5.4 Supplementary EFVS Training.
5.4.1 Section 61.66(c) requires supplementary EFVS training when a person seeks to conduct additional EFVS operations for which they have not received training. For example, a pilot who is already trained to conduct EFVS operations to 100 feet would not be required to complete the full training program applicable to EFVS operations to touchdown and rollout if he or she later decided to conduct EFVS operations to touchdown and rollout. Instead, the pilot would be required to complete only that portion of the full training program addressing the differences between the two operations.
5.4.2 In this case, the pilot must receive and log the supplementary ground and flight training appropriate to the additional EFVS operation to be conducted. The supplementary training must be received from an authorized training provider under a training program approved by the FAA. The pilot also must obtain a logbook or training record endorsement from that provider certifying that he or she is proficient in the use of EFVS.
Flight training must be appropriate to the category of aircraft for which the person is seeking the EFVS privilege.
5.5 EFVS Recurrent Training. Recurrent training should include a review of EFVS subjects and tasks.
5.6 Other Requirements and Considerations Pertaining to EFVS Training.
5.6.1 Section 61.66 provides minimum training standards for a broad range of operators who may be operating various types of aircraft and EFVS equipment. In addition to § 61.66, operators must also comply with any training required for their particular type of operation, such as operations conducted under part 121, 125, 135, or 91K. While training for EFVS operations under § 61.66 is specific to the category of aircraft, parts 121, 125, 135, and 91K require pilots to be adequately trained in the aircraft, crewmember position, and type of operation in which the flightcrew member serves. These operators must address training and proficiency for each EFVS/aircraft installation and their EFVS operations. Pilots operating large and turbine powered multiengine airplanes under part 91 subpart F that require a type rating should obtain appropriate type-specific training that addresses any EFVS system differences that may exist.
5.6.2 A part 125 operator may accomplish § 61.66 EFVS training in accordance with an FAA-approved training program offered at a part 141 pilot school or a part 142 training center. (However, based on the special rules in § 125.296, a part 125 operator may not use a part 141 pilot school to meet other training, testing, or checking requirements under part 125.) Alternatively, a part 125 operator may submit an EFVS training program to the FAA for approval.
5.6.3 Under part 141, the FAA may approve an EFVS training course in accordance with part 141, § 141.11 and appendix K, paragraph 9, Special Operations Course, which contains the minimum curriculum requirements for both aeronautical knowledge and flight training pertaining to special operations courses. A special operations course for EFVS must also meet the applicable parts of FAA regulations that pertain to that special
34 operations course. Accordingly, an EFVS training course must meet the requirements of § 61.66 in addition to the minimum curriculum requirements in part 141 appendix K.
5.6.4 Training providers should follow existing processes for developing new training curricula on the subjects and tasks in § 61.66 and for qualifying instructors to provide the training.
5.6.5 A pilot must receive training that is specific to the EFVS operation they will conduct:
EFVS operations to touchdown and rollout, EFVS operations to 100 feet above the TDZE, or both (refer to § 61.66(a), (b), and (c)). Training can be integrated or provided separately if an operator chooses to conduct both types of EFVS operations.
5.6.6 Pilots should be trained and proficient on the various types of IAPs they plan to use for EFVS operations. Some non-RNAV NPAs, for example, can be offset by as much as 30 degrees. It is important for operators to receive training on the range of offset angles they may encounter during EFVS operations and at various standard and lower-than-standard visibilities. Paragraph 4.3.4 addresses offset angles associated with specific IAPs. EFVS training conducted in a full flight simulator (FFS) should consist of realistic training scenarios.
5.6.7 If flight training is conducted in aircraft, flight instructors should ensure that both the equipment in the aircraft and the visual conditions for the flight are appropriate for safely conducting and/or supervising the flight. For example, a PM display is not required for EFVS operations that are conducted to 100 feet above the TDZE. Under some visibility conditions, an instructor who does not have a PM display may not have access to the same visual information the PF has and may not be able to safely supervise the flight.
Flight training in aircraft should be planned and structured to appropriately address the equipment available in the aircraft and the visibility conditions under which the training can be safely accomplished.
