Guidance Material
Section 02: Regulatory Vocabulary
Definition
Non-binding documents issued by aviation authorities or standards bodies that provide explanatory, interpretive, or advisory information to assist in understanding and complying with regulations. Guidance material does not create legal obligations; rather, it describes methods, processes, or interpretations that the issuing authority considers acceptable or helpful. Examples include FAA Advisory Circulars, EASA Acceptable Means of Compliance (AMC), EASA Guidance Material (GM), and TCCA Advisory Circulars.
Where This Shows Up
While guidance material is not legally binding, it has significant practical importance. Following a method described in guidance material (such as an FAA AC or EASA AMC) provides a presumption of compliance with the underlying regulation, reducing the applicant's burden to justify their approach. Deviating from guidance material is permissible but requires the applicant to demonstrate that their alternative approach provides an equivalent level of safety.
Primary Sources
Establishes that ACs are non-binding guidance material.
Legal basis for EASA's issuance of non-binding AMC and GM.
Related Terms
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