Chapter 4 CHAPTER 4. IFPV EVALUATOR TRAINING REQUIREMENTS Note: See FAA Order 8900.1, Volume 11, chapter 12, section 2 for a description of the entire authorization process.
4.1 Initial Training Requirements for IFPV Authorization.
To receive an LOA for any IFPV activity, an evaluator applicant must first attend an AFS-460 approved training program that includes the following:
4.1.1 Familiarity with the PBN IFP design process and requirements for PBN operations. The requirements for PBN operations are outlined in the following FAA documents (use the latest revision)
• AC 90-100, U.S. Terminal and En Route Area Navigation (RNAV) Operations.
• AC 90-101, Approval Guidance for RNP Procedures with AR.
• AC 90-105, Guidelines for using Global Positioning System Equipment for IFR En Route and Terminal Operations and for Nonprecision Instrument Approaches in the U.S. National Airspace System.
• AC 120-40, Airplane Simulator Qualification.
• AC 150/5300-13, Airport Design.
• AC 150/5300-16, General Guidance and Specifications for Aeronautical Surveys:
Establishment of Geodetic Control and Submission to the National Geodetic Survey.
• AC 150/5300-17, General Guidance and Specifications for Aeronautical Survey Airport Imagery Acquisition and Submission to the National Geodetic Survey.
• AC 150/5300-18, General Guidance and Specifications for Aeronautical Surveys to NGS: Field Data Collections and Geographic Information System (GIS) Standards.
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 evaluator. IFP design criteria are outlined in the following FAA documents:
• FAA Order 7100.9, Standard Terminal Arrival Program and Procedures.
• FAA Order 8200.1, United States Standard Flight Inspection Manual.
• FAA Order 8260.3, United States Standard for Terminal Instrument Procedures (TERPS).
• FAA Order 8260.19, Flight Procedures and Airspace.
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• FAA Order 8260.42, United States Standard for Helicopter Area Navigation.
• FAA Order 8260.46, Departure Procedure (DP) Program.
• FAA Order 8260.58, United States Standard for Performance Based Navigation (PBN) Instrument Procedure Design.
• FAA Order 8260.60, Special Instrument Procedures.
4.1.3 Training in the operation and post processing of data. Only for flight validation crews.
4.1.4 Process of completing FAA forms. FAA Forms 8260-30.1, 8260-30.2, and 8260-30.3;
and the process for providing feedback to the procedure designer. For 8260-30 series forms, see FAA Order 8900.1, Volume 11, chapter 12.
4.1.5 Flight validation requirements.
4.1.6 Procedure package review.
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 correct.
4.1.8 Techniques and considerations for validation of obstacle data.
4.1.9 Airport infrastructure assessment.
4.1.10 Communications coverage.
4.1.11 Flyability/human factors assessment.
4.1.12 Use of automation tools and simulators or ground validation.
4.1.13 Charting considerations.
4.1.14 Operational factors.
4.1.15 Supervised on-the-job training (OJT). Adequate to achieve the required level of competency in obstacle assessment techniques, simulator evaluation, and flight validation.
4.2 Recurrent Training Requirements.
In order to exercise the privileges of the IFPV LOA, each evaluator must have performed an evaluation with an approved ASI during the previous 24 calendar months.
If the 24 calendar months has been exceeded, an approved ASI must accompany the evaluator on their next scheduled activity. The ASI will ensure that the evaluator is:
4.2.1 Aware of updates on relevant changes to design criteria.
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4.2.2 Applying current IFPV policy.
4.2.3 Proficient in conducting the specific IFPV activity (i.e., simulator validation, ground obstacle assessment, airborne obstacle assessment, and/or flight validation).
4.2.4 AFS-460 or approved ASI will document recurrent training complete on the IFPV Evaluator Check Record.
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Chapter 5 CHAPTER 5. ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION
5.1 Background. Historically, FAA ATO’s Technical Operations (AJW) has conducted flight inspections of all new or revised IFP including an assessment of ground-based navigation aids (NAVAID), procedure flyability, obstacle verification, and airport/heliport infrastructure. The term “flight inspection” specifically refers to the evaluation and analysis of NAVAIDs and systems. The term “flight validation” refers to the flight assessment of an IFP to confirm that the procedure is operationally safe.
