U.S. Department of Transportation Advisory Federal Aviation Administration Circular Subject: Instrument Flight Procedure Validation Date: 05/01/2015 AC No: 90-113A (IFPV) of Satellite-based Instrument Flight Initiated By: AFS-400 Procedures (IFP)
This advisory circular (AC) provides guidance for conducting instrument flight procedure validation (IFPV) of satellite-based performance-based navigation (PBN) instrument flight procedures (IFP) for both fixed-wing and helicopter aircraft. It also addresses validation of helicopter wide area augmentation system (WAAS) special IFP. This AC supplements and does not change the requirements of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Order 8200.1, United States Standard Flight Inspection Manual. Ground validation, preflight validation (including simulator evaluation and obstacle assessment), and flight validation are described in this document.
The primary audience for this AC is non-FAA service providers performing IFPV. The secondary audience is Flight Standards Service Aviation Safety Inspectors and Air Traffic Organization (ATO) personnel within the FAA who are directly associated with the FAA IFPV process and/or charged with the responsibility to authorize and provide oversight of non-FAA IFPV service providers.
This advisory circular cancels FAA AC 90-113, Instrument Flight Procedure Validation (IFPV) of Satellite-based Instrument Flight Procedures (IFP), dated 10/14/11.
Chapter 1. Instrument Flight Procedure Validation (IFPV) Overview1-1
1.1 Process1-1
1.2 Authorization1-1
1.3 Notification of planned IFPV activity1-1
1.4 Record data format1-1
1.5 Data accuracy and sources1-1
1.6 Library1-2
1.7 Records1-2
1.7.1 Obstacle assessment records1-2
1.7.2 Detailed survey reports1-2
1.7.3 AGRS recordings from ground and/or airborne obstacle assessment and flight
validation activities1-2
1.7.4 Helicopter IFP utilizing FAS data block (WAAS)1-3
1.7.5 All IFPV activities1-3
1.7.6 Personnel training records related to IFPV1-3
1.7.7 Individual and company IFPV letters of authorization1-3
1.7.8 Any additional items listed in the non-FAA IFPV service provider’s operation
manual1-3
Chapter 2. Service Provider Requirements2-1
2.1 Operational guidance2-1
2.1.1 General information containing2-1
2.1.2 Ground validation information2-1
2.1.3 Preflight validation information containing2-1
2.1.4 Flight validation information containing2-2
2.2 Safety management system (SMS)/operational safety assessment (OSA)2-3
2.2.1 Definition of the organization’s safety objectives2-3
2.2.2 Ability to present the safety situation in respect to compliance with all relevant
FAA, internal, and other safety related standards2-3
2.2.3 Definition of the safety accountabilities of all personnel2-3
2.2.4 Continual review process for effectiveness by all personnel2-3
2.2.5 Process for staff to identify safety hazards or concerns and to suggest methods
for enhancement of safety2-3
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2.2.6 Established internal procedures for the communication and processing of safety
concerns within the organization as they relate to IFPV2-3
2.2.7 Definition of the interface arrangements between internal groups of the
organization as they relate to IFPV2-3
2.2.8 Compliance process applicable to all personnel of the organization2-3
2.2.9 Safety hazard/risk analysis and risk control/mitigation assessment in accordance
with an established methodology endorsed by the FAA2-3
2.2.10 Quality management system based on those elements of ISO 9001 relevant to
IFPV2-3
2.2.11 Oversight and audit program2-3
Chapter 3. Instrument Flight Procedure Validation (IFPV)3-1
3.1 Process3-1
3.1.1 Ground validation is a quality assurance review of the entire IFP package3-1
3.1.2 Pre-flight validation will include an obstacle assessment and may include a
simulator evaluation3-1
3.1.3 Flight validation (FV)3-2
3.2 Requirements3-3
3.2.1 Pre-flight validation3-3
3.2.2 Flight validation3-4
3.3 Flight validation of WAAS IFP3-5
Chapter 4. IFPV Evaluator Training Requirements4-1
4.1 Initial training requirements for IFPV authorization4-1
4.1.1 Familiarity with the PBN IFP design process and requirements for PBN
