Aero-Terms!

Aero-Terms are designed to be a daily reminder of the terms, names, acronyms and explanations of the unique language that populates the aviation world. Aerospace, sport aviation, fixed wing, helo, you name it... it's all fair game.

Aero-Terms should serve as a quick but intriguing reminder of the terms you may use every day, or an introduction to an aspects of the Aero-World you may not yet be familiar with. ANN also encourages readers to go beyond the FMI link, and further research any intriguing terms.

Suggestions for future Aero-Terms are ALWAYS welcome, as are additions or discussion of the explanations given for each Aero-Term.

Safety Alerts for Operators (SAFOs)

Published by the FAA, a SAFO often contains critical aviation safety related information that the FAA has determined  that various aircraft operators need to know.

The SAFO is intended to fill the gap left by the discontinuation in 1994 of the ACOB (Air Carrier Operational Bulletin) and attempts to re-establish a communication channel between FAA Flight Standards and operators. This channel permits a policy making division such as AFS-200 (Air Transportation Division) to convey important safety information concurrently to FAA field offices and to operators in a timely manner, without undue delays caused by bureaucracy between government offices.

FMI: www.faa.gov/other_visit/aviation_industry/airline_operators/airline_safety/safo/all_safos/