Stage: Final Publications

Regulatory Agency Final Publications

FAA AIR600-20-600-PM01 Clarifying the FAA’s Use of Digital Signatures under FAA Order 1370.121, FAA Information Security and Privacy Program & Policy and Deviation to FAA Order 8120.22A, Production Approval Procedures

This memorandum clarifies that the FAA has broad authority to sign documents using digital
signatures in accordance with FAA Order 1370.121, FAA Information Security and Privacy
Program & Policy. This includes using digital signatures to sign type certificates, supplemental
type certificates, and letters of design approval, undue burden determinations, and other letters
to applicants/approval holders.

This memorandum also authorizes a deviation to FAA Order 8120.22A, Production Approval
Procedures to allow the use of digital signatures to sign production certificates, production
limitation records, technical standard order authorizations, parts manufacturer approval letters
and supplements. Until now, Order 8120.22A prohibited the use of “electronic” signatures to
sign these documents.

FAA N8900.542

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FAA AC 120-66C

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FAA SAFO20004

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FAA Final Rule Docket No. FAA-2020-0289; Amdt. No. 121-383 Oxygen Mask Requirement: Supplemental Oxygen for Emergency Descent and for First Aid; Turbine Engine Powered Airplanes With Pressurized Cabins

This action amends the
oxygen mask requirement for
circumstances in which a single pilot is
at the aircraft controls. This action
applies to all certificate holders who
conduct domestic, flag, and
supplemental operations. This action
responds to a statutory mandate that
requires the FAA to increase the flight
level threshold at which the FAA
requires use of an oxygen mask by the
remaining pilot at the aircraft controls
when the other pilot at the controls
leaves the control station

FAA Final No. FAA-2020-0246; Amdt. Nos. 11-65, 91.363, 111-1Notice No. 20-05 Pilot Records Database

For Immediate Release
Date: May 26, 2021

Contact: pressoffice@faa.gov

FAA Completes Rule Establishing Pilot Records
Database to Increase Safety

WASHINGTON – A new rule from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will enable the sharing of pilot records among employers in an electronic database maintained by the agency. The final rule (PDF) for the Pilot Records Database requires air carriers and certain other operators to report pilots’ employment history, training, and qualifications to the database. The rule also requires air carriers and certain operators to review records contained in the database when considering pilots for employment.

“It has been a long journey for the families of Colgan Flight 3407, but their tireless advocacy and continued engagement with the FAA has made this database a reality. With it, employers will be able to quickly and thoroughly make informed hiring decisions to keep our skies safe,” said FAA Administrator Steve Dickson.

The rule will update the current records reporting process to meet information-sharing requirements in the Airline Safety and Federal Aviation Administration Extension Act passed by Congress in 2010. Once the transition period is complete, the database will serve as the repository for pilot records from the FAA and records reported by current and previous employers.

The database will include the following information:

  • FAA pilot certificate information, such as certificates and ratings;
  • FAA summaries of unsatisfactory pilot applications for new certificates or ratings;
  • FAA records of accidents, incidents, and enforcement actions;
  • Records from employers on pilot training, qualification, and proficiency;
  • Pilot drug and alcohol records;
  • Employers’ final disciplinary action records;
  • Pilot records concerning separation of employment; and
  • Verification of pilot motor vehicle driving record.

The final rule (PDF) takes effect 60 days after it is published in the Federal Register. Additional actions and timelines to support implementation of the rule include:

  • Six months after the rule is published, operators must begin reviewing FAA records electronically in the database instead of submitting a form requesting records;
  • One year after the rule is published, operators will begin to report and review records to the database; and
  • Operators will have three years and 90 days to transition and fully comply with the rule.

The FAA will publish an advisory circular to accompany the final rule and will offer additional resources to support industry adoption and use of the database. The rule has been thoroughly debated and incorporates feedback from all aviation stakeholders.

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Send comments identified by docket number [FAA-2020-0246] using any of the following methods:

  • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov and follow the online instructions for sending your comments electronically.
  • Mail: Send comments to Docket Operations, M-30; U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Room W12-140, West Building Ground Floor, Washington, DC 20590-0001.
  • Hand Delivery or Courier: Take comments to Docket Operations in Room W12-140 of the West Building Ground Floor at 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

  • Fax: Fax comments to Docket Operations at (202) 493-2251.

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The FAA is proposing to require the use of an electronic Pilot Records Database (PRD) and implement statutory requirements. The PRD would be used to facilitate the sharing of pilot records among air carriers and other operators in an electronic data system managed by the FAA. Air carriers, specific operators holding out to the public, entities conducting public aircraft operations, air tour operators, fractional ownerships, and corporate flight departments would be required to enter relevant data on individuals employed as pilots into the PRD, and this would be available electronically to those entities. In addition, this proposal identifies all air carriers, fractional ownerships, and some other operators or entities that would be required to access the PRD and evaluate the available data for each pilot candidate prior to making a hiring decision.

FAA Safety Alert for Operators – Best Practices for Part 137 Agricultural Aircraft Operations

Subject: Best Practices for Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) Part 137 Agricultural Aircraft Operations.

Purpose: This SAFO serves to provide best practices to part 137 agricultural operators and pilots.

Background: On May 13, 2014, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) issued, Special Investigation Report (SIR) on the Safety of Agricultural Aircraft Operations (NTSB/SIR-14/01 PB2014-105983), which chronicled recurring safety issues in the agricultural industry. The SIR recommended that the FAA take appropriate action in coordination with the National Agricultural Aviation Association (NAAA) and the National Agricultural Aviation Research & Education Foundation (NAAREF) to reduce associated hazards.
The FAA agrees with the NTSB’s assessment and has considered information from NAAA and NAAREF on issues including, but not limited, to fatigue, risk assessment and risk management practices, pilot knowledge and skill subjects, and obstacle clearance and avoidance.

Discussion: The FAA strongly encourages all part 137 operators to be mindful of the safe operating practices discussed in Advisory Circular 137-1B, Certification Process for Agricultural Aircraft Operators, and consider the more detailed AC 120-100, Basics of Aviation Fatigue, to reduce and/or mitigate the effects of fatigue. This SAFO highlights several critical recommendations provided in the aforementioned ACs for Part 137 operators and pilots to consider.