operations4-1
4.1.2 Knowledge of the procedure design criteria relevant to the type of IFP for which the individual is authorized to conduct as either pilot-in-command or
evaluator4-1
4.1.3 Training in the operation and post processing of data4-2
4.1.4 Process of completing FAA Forms4-2
4.1.5 Flight validation requirements4-2
4.1.6 Procedure package review4-2
4.1.7 Requirements, techniques, and considerations for verifying that the navigation data to be published, as well as that used in the design of the procedure, is
correct4-2
4.1.8 Techniques and considerations for validation of obstacle data4-2
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4.1.9 Airport infrastructure assessment4-2
4.1.10 Communications coverage4-2
4.1.11 Flyability/human factors assessment4-2
4.1.12 Use of automation tools and simulators or ground validation4-2
4.1.13 Charting considerations4-2
4.1.14 Operational factors4-2
4.1.15 Supervised on-the-job training (OJT)4-2
4.2 Recurrent training requirements4-2
4.2.1 Aware of updates on relevant changes to design criteria4-2
4.2.2 Applying current IFPV policy4-3
4.2.3 Proficient in conducting the specific IFPV activity (i.e., simulator validation, ground obstacle assessment, airborne obstacle assessment, and/or flight
validation)4-3
4.2.4 AFS-460 or approved ASI will document recurrent training complete on the
IFPV Evaluator Check Record4-3
Chapter 5. Administration Information5-1
5.1 Background5-1
5.2 Definitions5-1
5.2.1 Accuracy codes5-1
5.2.2 Airborne obstacle assessment5-1
5.2.3 Area navigation (RNAV)5-1
5.2.4 ARINC 4245-1
5.2.5 Authorization required (AR)5-1
5.2.6 Autonomous global positioning system recording system (AGRS)5-1
5.2.7 FAA flight inspection system (FIS)5-2
5.2.8 Flight inspection5-2
5.2.9 Flight validation5-2
5.2.10 Flyability5-2
5.2.11 Global positioning system (GPS)5-2
5.2.12 Ground obstacle assessment5-2
5.2.13 Ground validation5-2
5.2.14 Instrument flight procedure5-2
5.2.15 Instrument flight procedure service provider5-2
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5.2.16 Instrument flight procedure validation (IFPV)5-3
5.2.17 IFPV evaluator5-3
5.2.18 Obstacle5-3
5.2.19 Preflight validation5-3
5.2.20 Public IFP5-3
5.2.21 Required navigation performance (RNP)5-3
5.2.22 Special IFP5-3
5.2.23 Terminal Area Route Generation Evaluation and Traffic Simulation
(TARGETS)5-3
5.2.24 Validation5-3
5.2.25 Verification5-3
5.3 Related publications (current editions)5-3
5.3.1 Regulations5-3
5.3.2 Reference material5-4
5.4 Forms5-5
Appendix A. Example of a Briefing for Non-IFPV Authorized PilotsA-1
TABLE OF FIGURES Number Page
Figure 1-1. IFPV Process Flow1-4
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Chapter 1 CHAPTER 1. INSTRUMENT FLIGHT PROCEDURE VALIDATION (IFPV) OVERVIEW
1.1 Process.
IFPV is a series of actions involving several distinct elements, ground validation, preflight validation (including simulator validation and obstacle assessment), and flight validation.
1.2 Authorization.
Non-FAA IFPV service providers must be authorized by the FAA prior to conducting any IFPV activities. Approval to conduct IFPV activities consists of classroom training and on-site observation of IFPV activities completed in accordance with the company’s IFPV manual. Specific FAA authorization is required for ground obstacle assessment, simulator validation, airborne obstacle assessment, and flight validation. See FAA Order 8900.1, Volume 11, chapter 12 for examples of IFPV Letters of Authorization (LOA).
1.3 Notification of Planned IFPV Activity.
Service providers must notify the Flight Procedure Implementation and Oversight Branch (AFS-460) by email (AFS460IFPV@faa.gov) prior to conducting any IFPV activity. Upon receipt of the email, AFS-460 will notify the operator of the level of oversight for that activity. The operator must not perform the activity without AFS-460 collaboration. The operator must notify AFS-460 at least 15 business days prior to the intended activity date to allow for oversight planning.
1.4 Record Data Format.
Records required by current IFPV guidance must be submitted electronically to AFS-460. The preferred format is electronic transmittal of a TARGETS project file.