5.7 Military Pilots and Former Military Pilots in the U.S. Armed Forces. The FAA training requirements for EFVS operations do not apply to a military pilot or former military pilot in the U.S. Armed Forces if that person documents satisfactory completion of ground and flight training in EFVS operations by the U.S. Armed Forces (refer to § 61.66(f).
5.8 Public Aircraft Operators. Except for U.S. military pilots, pilots who conduct operations for public aircraft operators must meet the training requirements of § 61.66.
EFVS operations conducted by public aircraft operators are also addressed in paragraph 4.4.
5.9 Credit for Previous Training and Transition Period for Complying With the Training Requirements of § 61.66.
5.9.1 Pilots who can document that they have satisfactorily completed training on EFVS operations to 100 feet above the TDZE any time prior to March 13, 2018 are not required to receive new training for these operations. Additionally, training received prior to this date is not required to be obtained under an FAA-approved training program. Operators who already conduct EFVS operations to 100 feet, who also wish to conduct EFVS
35 operations to touchdown and rollout, must complete the supplementary EFVS training required by § 61.66(c). Supplementary training must be received from an authorized training provider under an FAA-approved training program.
5.9.2 EFVS training providers must develop or revise training programs to comply with § 61.66. Additionally, parts 91K, 121, 125, and 135 operators conducting EFVS operations to 100 feet under § 91.175(l) must transition to authorizations that are referenced to § 91.176(b). To accommodate these requirements, the FAA has provided a transition period during which an operator may continue to conduct EFVS operations to 100 feet under § 91.175(l). While an operator is conducting EFVS operations under § 91.175(l) during the transition period, the requirements of § 61.66 do not apply (refer to § 61.66(h)(5)). Training programs must comply with § 61.66 and operators must complete the transition to new authorizations that are referenced to § 91.176(b) prior to March 13, 2018.
5.10 Exceptions to the EFVS Training Requirements in § 61.66.
5.10.1 Manipulating the Controls During Flight Training. Section 61.66(b) prohibits a person from manipulating the controls of an aircraft during an EFVS operation under § 91.176(a) or (b) unless that person has completed the training described above. An exception in § 61.66(h)(1)(i) permits a pilot to manipulate the controls during flight training provided the instructor meets the requirements to perform the EFVS operation in the category of aircraft for which the training is being conducted. Before conducting EFVS operations in aircraft, flight instructors should ensure that both the equipment in the aircraft and the visual conditions for the flight are appropriate for safely conducting and/or supervising the flight.
5.10.2 Flights Conducted in Aircraft Issued an Experimental Certificate for Purposes of Research and Development or Showing Compliance to Regulations.
5.10.2.1 Section 61.66(h)(2) provides personnel involved in certain research and development, EFVS certification, and operational suitability determination activities an alternate means of meeting the ground and flight training requirements of § 61.66(a) and (b). This is necessary because personnel involved in such activities, all of which may be conducted in aircraft issued an experimental certificate under 14 CFR part 21, § 21.191, may be unable to obtain training under an FAA-approved training program, as required by § 61.66(a) and (b). For example, FAA personnel involved in EFVS certification and operational suitability determination activities receive training through other processes that are provided for and specified in internal FAA orders.
5.10.2.2 Another example is an applicant who seeks to certify an EFVS based on new sensor technology for which an FAA-approved training course does not yet exist and an authorized instructor who can give the training is not yet available. The training requirements do not apply if there is no appropriate training program that has been approved by the FAA, and a person is
36 conducting flights in an aircraft issued an experimental airworthiness certificate for the purpose of research and development or showing compliance with regulations. In this case, the person must still have knowledge of the ground training subjects in § 61.66(a)(2) and have experience with the flight training tasks in § 61.66(b)(2) that are applicable to the EFVS operations to be conducted. This provides some flexibility for tasks that might be specified in § 61.66(b)(2) but are not applicable to a particular research and development or show-compliance project. In addition, the FAA recommends these persons also obtain training using an EFVS for which a training program exists.
5.10.2.3 For an applicant to qualify under the exception in § 61.66(h)(2), an FAA-approved training course must not yet exist that is relevant to the planned operation. An applicant must be able to show that he or she complies with § 61.66(h)(2) and should be able to produce the program letter and application for experimental certificate if asked.
