Airline Operations Manual and Policy Compliance Checklist

This airline operations manual and policy compliance checklist ensures compliance with FAA 14 CFR Part 121.133 (Operations Manual), FAA AC 120-54 (Advanced Qualification Program), ICAO Annex 6 operations manual requirements, FAA Operations Specifications (OpSpec), and IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) standards. Designed for airline Quality Assurance and Standards Directors to verify that operations manuals are current, accurate, and being followed by flight crew.

  • Industry: Aviation
  • Frequency: Quarterly
  • Estimated Time: 2-4 hours
  • Role: Director of Standards / Quality Assurance Manager
  • Total Items: 30
  • Compliance: FAA 14 CFR Part 121.133 Operations Manual Requirements, FAA AC 120-54 Advanced Qualification Program, ICAO Annex 6 Airline Operations Manual, FAA Operations Specifications (OpSpec/MSpec/LOA), IATA IOSA Operational Safety Audit Standards

Manual Currency

Operations manual revision status.

  • Operations manual approved by FAA Flight Standards District Office?
  • Flight Crew Operations Manual (FCOM) matching manufacturer's current revision?
  • Quick Reference Handbook (QRH) current?
  • Revised manuals distributed to all cockpit crew within required timeframe?
  • Electronic manual system (EFB) revision controlled and current?

Operations Specifications

FAA OpSpec compliance.

  • All OpSpec paragraphs current and complied with?
  • ETOPS authorization current (if applicable)?
  • RVSM authorization current?
  • Cat II/III Low Visibility Operations OpSpec current?
  • All airports served covered by approved routes in OpSpec?

SOP Compliance

Standard Operating Procedure adherence.

  • LOSA (Line Operations Safety Audit) findings reviewed?
  • FOQA/FDM data reviewed for SOP deviations?
  • ASAP/VDRP reports reviewed for SOP patterns?
  • SOP changes incorporated into recurrent training?
  • Quick reference/brief cards consistent with current procedures?

Training Program

Initial and recurrent training compliance.

  • AQP or traditional training program FAA-approved?
  • CRM training incorporated and current for all crew?
  • Initial qualification training meets FAA Part 121 minimums?
  • Recurrent training completed within required periods?
  • Special airports training completed for all required destinations?

Safety Management System

Airline SMS program.

  • SMS program active with all four components?
  • Safety reporting culture active and non-punitive?
  • Safety performance metrics being tracked against targets?
  • Management safety review committee meeting quarterly?
  • IOSA/IS-BAO audit findings resolved and closed?

Records and Reporting

Quality audit documentation.

  • Quarterly QA audit of operations manuals completed?
  • All findings tracked in corrective action system?
  • All FAA communications documented and filed?
  • IOSA registration current (if applicable)?
  • Operations Manual Audit Notes

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Why Use This Airline Operations Manual and Policy Compliance Checklist?

This airline operations manual and policy compliance checklist helps aviation teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for director of standards / quality assurance manager professionals, this checklist covers 30 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: quarterly.

Ensures compliance with FAA 14 CFR Part 121.133 Operations Manual Requirements, FAA AC 120-54 Advanced Qualification Program, ICAO Annex 6 Airline Operations Manual, FAA Operations Specifications (OpSpec/MSpec/LOA), IATA IOSA Operational Safety Audit Standards. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Airline Operations Manual and Policy Compliance Checklist cover?

This checklist covers 30 inspection items across 6 sections: Manual Currency, Operations Specifications, SOP Compliance, Training Program, Safety Management System, Records and Reporting. It is designed for aviation operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed quarterly. Each completion takes approximately 2-4 hours.

Who should use this Airline Operations Manual and Policy Compliance Checklist?

This checklist is designed for Director of Standards / Quality Assurance Manager professionals in the aviation industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.

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