1.5 Data Accuracy and Sources.
Satellite-based PBN IFP, RNAV (GPS), RNAV (RNP), and WAAS require highly accurate data based on the World Geodetic System 1984 (WGS84). This requires all survey data used in the flight procedure to meet FAA Order 8260.19, Flight Procedures and Airspace, standards. It is mandatory that a quality assurance system covering all domains of data collection (surveys), processing, publication, and navigation database development be maintained (Ref. ICAO Convention on International Civil Aviation Annexes 4, 11, 14, 15, and DO 200A/EUROCAE ED 76). Input errors, particularly within the final approach segment (FAS) data block, can result in significant changes to the flight path in relation to the runway/point-in-space. The validation must ensure use of correct data for a valid flight procedure analysis. Sources of terrain, obstacle, and aeronautical data used, to include the source, type, date, version, and resolution of the data must be documented in accordance with FAA Order 8260.19.
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Chapter 1
1.6 Library.
A current copy of all relevant FAA documents, FAA-accepted IFPV operations manuals, publications, and correspondence pertinent to IFPV must be maintained by the non-FAA service provider. Libraries may be maintained in electronic format and must contain at a minimum, the publications listed in paragraph 5-2.
1.7 Records.
Records of the items listed below must be maintained for two years after an IFP is canceled and must be made available to the FAA for audit purposes on request. The FAA ATO’s Technical Operations’ flight inspection record keeping policy meets the following requirements:
1.7.1 Obstacle assessment records.
1.7.2 Detailed survey reports.
1.7.3 Autonomous Global Positioning System Recording System (AGRS) recordings from ground and/or airborne obstacle assessment and flight validation activities.
1.7.3.1 Furnish the AGRS electronic file (compatible with FAA computer systems) from both the obstacle assessment and the flight validation to AFS-460.
1.7.3.2 Submit the report in conjunction with the procedure package. The report must contain at a minimum the following elements:
• Processing data and time;
• Maximum number of satellites;
• Minimum number of satellites;
• Average position dilution of precision (PDOP);
• Vertical protection level (VPL) [WAAS procedures only];
• Maximum observed horizontal DOP (HDOP) [WAAS procedures only];
• Horizontal protection level (HPL) [WAAS procedures only];
• Maximum observed vertical DOP (VDOP) [WAAS procedures only];
• For each segment, the maximum and minimum altitude, ground speed, climb rate, and climb gradient, and 1-2
Chapter 1
• A printed graphic of sufficient detail that depicts the flight track flown referenced to the desired track of the approach procedure, including procedure fixes.
1.7.4 Helicopter IFP utilizing FAS data block (WAAS). A documented analysis of the FAS data in relation to the landing threshold point or desired point-in-space for course error, glide path error, threshold crossing height error, and the cyclic redundancy code (CRC).
1.7.5 All IFPV activities. Use FAA Forms 8260-30.1, Simulator Validation Checklist;
8260-30.2, Obstacle Assessment Checklist, and 8260-30.3, Flight Validation Checklist.
1.7.5.1 The evaluator will use FAA Forms 8260-30.1, 8260-30.2, and 8260-30.3 for Simulator Validation, Obstacle Assessment, and Flight Validation respectively.
1.7.5.2 Include all of the original forms in the initial procedure package submitted to AFS-460.
1.7.5.3 Forward signed copies of FAA Forms 8260-30.2 to AFS-460 at AFS460IFPV@faa.gov upon the completion of a periodic (540-day) obstacle assessment.
1.7.5.4 Forms are located in Order 8900.1, Flight Standards Information Management System (FSIMS), Volume 11, chapter 12, section 1, table 11-1, figures 11-30 through 11-32.
1.7.6 Personnel training records related to IFPV.
1.7.7 Individual and company IFPV letters of authorization.
1.7.8 Any additional items listed in the non-FAA IFPV service provider’s operation manual.
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Chapter 1 Figure 1-1. IFPV Process Flow
Note: Some of the steps may not be required or may be accomplished in a different order.
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Chapter 2 CHAPTER 2. SERVICE PROVIDER REQUIREMENTS
2.1 Operational Guidance.
The organization must have AFS-460 accepted guidance (e.g., operations manual) describing the processes and policies the non-FAA service provider must follow when conducting IFPV activities. The guidance must, as a minimum, contain the following information:
2.1.1 General information containing:
2.1.1.1 Contact person/persons in charge and physical address of all saved records.
2.1.1.2 List of individuals authorized to conduct IFPV and their relevant endorsements (simulator evaluation, ground obstacle assessment, airborne obstacle assessment, and flight validation).
