Definition
An operations specification (OpSpec) is a formal document issued by the FAA to a certificate holder (such as an air carrier, charter operator, or training provider) that authorizes and defines the specific operations the holder is permitted to conduct. It lists approved aircraft, routes, airports, equipment, procedures, and any special authorizations — including, for example, the use of an Electronic Flight Bag in place of paper charts.
Plain English
An OpSpec is the FAA's official permission slip for a commercial operator. It spells out exactly what that operator is allowed to do, what equipment they can use, and how they have to do it.
Context Anchor
Seen in discussions of company flight operations, FAA approvals, and whether a device or procedure—such as an electronic flight bag—may be used in an approved way.
Derivation
From Latin operatio (a working) and specificare (to mention specifically). The term literally means 'a specific listing of operations' — which is exactly what the document is: a detailed list of what this particular operator may do.
Why Pilots Care
OpSpecs determine what operations are legal for that operator and directly affect whether an EFB or procedure can be used in flight.
Intuition Check
Do not read “operations specification” as just a company preference or internal checklist. In this FAA context, it is an official authorization with limits and conditions attached.
Example Sentence 1
The airline's OpSpec authorized the use of Class 2 EFBs for all flight operations, allowing pilots to retire their paper chart binders.
Example Sentence 2
Before installing a new tablet, the chief pilot checked the OpSpec to confirm the equipment was approved.