Aero-Terms!

Aero-Terms are designed to be a daily reminder of the terms, names, acronyms and explanations of the unique language that populates the aviation world. Aerospace, sport aviation, fixed wing, helo, you name it... it's all fair game.

Aero-Terms should serve as a quick but intriguing reminder of the terms you may use every day, or an introduction to an aspects of the Aero-World you may not yet be familiar with. ANN also encourages readers to go beyond the FMI link, and further research any intriguing terms.

Suggestions for future Aero-Terms are ALWAYS welcome, as are additions or discussion of the explanations given for each Aero-Term.

The Air Transportation Oversight System ATOS

ATOS is the FAA’s primary tool for overseeing the nation’s airlines. The fundamental principle of ATOS is that air carriers must have properly designed systems to eliminate or lessen risks before they result in accidents or incidents.

ATOS asks inspectors to look at the air carrier as a whole and how systems interact to assure safety, rather than just inspecting for compliance with rules. This includes looking at an air carrier’s management, corporate safety culture and its experience as well as its systems.

FMI: http://aviationglossary.com/air-transportation-oversight-system-atos/