Appendix A A-3
63. POI Principal Operations Inspector
64. QRH Quick Reference Handbook
65. REIL Runway End Identification Lights
66. RFM Rotorcraft Flight Manual
67. RFMS Rotorcraft Flight Manual Supplement
68. RFM(S) Rotorcraft Flight Manual or Rotorcraft Flight Manual Supplement
69. RFSD Regional Flight Standards Division
70. RNAV Area Navigation
71. RVR Runway Visual Range
72. SCO Special Certification Office
73. SIAP Standard Instrument Approach Procedure
74. SMGCS Surface Movement Guidance and Control System
75. STC Supplemental Type Certificate
76. SVGS Synthetic Vision Guidance System
77. SVS Synthetic Vision System
78. TC Type Certificate
79. TCH Threshold Crossing Height
80. TDZ Touchdown Zone
81. TDZE Touchdown Zone Elevation
82. TERPS Terminal Instrument Procedures
83. VDA Vertical Descent Angle
84. VDP Visual Descent Point
85. VFR Visual Flight Rules
86. VGSI Visual Glide Slope Indicator
87. VNAV Vertical Navigation
Appendix B B-1 APPENDIX B. DEFINITIONS For the purpose of operations under this advisory circular (AC), this appendix provides the following definitions:
B.1 Aircraft Evaluation Group (AEG). A Flight Standards Service (AFS) field element that helps support the certification and operational suitability determinations of new and modified type-certificated (TC) products. AEGs are the primary AFS liaison between AFS elements and the accountable aircraft certification directorate and/or the manufacturers. AEGs may be collocated with an accountable directorate or one of its elements.
B.2 Amended Type Certificate (TC). An amended TC is issued when the holder of the TC receives Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval to modify an aircraft design from its original design. An amended TC approves not only the modification, but also how that modification affects the original design.
B.3 Authorized Training Provider. Under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 61, § 61.66, an authorized training provider is one that provides enhanced flight vision system (EFVS) training in accordance with an FAA-approved training program under 14 CFR part 91, 91 subpart K (part 91K), 121, 125, 135, 141, or 142.
B.4 Certificate-Holding District Office (CHDO). An FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), certificate management office (CMO), International Field Office (IFO), or certificate management unit (CMU) assigned by the FAA to have oversight responsibility for a particular certificate holder.
B.5 Enhanced Flight Visibility. The average forward horizontal distance from the flight deck of an aircraft in flight at which a pilot using an EFVS may clearly distinguish and identify prominent topographical objects by day or night.
B.6 Enhanced Flight Vision System (EFVS). An installed aircraft system that uses an electronic means to provide a display of the forward external scene topography (the natural or manmade features of a place or region especially in a way to show their relative positions and elevation) through the use of imaging sensors, including but not limited to Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR), millimeter wave radiometry, millimeter wave radar, or low-light level image intensification. An EFVS includes the display element, sensors, computers and power supplies, indications, and controls.
B.7 Enhanced Vision System (EVS). An electronic means to provide the flightcrew with a sensor-derived or sensor-enhanced image of the external scene (e.g., millimeter wave radar or FLIR).
B.8 Flight Standardization Board (FSB). A designated group of operations inspectors who develop recommended pilot training, checking, and currency specific to an aircraft type.
B.9 Glideslope (GS). Vertical guidance for an aircraft during approach and landing.
Appendix B B-2 B.10 Head-Down Display (HDD). A display or suite of displays that provide control, performance, and navigation information that is presented to the pilot on conventional head-down instrumentation, or integrated electronic flight displays.
B.11 Head-Up Display (HUD). An aircraft system that provides head-up guidance to the pilot during flight. It includes the display element, sensors, computers, power supplies, indications, and controls. It may receive inputs from an airborne navigation system or flight guidance system. This system allows the pilot to look for the outside visual references in the same location as they appear in the EFVS image.
B.12 Master Minimum Equipment List (MMEL). A list of equipment that the FAA has determined may be inoperative under certain operational conditions and still provide an acceptable level of safety. The MMEL contains the conditions, limitations, and procedures required for operating the aircraft with these items inoperative. The MMEL is used as a starting point in the development and review of an individual operator’s minimum equipment list (MEL).
