Earlier this year, NTSB board member Robert Sumwalt spoke to the importance of standard operating procedures (SOPs). The FAA also sees SOPs as simple and effective safety management tools for Part 135 and Part 91K operators.

An FAA letter released last week stated, “SOPs are written, tested procedures that are applied uniformly and consistently within an organization and involve all aspects of flight, both normal and non-normal. SOPs are widely recognized as a basic element of safe aviation operations and are an area of special interest and concern within the FAA.”

The Agency recommends managers review Standard Operating Procedures for Flightdeck Crewmembers AC-120-71A.