Introduction to Flying

Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) Safety Team (FAASTeam) exemplifies this commitment. The FAA has approximately 80 FSDOs. [Figure 1-13] These The FAASTeam has replaced the Aviation Safety Program offices provide information and services for the aviation (ASP), whose education of airmen on all types of safety community. FSDO phone numbers are listed in the telephone subjects successfully reduced accidents. Its success led to directory under Government Offices, DOT, FAA. Another its demise because the easy-to-fix accident causes have been convenient method of finding a local office is to use the addressed. To take aviation safety one step further, Flight FSDO locator available at: www.faa.gov/about/office_org/ Standards Service created the FAASTeam, which is devoted field_offices/fsdo. to reducing aircraft accidents by using a coordinated effort to focus resources on elusive accident causes. In addition to accident investigation and the enforcement of aviation regulations, the FSDO is also responsible for the Each of the FAA’s nine regions has a Regional FAASTeam certification and surveillance of air carriers, air operators, Office dedicated to this new safety program and managed by flight schools/training centers, and airmen including pilots the Regional FAASTeam Manager (RFM). The FAASTeam and flight instructors. Each FSDO is staffed by Aviation is “teaming” up with individuals and the aviation industry Safety Inspectors (ASIs) who play a key role in making the to create a unified effort against accidents and tip the safety nation’s aviation system safe. culture in the right direction. To learn more about this effort to improve aviation safety, to take a course at their online Aviation Safety Inspector (ASI) learning center, or to join the FAASTeam, visit their website The ASIs administer and enforce safety regulations and at www.faasafety.gov. standards for the production, operation, maintenance, and/ or modification of aircraft used in civil aviation. They also Obtaining Assistance from the FAA specialize in conducting inspections of various aspects of the Information can be obtained from the FAA by phone, aviation system, such as aircraft and parts manufacturing, Internet/e-mail, or mail. To talk to the FAA toll-free 24 aircraft operation, aircraft airworthiness, and cabin safety. hours a day, call 1-866-TELL-FAA (1-866-835-5322). To ASIs must complete a training program at the FAA Academy visit the FAA’s website, go to www.faa.gov. Individuals can in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, which includes airman also e-mail an FAA representative at a local FSDO office by evaluation and pilot testing techniques and procedures. ASIs accessing the staff e-mail address available via the “Contact also receive extensive on-the-job training and recurrent FAA” link at the bottom of the FAA home page. Letters can training on a regular basis. The FAA has approximately be sent to: 3,700 inspectors located in its FSDO offices. All questions concerning pilot certification (and/or requests for other Federal Aviation Administration aviation information or services) should be directed to the 800 Independence Ave, SW local FSDO. Washington, DC 20591 FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam) FAA Reference Material The FAA provides a variety of important reference material The FAA is dedicated to improving the safety of United for the student, as well as the advanced civil aviation pilot. States civilian aviation by conveying safety principles and In addition to the regulations provided online by the FAA, practices through training, outreach, and education. The FAA several other publications are available to the user. Almost all reference material is available online at www.faa.gov in downloadable format. Commercial aviation publishers also provide published and online reference material to further aid the aviation pilot. Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) The Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) is the official guide to basic flight information and ATC procedures for the aviation community flying in the NAS of the United States. [Figure 1-14] An international version, containing parallel information as well as specific information on international airports, is also available. The AIM also contains information of interest to pilots, such as health and medical facts, flight Figure 1-13. Atlanta Flight Standards District Office (FSDO). 1-9