Definitions

by Ron Cline
(Ellensburg, WA, USA)

What is the difference between Operating Specifications and Operating Limitations?

ANSWER: Here is my take on the terms Operating Specificatons, Operations Specifications, and Operating Limitations.

The FAA issues operations specifications to certificated operators (air carriers, repair stations, etc). It is a legal document that outlines what they are authorized to do.

A manufacturer, to outline the specifications under which the product was designed to be operated, publishes operating specifications.

The manufacturer, to outline the limits related to the operation of a product, publishes operating limitations. This is often a section in the approved flight manual.

The FAA also publishes operating limitations that are limitations related to a ferry flight under a special flight permit.