoing compliance more effectively, contributing to a higher level of safety in their operations.
