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.

Technical Standard Orders (TSO)

A TSO is a written specification published by the FAA as a minimum performance standard for specified materials, parts, and appliances used on civil aircraft. It may specify input and output parameters, operating parameters, and other minimum specifications that apply to an article.
 
The FAA publishes TSOs to set uniform, minimum standards for articles installed an used in aircraft. When authorized to manufacture a material, part, or appliances to a TSO standard, this is referred to as TSO authorization.
 
Receiving a TSO authorization is both a design and production approval. Receiving a TSO Authorization is not an approval to install and use the article in the aircraft. It means that the article meets the specific TSO, meets a minimum performance requirement and the applicant is authorized to manufacture it.
 
A separate FAA approval is required to install the article on an aircraft independent of the article’s TSO approval The regulations related to Technical Standard Order’s may be found in 14 CFR 21 Subpart O—Technical Standard Order Authorizations.

FMI: http://aviationglossary.com/technical-standard-order-tso/