5.11 Requirements for FFSs Used to Provide EFVS Training.
5.11.1 EFVS flight training may be accomplished in an aircraft or in an FFS. If an FFS is used, it must meet the requirements of § 61.66(g). The FFS must be qualified as a Level C or higher FFS, and be equipped with an EFVS. The FFS must be equipped with a daylight visual display to support both day and night conditions. The FFS must also be evaluated and qualified by the FAA’s NSP for EFVS operations, be qualified and maintained in accordance with 14 CFR part 60, or be a previously qualified device in accordance with § 60.17, and be approved by the FAA for the tasks and maneuvers that will be performed in the FFS.
5.11.2 FFS settings and EFVS training should address the EFVS operation(s) the operator is authorized to conduct and should reflect the range of IAPs and operating conditions expected to be encountered during EFVS operations. The FFS’s out-the-window visibility settings and EFVS enhanced flight visibility settings should be adjustable and should be set to realistic values during training.
6 RECENT FLIGHT EXPERIENCE, PROFICIENCY CHECK, COMPETENCY
CHECK, AND REFRESHER TRAINING REQUIREMENTS FOR EFVS OPERATIONS.
6.1 EFVS Recent Flight Experience and Refresher Training Requirements for Part 91 Operators (Other Than Part 91K Operators).
6.1.1 Pilots conducting EFVS operations under part 91 (other than part 91K operators) must comply with the EFVS recent flight experience requirements of § 61.66(d). The EFVS recent flight experience requirements are structured to closely resemble the instrument recent flight experience requirements in § 61.57(c) with respect to the 6 calendar-month timeframe.
6.1.2 Section 61.66(d) requires a pilot to perform and log six instrument approaches using an EFVS within 6 calendar-months before the month in which an EFVS operation is conducted. The pilot must be the sole manipulator of the controls, and the flight must be conducted in the category of aircraft for which the pilot is seeking the EFVS privilege.
The instrument approaches can be conducted during the day or night under any weather conditions, and one approach must terminate in a full stop landing. Pilots who are authorized to conduct EFVS operations to touchdown and rollout must conduct the full stop landing using the EFVS. Contact approaches and visual approaches that are conducted under IFR cannot be used to establish EFVS currency. These approaches are not IAPs, as defined in § 1.1.
6.1.3 The 6 calendar-month period begins when a pilot satisfactorily completes ground and flight training. During this first 6-month period, the pilot is EFVS current and is qualified to conduct EFVS operations. Provided he or she meets all of the other requirements to serve as PIC, the pilot also may serve as PIC during an EFVS operation. During this first 6-month period, the pilot must conduct six instrument approaches using an EFVS to maintain currency.
6.1.4 If the pilot fails to perform six instrument approaches during the first 6-month period, meaning that EFVS currency has lapsed for less than 6 calendar-months, the pilot has an additional 6-month period to reestablish EFVS currency. During this second 6-month period, the pilot must complete the EFVS recent flight experience tasks specified in § 61.66(d) which are described above. These tasks may be accomplished in any weather conditions. During the second 6-month period, however, the pilot may not act as PIC of an aircraft during an EFVS operation. The pilot may conduct an EFVS operation only under the supervision of a PIC who is qualified and current.
6.1.5 If the pilot fails to reestablish EFVS currency during the second 6-month period, meaning that EFVS currency has lapsed for more than 6 calendar-months, he or she may reestablish EFVS currency only by satisfactorily completing an EFVS refresher course.
The refresher course must be FAA-approved, must consist of the ground and flight training subjects and tasks in § 61.66(a) and (b), and must be category specific.
The EFVS refresher course must be conducted by an authorized training provider whose instructor meets the training requirements of § 61.66. If EFVS operations are conducted in an aircraft, the instructor must meet the recent flight experience requirements of § 61.66(d).
6.1.6 The requirements of § 61.66(d) do not replace the instrument experience requirements of § 61.57(c). In fact, the instrument experience requirements specified in § 61.57(c) lay the foundation for conducting safe EFVS operations by ensuring pilots are proficient in conducting IAPs. Section 61.66(d) is structured to enable pilots to satisfy both the instrument experience requirements of § 61.57(c) and the EFVS experience requirements during the same flight or series of flights, if a pilot chooses to do so. Requirements for logging instrument experience are different from those for logging EFVS experience.