B.13 Minimum Equipment List (MEL). The MEL is a list derived from the MMEL for a particular make and model of aircraft by an individual operator. The operator’s MEL takes into consideration the operator’s particular aircraft configurations, operating procedures, and conditions with certain inoperative equipment.
B.14 Natural Vision. The means by which a pilot observes objects without benefit of any vision-enhancing technology (except personal corrective lenses).
B.15 Nonprecision Approach (NPA) Procedure. A Standard Instrument Approach Procedure (SIAP) for which no electronic GS information is provided.
B.16 Precision Approach Procedure. An SIAP for which an electronic GS information is provided, such as instrument landing system (ILS) and precision approach radar (PAR).
B.17 Special Instrument Approach Procedure (IAP). An IAP authorized for use only by an air carrier or some other segment of the aviation industry that is not published in the Federal Register (FR) and is identified as a “Special Procedure.” Special Procedures may be developed for public or private use based on aircraft performance, aircraft equipment, or crew training, and may require the use of landing aids, communications, or weather services not available for public use.
B.18 Standard Instrument Approach Procedure (SIAP). An IAP promulgated under 14 CFR part 97.
B.19 Straight-In Nonprecision Approach (NPA). An approved IAP in which the final approach course alignment and descent gradient permits authorization of straight-in landing minimums. The angle of convergence of the final approach course and the extended runway centerline (RCL) will not exceed 30 degrees (15 degrees for Area Navigation (RNAV)/global positioning system (GPS)) and the point of intersection will normally be within 5,200 feet outward from the runway threshold. The maximum descent gradient is 400 feet/nautical mile (NM).
Appendix B B-3 B.20 Straight-In Precision Approach. An approved IAP in which the final approach course alignment does not exceed 3 degrees of the extended RCL.
B.21 Supplemental Type Certificate (STC). An STC is issued for a major design change to a TC when the change is not so extensive as to require application for a new TC, except that the holder of a TC for a product may apply for amendment of the original TC.
B.22 Synthetic Vision. A computer-generated image of the external scene topography from the perspective of the flight deck that is derived from aircraft attitude, high-precision navigation solution, database of terrain, obstacles, and relevant cultural features.
B.23 Synthetic Vision Guidance System (SVGS). SVGS is a combination of flight guidance display technology and high precision position assurance monitors. The SVGS flight instrument display provides a continuous, geospatially correct depiction of the external scene topography, including obstacles, augmented by the display of the runway of intended landing. The SVGS display may be implemented on a head-down primary flight display (PFD) and/or a HUD. SVGS includes additional symbology elements, integrity and performance monitors, and annunciations that support and enable low visibility operations. Additional flight instrument symbology and monitors to assure accurate rendering of the external scene are included.
B.24 Synthetic Vision System (SVS). An electronic means to display a synthetic vision image of the external scene topography to the flightcrew. An SVS display does not provide an independent, real-time source of forward scene information.
B.25 Touchdown Zone (TDZ) Elevation (TDZE). The highest elevation in the first 3,000 feet of the landing surface. TDZE is indicated on the IAP chart when straight-in landing minimums are authorized.
B.26 Type Certificate (TC). A design approval that certifies that an applicant’s design for a new (or new model) aircraft, engine, or propeller meets the minimum FAA requirements.
It includes the type design, the operating limitations, the Type Certificate Data Sheet (TCDS), the applicable regulations the type design was certified to, and any other conditions or limitations required in 14 CFR subchapter C.
Appendix C C-1 APPENDIX C. RELATED REGULATIONS AND GUIDANCE C.1 Applicable 14 CFR Parts:
• Part 1, § 1.1.
• Part 23, § 23.773(c).
• Part 25, § 25.773(e).
• Part 27, § 27.773(c).
• Part 29, § 29.773(c).
• Part 61, § 61.66.
• Part 91, §§ 91.175(c), (d), and (e)(1); 91.176; 91.189(d) and (e); 91.905; 91.1039;
and 91.1065.
• Part 121, §§ 121.407, 121.409, 121.441, 121.613, 121.615(a), and 121.651, and Appendices F and H.
• Part 125, §§ 125.287, 125.325, 125.361, 125.363(a), and 125.381.
• Part 135, §§ 135.219, 135.225, and 135.293.
C.2 Related Documents (current editions).
