Technical Support for

If you are a Subscriber; also see How to use this System.

Supported OS & Browser Versions

Generally speaking, the latest version of each operating system is supported.

The most important part of compatibility is the web browser version. We support operating systems on the basis of the version of the web browser they support.

If your system is not fully compatible, you may experience problems with the functionality of the newer parts of the system. You can still use for example the older Make/Model search.

Clear Browser Cache

If you are experiencing issues with the system, clearing your browser cache can often resolve the problem. To clear your browser cache, try referring to the instructions at this web site: How to Clear Cache and Cookies in Your Web Browser

Internet - Data Transfer Concept

The source of the confusion seems to be the use of the term "download". Like many terms in the computer (data processing) industry, "software" is another example, its use has grown to mean so many things that it is no longer precise. Without going into the origin of the word, it is now used to mean any movement of data across a network of any kind. "upload" and "download" are almost interchangeable. Commonly it is thought that "download" is from Server to Client or Big to Little; i.e. Business to Customer. Alternatively it is From Source To Requester (pull). "upload" is From Sender To Destination (push). Next; if you can see something on your computer screen, it has already been downloaded to you. The technical exception is a large PDF file. In some cases you may see the first pages on your screen while the download of the balance of the document is still in progress. If it hasn't been downloaded, you can't see it. Once you can see it, it is on your computer and you can do anything you want with it. More important, it is almost always already on your hard disk stored as a Tempoary File in the Windows System area of your disk. The exception is the data that is only stored in memory while it is displayed on your monitor; that is no longer common in MS-Windows operating systems. To save any data (downloaded file) that you can see, just select "File" in the upper left part of your screen and then "Save As".

Document File Formats

Our system provides documents in three main formats: RTF, Word DOC, and PDF. These formats are easy to use and widely supported. When you click on a document link, you can view it directly in your web browser or download it to your computer. The great thing about RTF and Word DOC files is that you can edit them on your own computer using programs like Microsoft Word or LibreOffice. This means you can make changes or add notes to the documents as needed. PDF files are best for viewing but can't be easily edited. Whether you're looking to read, download, or edit documents, our system makes it simple and straightforward for everyone, even if you're not a computer expert.

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Text Colors and Color Printers

We use "Screen Colors" in the most of our text (DOC & RTF) data files to provide emphasis for some data elements:

BLUE: for some Headers, Titles and Appendices
AD 99-01-01: Hyperlinks to other Sections or Documents
TCM ASB 99-150A: Manufacturer's Service Information
CAUTION/WARNING: Highlight Safety Information
Repeat at intervals of...: Recurring AD Information
Supersedes 97-10-10: Superseded AD No.

Hyperlinks are always Blue and Underlined.
Other colors are just for emphasis.

Most Color Printers will print the document with the correct colors and most "Black Only" printers will print the document correctly, however, without color (colored words are printed in black).

We have now seen some printers that will not print the words that are displayed in color. They produce a "Blank Space" where the colored words should be. The following procedure gets around the problem:

1. Save the Text file(s) to a convenient location

2. Close your Internet connection (optional)

3. Load MS-Word and display the file(s)

4. Click on "Edit | Select all"

5. Use the Font "A" icon on the toolbar and select "Automatic"

6. This process removes all colors from the document and returns the Font Color to the default, which is usually black. Hyperlinks are the exception, however, for a number of reasons, they are never in the body of a document.

7. If you re-save the document, the colors are permanently removed.

The real solution is to determine why your printer is ignoring words shown in color, however, the above procedure will get the document printed correctly.

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Word and PDF HyperLinks

HyperLinks ("Jump to" Commands) can be used in three general ways:

1. "Jump to" a new location in the currently displayed document.

2. Load a new Local Document and go to a specific location; typically the top of the document (text, html or graphic file).

3. Go to a new URL. This involves an active Internet connection and the "Jump" goes to a Web Site; more typically a specific place and/or a specific file on that Web Site.

All kinds of Document Handling software use Hyperlinks. Specifically: SGML, HTML (and its new variants), most modern Word Processors, and many others. The problem is; they all use a different method (internal code and tags) to accomplish the "Link".

