What is an FAA advisory circular (AC)?
An FAA advisory circular (AC) is a numbered FAA document that gives methods and practices acceptable to the FAA for meeting regulations and grant requirements.
What an AC is
The AC system began in 1962. The FAA uses it to give one uniform set of advisory material to industry and the public. An AC does not create or change a regulatory requirement. It can describe an acceptable way to comply, and an operator may propose another way. If an operator follows the AC, it must follow it in all important respects.
When an AC is mandatory
An AC is voluntary by default. It becomes mandatory through a funding condition. AIP-funded projects must follow the applicable ACs under Grant Assurance 34, and PFC-funded projects under PFC Assurance 9. Each AC states this in its application paragraph, so read that paragraph first. Some ACs, such as AC 150/5370-10H, also say that their methods are acceptable for 14 CFR Part 139.
How to read an AC number
An AC number has three parts. For AC 150/5320-6G, the subject area is 150, the sequence number is 5320-6 and the revision letter is G. The first issue has no letter, and the first revision is A. A new revision cancels the one before it. For example, AC 150/5335-5D cancelled AC 150/5335-5C, and AC 150/5320-6G cancelled AC 150/5320-6F.
Airport ACs that matter for inspection
| AC | Subject |
|---|---|
| 150/5320-6G | Pavement design and evaluation |
| 150/5370-10H | Standard specifications for construction |
| 150/5380-7B | Pavement management program |
| 150/5335-5D | Reporting pavement strength (PCR) |
| 150/5340-30J | Design and installation of visual aids |
AC 150/5380-7B sets an inspection duty for federally obligated airports. They must inspect airfield pavements in detail at least once a year. A pavement condition index (PCI) survey to ASTM D5340 can extend the interval to three years. AC 150/5340-30J gives lighting layouts that the FAA accepts for the lighting requirements of 14 CFR 139.311.
Where to find the current revision
Use the current revision. The FAA publishes ACs on its advisory circular web pages. Check the revision letter and the Application paragraph before you cite an AC in a report.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is an FAA advisory circular a regulation?
- No. An AC does not create or change a regulatory requirement. It describes one way to comply, and the operator may propose another way. A grant agreement can still make an AC mandatory for a funded project.
- When is an FAA advisory circular mandatory?
- An AC is mandatory for a project funded by the Airport Improvement Program (AIP), under Grant Assurance 34. It is mandatory for a project funded by the Passenger Facility Charge (PFC) program, under PFC Assurance 9. Outside funded projects, most airport ACs are recommendations. For example, AC 150/5370-10H and AC 150/5340-30J say this in their application paragraphs.
- How do I read an AC number such as 150/5320-6G?
- The number has three parts. The subject area is 150, and the sequence number is 5320-6. The letter G shows the revision. The first issue of an AC has no letter, and the first revision is A. Always check that you use the latest revision, because a revision cancels the one before it.
References
- faa-order-1320-46d
- FAA Order 1320.46D, FAA Advisory Circular System (7 April 2015) FAA
- faa-order-1320-46c
- FAA Order 1320.46C, Advisory Circular System (31 May 2002) FAA
- faa-ac-150-5370-10h
- AC 150/5370-10H, Standard Specifications for Construction of Airports (21 December 2018) FAA
- faa-ac-150-5320-6g
- AC 150/5320-6G, Airport Pavement Design and Evaluation (7 June 2021) FAA
- faa-ac-150-5380-7b
- AC 150/5380-7B, Airport Pavement Management Program (10 October 2014) FAA
- faa-ac-150-5340-30j
- AC 150/5340-30J, Design and Installation Details for Airport Visual Aids (12 February 2018) FAA
This is a reference entry. TarmacView provides drone inspection services and doesn't sell the equipment or materials described in this glossary.
