6: Advisory Circulars

The Advisory Circular (AC) System

AC 39-7D Airworthiness Directives

AC 43-4A Corrosion Control for Aircraft

AC 43-9C Maintenance Records

AC 43.9-1F Instructions for Completion of FAA Form 337

AC 43.13-1B Acceptable Methods, Techniques and Practices—Aircraft Inspection and Repair

AC 43.13-2A Acceptable Methods, Techniques, and Practices—Aircraft Alteration

FAA-H-8083-1 Aircraft Weight and Balance Handbook

FAA-G-8082-11C Inspection Authorization Knowledge Test Guide

AC 91-67 Minimum Equipment Requirements for General Aviation Operations Under 14 CFR Part 91

The Advisory Circular (AC) System

The FAA issues advisory circulars to inform the aviation public of nonregulatory material of interest. An AC is issued to provide guidance and information in its designated subject area or to show a method acceptable to the Administrator for complying with a related Federal Aviation Regulation. Advisory circulars are issued in a number system that corresponds to the subject areas of 14 CFR. Therefore, the AC number usually reflects the section of the regulatory material it is seeking to explain. For example: AC 39-7 deals with 14 CFR Part 39, AC 43-9 refers to §43.9, and AC 91.67 to Part 91. The ACs covered in this chapter are those most applicable and useful to the IA, and which contain information that may appear in the FAA IA Knowledge Test questions.

Some Advisory Circulars have been replaced with:

Computerized Testing Supplements FAA-CT-8080-

Practical Test Standards FAA-S-8081-

Knowledge Test Guides FAA-G-8082-

FAA Aeronautical Handbooks FAA-H-8083-

AC 39-7D Airworthiness Directives

This AC provides guidance and information to owners and operators of aircraft concerning their responsibility for complying with airworthiness directives (ADs) and recording AD compliance in the appropriate maintenance records.

AC 43-4A Corrosion Control for Aircraft

This AC is a summary of currently available data regarding identification and treatment of corrosive attack on aircraft structure and engine materials. It is available as a free “PDF” download from the FAA’s Regulatory and Guidance Library on their website at this address: http://www.airweb.faa.gov/rgl

AC 43-9C Maintenance Records

This AC describes methods, procedures and practices that have been determined to be acceptable means of showing compliance with the general aviation maintenance record making and record keeping requirements of 14 CFR Parts 43 and 91. This material is not mandatory, nor is it regulatory and
acknowledges that the FAA will consider other methods that may be presented. It is issued for guidance purposes and outlines several methods of compliance with the regulations.

Note: The information in AC 43-9 does not apply to air carrier maintenance records made and retained in accordance with 14 CFR Part 121.

AC 43.9-1F Instructions for Completion of FAA Form 337

This AC provides instructions for completing FAA Form 337, Major Repair and Alteration (Airframe, Powerplant, Propeller, or Appliance).

AC 43.13-1B Acceptable Methods, Techniques and Practices—Aircraft Inspection and Repair

This AC contains methods, techniques, and practices acceptable to the Administrator for inspection and repair to civil aircraft, only when there is no manufacturer repair or maintenance instructions. This data generally pertains to minor repairs. It may be used as a basis for FAA data approval for major repairs. This data may be used as approved data when: (1) The user has determined that it is appropriate to the product being repaired; (2) directly applicable to the repair being made; and (3) not contrary to manufacturer’s data.

AC 43.13-2A Acceptable Methods, Techniques, and Practices—Aircraft Alteration

This AC contains methods, techniques, and practices acceptable to the Administrator for use in altering civil aircraft. Note: Be aware that although the FAA released the updated AC 43.13-2B in March 2008, the applicable text and reference exhibits in the most recent Computer Test Supplement (FAA-CT-8080-8D) have not yet been updated and therefore still reflect the information contained in AC 43.13-2A.

FAA-H-8083-1 Aircraft Weight and Balance Handbook

This Aircraft Weight and Balance Handbook supersedes AC 91-23A Pilot’s Weight and Balance Handbook. Its object is twofold:

• To provide the aviation maintenance technician with the method of determining the empty weight and empty-weight center of gravity of an aircraft

• To furnish the flight crew with information on loading and operating the aircraft to ensure its weight is within the allowable limit and the center of gravity is within the allowable range.

FAA-G-8082-11C Inspection Authorization Knowledge Test Guide

This study guide provides guidance for persons who conduct annual and progressive inspections and approve major repairs and/or major alterations of aircraft. The guide is primarily intended for mechanics who hold or who are preparing to take the test for inspection authorization (IA). The guide stresses the important role that certificated mechanics who hold an IA have in air safety.

AC 91-67 Minimum Equipment Requirements for General Aviation Operations Under 14 CFR Part 91

This AC describes acceptable methods for the operation of aircraft under Title 14 of the Federal Regulations (14 CFR) Part 91 with certain inoperative instruments and equipment which are not essential for safe flight. This AC was cancelled on Nov 3, 2017, as it is no longer aligned with current ICAO standards. However, applicants may still see questions pertaining to this AC and should monitor www.faa.gov to stay informed of a new edition.