HTML is emerging as the standard, and is the defacto standard for all World Wide Web Browsers. However, it is not yet flexible or universal enough to meet all of our needs. Therefore, we need to use a Word Processor for most of our documents. The goal is to design around a Word Processing standard that has all of the features we need and is commonly available. And, although we don't like to push Microsoft products, MS-Word meets all of the requirements, including being found on about 80-90% of modern, business oriented personal computers.

Use of HyperLinks

This System uses HTML HyperLinks in the standard way and Word Processor (MS-Word) HyperLinks as follows:

1. Although a lot of text is "highlighted" with bold colors, only the underlined text (this one is not) are Links. i.e. Service Bulletins shown in red are not Links.

2. Since non-MS Word Processors not only do not respect the HyperLinks, in many cases, they obliterate the "Link Text" ; we do not put the HyperLinks in the body of any document.

3. HyperLinks to Service Information, graphics and other support files can be found at the top and/or bottom of the displayed files.

4. Where the file size is not dramatically effected, we will put figures "in-line" in a document file. When this causes the file size to approach half a megabyte, the figures will be Links.

5. HTML Links typically require only a "Single Click", while Word Processor Links frequently require a "Double Click" and a pause while the file in found and downloaded.

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Tips and Tricks:

If you are going to use this System to meet your day-to-day requirements for FAA Regulatory Data, we recommend the following approach to downloading and saving data files:

1. If your Browser asks you for a "Download/Save" or "View/Open" decision: Select the View or Open Option.

   The Download is automatic. There are some rare exceptions to this, as some early Browsers won't let you view a file. Therefore, you must always download the file to a disk location from which you can view it later.

2. Before you get too many files scattered around you disk, create the following Disk Directory structure on a petition (hard disk drive) on your computer with several megabytes of free space:

   • d:\faadata
   • d:\faadata\ads
   • d:\faadata\fars
   • d:\faadata\tcds
   • d:\faadata\advcir
   • d:\faadata\????? as needed.

   There is nothing magic about these subdirectory names, use any names that make sense to you. We recommend names of eight bytes or less so you won't have a mess if you stray from the Windows 32 bit world. (The lower case "d" is probably your C: drive.)

   In addition, or as an alternative to the above structure, you may want to create a subdirectory for each aircraft, or aircraft type, that you work on. Storing all data (ADs, SBs, TCs, etc.) that apply to that aircraft in a single subdirectory.

   i.e. d:\faadata\beech\V35 or d:\faadata\piper\N1234K.

3. When you select a file to view, your Browser should launch your word processor (typically MS Word) and display the file in your word processor while your Browser is still active.

4. With this procedure, you can accumulate all the text files that you need in a logical directory structure that will allow you easily find them in the future.

5. Modern web browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge generally handle file downloads and viewing consistently. When you click on a document link, most browsers will either display the file directly in the browser window or prompt you to download it, depending on your settings and the file type. Here are some tips for managing downloaded files:

   • Set up a consistent download location in your browser settings to keep your files organized.
   • Use meaningful filenames when saving documents to make them easy to find later.
   • Consider creating folders for different document types (e.g., ADs, Service Bulletins) within your download directory.

6. Most modern browsers work well with various document types, including PDFs and Microsoft Office files. However, if you encounter issues viewing a file in your browser:

   • Try downloading the file and opening it with the appropriate application on your computer.
   • Ensure you have the necessary software installed to view the file type (e.g., a PDF reader or Microsoft Word).
   • If a file doesn't open, try clearing your browser cache and cookies, then attempt to download the file again.

7. While browser compatibility issues are less common nowadays, you may occasionally encounter problems. If you experience difficulties accessing or viewing files:

   • Try using a different browser to see if the issue persists.
   • Make sure your browser and plugins are up to date.
   • Contact our support team if you continue to experience problems, as the issue may be on our end.

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Knowledge and Experience Requirements:

1. Basic knowledge of the Aircraft Industry and maintenance procedures. (Make - Model - Nomenclature, etc.)

2. Knowledge of the FAA's data organization methods and naming systems. ("model", "series", etc.)

3. Basic knowledge of how to use your computer and its Operating System (e.g. Windows 95, etc.)

4. A fairly complete understanding of how to use your Web Browser and Word Processor.

The good news is: There are only 2 real requirements.

1. Can you view Web Pages on your computer?, and
2. Can you download RTF files and DOC files to your computer and view them in a Word Processor (viewer/editor)?

The other fifteen points above just provide a logical place for us to put "links" to useful information that you may need.