2.1.1.3 Process for periodic internal audits.
2.1.1.4 Process for communicating and coordinating with appropriate FAA offices to include the transfer of data, forms, and documents.
2.1.1.5 Process for acquiring and maintaining regulatory guidance material associated with each authorized function, to include processes for maintaining the currency of all reference material.
2.1.1.6 Process to ensure all personnel authorized to perform IFPV activities are current and trained in accordance with current IFPV guidance.
2.1.1.7 Training attendance, including recurrent training documentation.
2.1.1.8 Process for ensuring that all IFPV processes are approved and current.
2.1.1.9 Procedures for revising the operations manual including a revision tracking system.
2.1.2 Ground validation information. Performance-based navigation (PBN) IFP QA review process (outline internal review process).
2.1.3 Preflight validation information containing:
2.1.3.1 Simulator validation process.
2.1.3.1.1 QA review process of the flight management system (FMS) NDB for correct coding of the PBN or WAAS IFP (outline process used to compare and ensure matching data).
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Chapter 2
2.1.3.1.2 Satellite-based RNAV simulator use requirements (i.e., methodology as to when a simulator check would be completed or required.
2.1.3.2 Obstacle assessment process, to include accuracy codes achievable using company specific equipment and process.
2.1.3.2.1 Ground obstacle assessment information (if applicable) containing:
1. Complete equipment list (hardware) to include type, make, model, software version, and revision if applicable (e.g., GPS Receiver – Global Sat BU-353).
2. Complete equipment list (software) to include software manufacturer, title, version, and purpose (e.g., Magellan Mobile Mapper Office, release 3.40A) used to post process recorded GPS data.
3. Step by step process for obstacle verification.
4. Process for ensuring any new or different obstacles identified during ground obstacle assessment are documented and IFP re-evaluated, if necessary.
2.1.3.2.2 Airborne obstacle assessment information (if applicable) containing:
1. Complete equipment list (hardware) to include type, make, model, software version, and revision if applicable (e.g., GPS Receiver - Global Sat BU-353).
2. Complete equipment list (software) to include software manufacturer, title, version, and purpose (e.g., CSSI, TARGETS Version 4.8) used for in-flight referencing of controlling obstacles and recording obstacle assessment tracks.
3. Step by step process for obstacle verification.
4. Company specific obstacle evaluation area (OEA) evaluation processes, if applicable.
5. Process for ensuring any new or different obstacles identified during an airborne obstacle assessment are documented and IFP re-evaluated, if necessary.
6. Process for briefing pilots, without IFPV authorization, on airborne obstacle assessment mission (e.g., briefing the pilot of a rented helicopter) [see appendix A].
2.1.4 Flight validation information containing:
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Chapter 2
1. Quality assurance review process of IFP chart, FAA 8260-series forms comparison with navigation database (outline process used to compare and ensure matching data).
2. Complete flight validation equipment list (hardware) and software version and revision if applicable, e.g., GPS Receiver - Global Sat BU-353.
3. Complete equipment list (software) to include software manufacturer, title, version, and purpose (e.g., TARGETS version 4.8) used for recording flight tracks.
4. Process for addressing issues concerning obstacles or flyability discovered during flight validation.
5. Process for assessing airport/heliport infrastructure.
2.2 Safety Management System (SMS)/Operational Safety Assessment (OSA).
The SMS/OSA must define the safety policies, processes, and practices for managing all aspects of all IFPV processes. The SMS/OSA must include the following elements.
2.2.1 Definition of the organization’s safety objectives.
2.2.2 Ability to present the safety situation in respect to compliance with all relevant FAA, internal, and other safety related standards.
2.2.3 Definition of the safety accountabilities of all personnel.
2.2.4 Continual review process for effectiveness by all personnel.
2.2.5 Process for staff to identify safety hazards or concerns and to suggest methods for enhancement of safety.
2.2.6 Established internal procedures for the communication and processing of safety concerns within the organization as they relate to IFPV.
2.2.7 Definition of the interface arrangements between internal groups of the organization as they relate to IFPV.
2.2.8 Compliance process applicable to all personnel of the organization.
2.2.9 Safety hazard/risk analysis and risk control/mitigation assessment in accordance with an established methodology endorsed by the FAA.
2.2.10 Quality management system based on those elements of ISO 9001 relevant to IFPV.
2.2.11 Oversight and audit program.
Note: The SMS/OSA guidance will be located in the Operational Guidance referenced in paragraph 2-1.
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