Pilots who plan to log instrument experience and EFVS experience during the same flight or series of flights must meet the requirements of both §§ 61.57(c) and 61.66(d) for logging experience.
6.1.7 Before conducting EFVS operations in aircraft for the purpose of maintaining or reestablishing currency, pilots, safety pilots, and flight instructors should ensure that both the equipment in the aircraft and the visual conditions for the flight are appropriate for safely conducting and/or supervising the flight. For example, a PM display is not required for EFVS operations that are conducted to 100 feet above the TDZE. Under some visibility conditions, a safety pilot or an instructor who does not have a PM display may not have access to the same visual information the PF has and may not be able to safely supervise the flight. Currency flights in aircraft should be planned and structured to appropriately address the equipment available in the aircraft and the visibility conditions under which the flights can be safely accomplished. AC 61-98, Currency Requirements and Guidance for the Flight Review and Instrument Proficiency Check, contains guidance and considerations for conducting instrument currency flights and for organizing and sequencing required tasks and maneuvers. Concepts and considerations in AC 61-98 can also be used to plan and structure EFVS currency flights.
6.1.8 Sections 61.66(d) and (e) provide minimum standards for a broad range of operators who may be operating various types of aircraft and EFVS equipment. While the FAA requires pilots to obtain recent flight experience using an EFVS in the same category of aircraft in which the pilot expects to conduct operations, the FAA recommends that operators also address recent flight experience and proficiency for each EFVS/aircraft installation the pilot will operate.
6.2 Proficiency Check and Competency Check Requirements for Operators Conducting EFVS Operations Under Part 91K, 121, 125, or 135.
6.2.1 Section 61.66(h)(3) states that the recent flight experience requirements of § 61.66(d) and the refresher training requirements of § 61.66(e) do not apply to a pilot employed by:
• A 14 CFR part 119 certificate holder authorized to conduct operations under part 121, 125, or 135;
• A part 125 LODA holder authorized to conduct operations under part 125; or
• A fractional ownership program manager authorized to conduct operations under part 91K.
6.2.2 These requirements do not apply provided the pilot is conducting an EFVS operation for that certificate holder, LODA holder, or program manager under parts 91, 121, 125, or 135, as applicable, and the pilot is conducting the operation in accordance with the certificate holder’s OpSpec, the LODA holder’s LOA, or the program manager’s MSpec for EFVS operations. Rather than meeting recent flight experience requirements of § 61.66(d), or reestablishing EFVS currency under § 61.66(e), pilots conducting EFVS operations for parts 91K, 121, 125, and 135 operators are checked on EFVS tasks and maneuvers under their respective operators’ programs. Section 121.441 and part 121 appendix F contain proficiency check requirements for pilots conducting EFVS operations under part 121. Sections 91.1065, 125.287, and 135.293 contain competency check requirements for pilots conducting EFVS operations under parts 91K, 125, and 135.
6.2.3 The exception from EFVS recency requirements applies only when a pilot is conducting an EFVS operation for a part 119 certificate holder under part 91, 121, 125, or 135; for a LODA holder under part 125; or for a fractional ownership program manager under part 91K. If a pilot conducts an EFVS operation outside of the part 119 certificate holder’s, the LODA holder’s, or the part 91K program manager’s operations, that pilot must comply with § 61.66(d). However, if the pilot has satisfactorily completed a check on EFVS operations under part 91K, 121, 125, or 135 within the preceding 6 calendar-months, the pilot could use the check to meet the § 61.66(d) requirement.
6.3 Using a Proficiency Check From the U.S. Armed Forces to Satisfy the Recent Flight Experience Requirements of § 61.66(f). A military pilot or former military pilot in the U.S. Armed Forces may satisfy the recent flight experience requirements of § 61.66(d) if he or she can document satisfactory completion of an EFVS proficiency check in the U.S. Armed Forces within 6 calendar-months preceding the month of the flight.
The check must have been conducted by a person authorized by the U.S. Armed Forces to administer the check, and the person receiving the check must have been a member of the U.S. Armed Forces at the time the check was administered.
