Definition
An FAA Advisory Circular that provides guidance for developing, implementing, and updating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for flight deck crewmembers, with particular emphasis on pilot monitoring duties. It outlines recommended practices for crew coordination, callouts, briefings, and the active monitoring role of the pilot not flying, intended primarily for use by air carriers and flight crews operating under Parts 121, 125, and 135.
Plain English
An FAA guidance document that explains how flight crews should set up and follow standard operating procedures, especially the duties of the pilot whose job in that moment is to monitor — to watch, listen, and cross-check what the flying pilot is doing.
Context Anchor
Seen in FAA handbook discussions about cockpit communication, crew coordination, and standard procedures.
Derivation
AC' stands for Advisory Circular — the FAA's series of non-regulatory guidance documents. The number '120-71' identifies it within the 120-series (which covers air carrier operations). Advisory Circulars are not regulations themselves, but they show the FAA's accepted way of meeting a regulation or best practice.
Why Pilots Care
Following these procedures reduces miscommunication and improves safety during all phases of flight.
Intuition Check
AC here means Advisory Circular, not alternating current, air conditioning, or aircraft. Also, “advisory” does not mean useless; it means FAA guidance rather than the rule text itself.
Example Sentence 1
The airline rewrote its monitoring callouts after a review against AC 120-71.
Example Sentence 2
Operators develop their SOPs using guidance from AC 120-71 to ensure consistent crew coordination.