What is AC 120-51?

What is AC 120-51?

• A. The FAA's advisory circular outlining CRM training guidelines
• B. ICAO aviation safety manual
• C. NTSB investigation guidelines
• D. FAA Part 121 training manual

Answer: (A)

AC 120-51 is an FAA advisory circular that provides guidelines for Crew Resource Management (CRM) training. Advisory circulars are non-regulatory guidance from the FAA, designed to help operators adopt best practices. This specific circular lays out recommended approaches for implementing CRM training—focusing on effective communication, teamwork, situational awareness, leadership, assertiveness, and decision making in the cockpit, and how to structure, deliver, and evaluate CRM programs. It’s a guidance document used by airlines and training departments to shape their CRM curricula and align with the broader regulatory framework, rather than a regulation itself. It isn’t the ICAO aviation safety manual, nor NTSB investigation guidelines, nor a generic FAA Part 121 training manual.

AC 120-51 is an FAA advisory circular that provides guidelines for Crew Resource Management (CRM) training. Advisory circulars are non-regulatory guidance from the FAA, designed to help operators adopt best practices. This specific circular lays out recommended approaches for implementing CRM training—focusing on effective communication, teamwork, situational awareness, leadership, assertiveness, and decision making in the cockpit, and how to structure, deliver, and evaluate CRM programs. It’s a guidance document used by airlines and training departments to shape their CRM curricula and align with the broader regulatory framework, rather than a regulation itself. It isn’t the ICAO aviation safety manual, nor NTSB investigation guidelines, nor a generic FAA Part 121 training manual.