6.4 Public Aircraft Operators. Section 91.176(c)(2) requires a public aircraft operator, other than the U.S. military, to meet the recent flight experience requirements of § 61.66 for EFVS operations. This applies to pilot flightcrew members or any other person who manipulates the controls of an aircraft during an EFVS operation when a public aircraft operation is being conducted.
6.5 Transition Period for Complying With the Recent Flight Experience and Refresher Training Requirements of § 61.66.
6.5.1 Prior to December 13, 2016, the regulations for EFVS operations to 100 feet above the TDZE were located in § 91.175(l) and (m). The EFVS final rule published on December 13, 2016 revised these regulations and moved them to § 91.176(b).
6.5.2 To provide an adequate transition period for operators to comply with the new requirements of § 91.176(b), § 91.175(n) permits persons conducting EFVS operations to 100 feet above the TDZE to comply with either § 91.175(l) and (m) or § 91.176(b) prior to March 13, 2018.
6.5.3 Section 61.66(h)(5) also excepts operators who are conducting EFVS operations to 100 feet above the TDZE under § 91.175(l) and (m) from the recent flight experience and refresher training requirements of § 61.66 prior to March 13, 2018.
6.5.4 The requirements of § 91.175(l) and (m) will expire on March 13, 2018; therefore, beginning on this date, operators who conduct EFVS operations to 100 feet above the TDZE must comply with § 91.176(b) and the requirements of § 61.66. Operators are encouraged to comply with §§ 91.176(b) and 61.66 as soon as practicable within the transition period.
6.6 Use of an FFS to Meet the Recent Flight Experience Requirements of § 61.66.
Requirements pertaining to the use of an FFS to meet the recent EFVS flight experience requirements of the regulations can be found in § 61.66(g). A Level C or higher FFS equipped with an EFVS must be used, and the FFS must be evaluated and qualified for EFVS operations by AFS-205. The regulations do not require that a Level C or higher FFS be equipped with a daylight visual display if being used to meet the EFVS recent flight experience requirements, since the flights may be conducted in either day or night conditions. The FFS must be qualified and maintained in accordance with part 60, or a previously qualified device, as permitted in § 60.17. The FFS must also be approved by the Administrator for the tasks and maneuvers. EFVS recent flight experience acquired in a FFS should consist of scenarios and FFS settings that represent the conditions under which the operator is authorized to conduct EFVS operations.
7 TRAINING FOR DISPATCHERS AND OTHER PERSONS AUTHORIZED TO EXERCISE OPERATIONAL CONTROL FOR EFVS OPERATIONS.
7.1 Dispatch, Flight Release, and Flight Following Considerations. This paragraph addresses training for dispatchers and other persons authorized to exercise operational control for EFVS operations. Paragraph 3 contains additional information about flight planning and beginning or continuing an approach under IFR using EFVS-equipped aircraft.
7.1.1 To ensure that an approach and landing can be successfully completed using EFVS, it is essential that dispatchers and other persons authorized to exercise operational control fully understand the capabilities and limitations of the specific EFVS equipment installed in the operator’s aircraft. Unique weather conditions that cause variability in how an EFVS sensor performs or weather conditions that exceed the sensor’s ability to provide the enhanced flight visibility required to complete the approach and landing should be considered. Operators who do not have dispatch or flight release personnel should be aware of weather and operational factors that could affect EFVS performance when they are considering takeoff under IFR, or when conditions at their destination airport are forecasted or reported to be below visibility minimums for the approach to be flown.
Operational planning and continuous monitoring of weather conditions at the destination airport are especially important under these circumstances.
7.1.2 Dispatchers and other persons authorized to exercise operational control also should consider air traffic flow to the destination airport and other low visibility operations that may be in progress. When CAT II or CAT III operations are being conducted to a specific runway, for example, a pilot who wishes to conduct an EFVS operation to a different runway might not be cleared by air traffic control (ATC) to do so. This could be due to traffic flow or other conditions.