C.2.1 ACs. You can find the following ACs at http://www.faa.gov/regulations_ policies/advisory_circulars:
• AC 20-167, Airworthiness Approval of Enhanced Vision System, Synthetic Vision System, Combined Vision System, and Enhanced Flight Vision System Equipment.
• AC 25-11, Electronic Flight Displays.
• AC 61-65, Certification: Pilots and Flight and Ground Instructors.
• AC 91-79, Mitigating the Risks of a Runway Overrun Upon Landing.
• AC 120-28, Criteria for Approval of Category III Weather Minima for Takeoff, Landing, and Rollout.
• AC 120-29, Criteria for Approval of Category I and Category II Weather Minima for Approach.
• AC 120-54, Advanced Qualification Program.
• AC 120-57, Surface Movement Guidance and Control System.
• AC 120-71, Standard Operating Procedures and Pilot Monitoring Duties for Flight Deck Crewmembers.
• AC 120-108, Continuous Descent Final Approach.
Appendix C C-2 C.2.2 FAA Orders. You can find the following FAA Order at http://www.faa.gov/regulations_ policies/orders_notices:
• FAA Order 8000.94, Procedures for Establishing Airport Low-Visibility Operations and Approval of Low-Visibility Operations/Surface Movement Guidance and Control System Operations.
C.2.3 Information for Operators (InFO). You can find the following InFO at http://www.faa.gov/other_visit/aviation_industry/airline_operators/airline_safety/info/:
• InFO 11004, Enhanced Flight Vision System (EFVS), Enhanced Vision Systems (EVS), and Night Vision Goggles (NVG) Compatibility with Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) at Airports and on Obstacles.
C.2.4 Flight Standardization Board (FSB) Reports. You can find FSB reports pertaining to EFVS-equipped aircraft at http://fsims.faa.gov/PICResults.aspx?mode=Publication&doctype=FSB%20Reports.
C.2.5 National Simulator Program (NSP) Information. You can find information about the FAA’s NSP (AFS-205) at http://www.faa.gov/about/initiatives/nsp/.
C.2.6 ICAO Documents. You can find the following ICAO documents on the ICAO Publications website at http://www.icao.int/publications/Pages/default.aspx:
• Annex 6, Operation of Aircraft. Annex 6 and pertinent attachments contain information about EVS operational credit and specific approval to conduct those operations.
• Manual of All Weather Operations.
C.2.7 RTCA Documents. The following RTCA documents are available from RTCA Inc., at 1150 18th St. NW, Suite 910, Washington, DC 20036, by telephone at 202-833-9339, by fax at 202-833-9434, or at http://rtca.org/index.asp:
• DO-315, Minimum Aviation System Performance Standards (MASPS) for Enhanced Vision Systems, Synthetic Vision Systems, Combined Vision Systems and Enhanced Flight Vision Systems.
• DO-341, Minimum Aviation System Performance Standards (MASPS) for an Enhanced Flight Vision System to Enable All-Weather Approach, Landing and Roll-Out to a Safe Taxi Speed.
C.2.8 SAE Documents. The following SAE documents are available from SAE International at 400 Commonwealth Drive, Warrendale, PA 15096-0001, by telephone at 877-606-7323, or online at http://www.sae.org:
Appendix C C-3
• Aerospace Standard (AS) 5703, Minimum Performance Standard for Enhanced Vision System.
• AS 8055, Minimum Performance Standard for Airborne Head Up Display (HUD).
C.2.9 State Aeronautical Information Publications (AIP). Specific policies and procedures related to EFVS operations are published in individual state AIPs.
Advisory Circular Feedback Form If you find an error in this AC, have recommendations for improving it, or have suggestions for new items/subjects to be added, you may let us know by contacting the Flight Technologies and Procedures Division (AFS-400) at 9-AWA-AFS400-Coord@faa.gov or the Flight Standards Directives Management Officer at 9-AWA-AFS-140-Directives@faa.gov.
Subject: AC 90-106A, Enhanced Flight Vision Systems Date: _____________________ Please check all appropriate line items:
☐ An error (procedural or typographical) has been noted in paragraph ____________ on page _______.
☐ Recommend paragraph _____________ on page __________ be changed as follows:
______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ☐ In a future change to this AC, please cover the following subject:
(Briefly describe what you want added.)
______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ☐ Other comments:
______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ☐ I would like to discuss the above. Please contact me.
Submitted by: Date: ______________________