7.2 Initial Training for Dispatchers and Other Persons Authorized to Exercise Operational Control. Initial training for dispatchers and other persons authorized to exercise operational control should consist of the following:
7.2.1 Regulatory requirements applicable to the EFVS operation(s) the operator will conduct
(e.g., EFVS operations to 100 feet above the TDZE or EFVS operations to touchdown and rollout):
1. Operational concept for EFVS operations to 100 feet above the TDZE or EFVS operations to touchdown and rollout, as appropriate to the operator’s OpSpec or LOA to conduct EFVS operations;
2. Regulatory requirements for EFVS operations contained in §§ 91.175(d)(1) and (e)(1); 91.176; and 91.189(d) and (e);
3. Regulatory requirements contained in §§ 121.613, 121.615, 125.361, 125.363, and 135.219, as applicable, for dispatch, flight release, or takeoff under IFR for the purpose of conducting an EFVS operation;
4. Regulatory requirements contained in §§ 121.651, 125.325, 125.381, and 135.225, as applicable, for initiating or continuing an approach when the reported visibility is below the minimum visibility prescribed for the IAP to be flown;
5. IAPs approved and not approved for EFVS operations to 100 feet above the TDZE and EFVS operations to touchdown and rollout;
6. Enhanced flight visibility requirements contained in § 91.176(a) and (b);
7. Visual reference requirements contained in § 91.176(a) and (b);
8. OpSpec or LOA requirements pertinent to the EFVS operation the pilot will conduct; and
9. Exemptions or deviations from the regulations that pertain to the use of EFVS, if any.
7.2.2 AFM(S) or RFM(S) material pertinent to EFVS operations:
1. Type of EFVS operation the operator’s aircraft is certified to conduct; and
2. EFVS system description and operating limitations.
7.2.3 Sensor technology, performance, and limitations:
1. Understanding the specific EFVS sensor technology or technologies installed on the operator’s aircraft;
2. EFVS sensor performance in varying weather conditions;
3. EFVS sensor limitations, including variable, unpredictable, or unusual performance characteristics;
4. Weather conditions that exceed the EFVS sensor’s ability to provide the enhanced flight visibility required to complete the approach and landing;
5. The EFVS sensor’s ability to detect or not detect obstacles in the environment; and
6. EFVS sensor performance and limitations associated with specific types of lighting such as incandescent lamps and LEDs.
7.2.4 Dispatch or flight release requirements for the purpose of conducting an EFVS operation.
7.2.5 Considerations for diverting to alternate airports.
7.2.6 Procedures for re-dispatch en route with respect to EFVS operations.
7.2.7 Minimum equipment list (MEL)/Configuration Deviation List (CDL) dispatch/flight release requirements and considerations.
7.2.8 Use and limitations of supplementary or advisory vertical information for situation awareness below DA/DH or MDA.
7.2.9 Operational considerations associated with offset final approach courses, displaced thresholds, DA in a turn, and the use of an MDA as a DA/DH in accordance with C073 (if issued to the operator) and the operator’s OpSpec/MSpec/LOA to conduct EFVS operations.
7.2.10 Effect of crosswinds on EFVS field of view for approaches aligned with the RCL and for approaches with inbound courses that are offset from the RCL.
7.2.11 Runway, taxiway, and ALS configurations.
7.3 Recurrent and Differences Training for Dispatchers and Other Persons Authorized to Exercise Operational Control. Recurrent training for dispatchers and other persons authorized to exercise operational control should consist of the same subject areas covered by initial training. Differences training for a new EFVS system or a new EFVS operation should address the areas specified in paragraph 7.2 and any additional material pertinent to the EFVS or the EFVS operation to be conducted.
8 AIRCRAFT QUALIFICATION AND MAINTENANCE PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS.
8.1 General. This section contains guidance on aircraft qualification and maintenance program requirements for EFVS operations to 100 feet above the TDZE and EFVS operations to touchdown and rollout. Operators should address these requirements in applications to conduct EFVS operations. Paragraph 10 contains additional information about the application process.
8.2 Applicability. Operators who conduct EFVS operations should submit an application that addresses the aircraft qualification and maintenance requirements specified in this paragraph. Part 91 operators (other than part 91K operators) who conduct only EFVS operations to 100 feet above the TDZE are not required to submit an application that addresses these requirements; however, their EFVS must comply with the equipment
43 requirements of § 91.176(b)(1). Additionally, a part 91 operator (other than a part 91K operator) of a U.S.-registered aircraft must maintain their aircraft in accordance with the maintenance, preventive maintenance, and alterations requirements specified in 14 CFR parts 91 and 43 (refer to §§ 43.1(a)(1) and 91.401).
8.3 Aircraft Qualification Requirements. An EFVS installed on a U.S.-registered aircraft used to conduct EFVS operations to 100 feet above the TDZE and EFVS operations to touchdown and rollout must be operable and installed in accordance with an FAA type design approval (a TC, amended TC, or STC) (refer to § 91.176(a)(1)(i) and (b)(1)(i)).
EFVS equipment used for operations conducted under § 91.176(a) or (b) are not eligible for field approval. Foreign-registered aircraft with an EFVS that is certified to a foreign airworthiness standard must meet all of the requirements in § 91.176 in order to be used in EFVS operations in the United States. Proposals for authorization to conduct EFVS operations to 100 feet above the TDZE or EFVS operations to touchdown should contain the following documentation and information to establish aircraft qualification for EFVS operations:
1. Applicable EFVS airworthiness documentation that indicates the EFVS was installed pursuant to an FAA type design approval.
2. For foreign-registered aircraft, applicable EFVS airworthiness documentation that indicates the EFVS meets the applicable airworthiness requirements.
(The foreign-registered aircraft must be equipped with an EFVS that has been approved by either the State of the Operator or the State of Registry to meet the requirements of ICAO Annex 6. The EFVS-equipped foreign-registered aircraft must meet all of the requirements in § 91.176, including the equipment required by the EFVS operating rule, in order to be used in EFVS operations in the United States.)
3. EFVS manufacturer’s instructions for continued airworthiness (ICA) as accepted by the FAA.
4. Proposed MEL revisions, if applicable, listing any limitations associated with EFVS operations to 100 feet above the TDZE or EFVS operations to touchdown and rollout.
8.4 Maintenance Requirements. Except for operators conducting EFVS operations to 100 feet above the TDZE under part 91 (other than part 91K operators), all applications submitted for an OpSpec/MSpec/LOA to conduct EFVS operations should include documentation that addresses the maintenance requirements contained in this section.
8.4.1 Applications to conduct EFVS operations should include the following as applicable:
1. The operator’s maintenance program, or equivalent for part 91, should incorporate the EFVS manufacturer’s ICA, as accepted by the FAA, and identify any special techniques, maintenance/inspection frequencies, and test equipment required to support the continued airworthiness of the system.
2. Indicate whether the EFVS maintenance program, or equivalent, is integrated into an existing approved maintenance program (e.g., lower landing minimums program) or a separate program.
3. Identify how maintenance personnel will be trained and qualified on the EFVS and the method to record and maintain their qualifications.
4. Procedure for EFVS software distribution and loading if not specified by the manufacturer’s ICAs.
5. Procedures used to maintain system configuration control including parts pooling and borrowing.
6. Procedures for EFVS discrepancy reporting and recording.
7. Procedures for MEL and logbook pertaining to upgrade/downgrade/deferral of the EFVS. (An EFVS may have a discrepancy that prohibits it from being used for EFVS operations to touchdown, but not from being used for EFVS operations to 100 feet. For example, an EFVS operation to touchdown cannot be conducted if the display of sensor imagery to the PM is inoperative, but an EFVS operation to 100 feet could be conducted.)
8. Procedures for MEL (remarks section, limitations, upgrade/downgrade) that ensure the EFVS status is placarded properly and clearly documented in the aircraft logbook.
9. Procedures for notification between maintenance control, engineering, flight operations, and dispatch, or equivalent, when an aircraft’s EFVS status changes.
10. Procedures to ensure the downgrade of an aircraft’s EFVS status, if applicable, when maintenance was performed on the EFVS by nonqualified persons.
11. Procedures to monitor and identify aircraft with chronic EFVS discrepancies and restrict the aircraft from EFVS operations until appropriate corrective action and tests have been performed.
12. Procedures for return to service of an EFVS following routine/nonroutine maintenance or completion of corrective action, including but not limited to:
• Required tests for return to service;
• Functional flight test requirements;