Flight Validation verifies the required obstacle clearance, flyability, Navigation Database (NDB) ARINC 424 coding, design accuracy, and required infrastructure (i.e., communications, approach lights, runway markings, runway lights, charting, etc.) with all supporting documentation. Flight Validation is the final step in the IFPV process defined in this advisory circular. Non-FAA service providers, with appropriate FAA authorization, who follow the IFPV process may design, develop, validate, and implement satellite-based IFP.
5.2 Definitions.
5.2.1 Accuracy codes. Standards for horizontal and vertical obstacle measurements are outlined in FAA Order 8260.19, appendix C.
5.2.2 Airborne obstacle assessment. An airborne assessment of obstacles considered to be of impact to the IFP, conducted in accordance with FAA Order 8200.1. This assessment may involve the verification of the controlling obstacle, the evaluation of obstacles or the identification of obstacles that are missing from, or not included in the IFP.
Airborne obstacle assessment is conducted during the preflight validation phase of the IFPV process.
5.2.3 Area navigation (RNAV). A method of navigation which permits aircraft operation on any desired flight path within the coverage of ground or space-based NAVAIDS or within the limits of the capability of self-contained aids, or a combination of these.
Note: Area navigation includes performance-based navigation as well as other operations that do not meet the definition of performance-based navigation.
5.2.4 ARINC 424. This is an international standard file format for the preparation and transmission of data for assembly of airborne navigation system data bases.
5.2.5 Authorization required (AR). An authorization by the FAA to conduct RNP IFP designated as “Authorization Required.” Standards and criteria for the development of RNP AR IFP are based on a higher level of aircraft equipage and additional aircrew requirements.
5.2.6 Autonomous Global Positioning System Recording System (AGRS). A positioning and recording system independent from the aircraft navigation system (and does not interfere with any aircraft system). The AGRS must be capable of the following: IFP storage, moving map display depicting the IFP course, and flight validation records including time and three-dimensional positions in space with a sampling rate of not less 5-1
Chapter 5 than one hertz. The AGRS must also be compliant with minimum operational performance specifications for the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) equipment or system appropriate for route of flight or procedure. The AGRS system can be one stand-alone unit, or a series of components connected together (i.e., laptop, GNSS receiver, etc.) as long as it meets the minimum specifications outlined in current IFPV guidance.
5.2.7 FAA Flight Inspection System (FIS). The position recording and analysis system used by the FAA. It is independent from the aircraft navigation system used in flight inspection aircraft. The FAA FIS provides sufficient assessment and recording capabilities for flight validation.
5.2.8 Flight inspection. The operation of a suitably equipped aircraft for the purpose of calibrating ground-based NAVAIDs or monitoring/evaluating the performance of the GNSS.
5.2.9 Flight validation. The flight assessment of a new or revised IFP to confirm that the procedure is operationally acceptable for safety, flyability, and design accuracy, (including obstacle and database verification), with all supporting documentation. Flight validation is the final step in the IFPV process.
5.2.10 Flyability. A check or system of checks that ensure the procedure can be flown safely as designed. These checks may include, but are not limited to; acceptability of any deviations from standards, bank angles, airspeeds, climb/descent gradients, roll rates, track lengths, pilot workload issues, procedure complexity, runway alignment, etc.
5.2.11 Global Positioning System (GPS). GPS refers to the worldwide positioning, navigation and timing determination capability available from the U.S. satellite constellation. The service provided by GPS for civil use is defined in the GPS Standard Positioning System Signal Specification. The GPS meets the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) GNSS requirements.
5.2.12 Ground obstacle assessment. An assessment of obstacles performed from the ground.
This assessment involves the verification of the controlling obstacle, the evaluation of obstacles or the identification of obstacles that are missing from, or not included in the instrument flight procedure. Ground obstacle assessment is conducted during the preflight validation phase of the IFPV process.
5.2.13 Ground validation. An in-depth quality assurance (QA) review of the development criteria and documentation of a PBN IFP. Ground validation is the first step in the IFPV process.
5.2.14 Instrument flight procedure. A charted flight path defined by a series of navigation fixes, altitudes, and courses provided with lateral and vertical protection from obstacles from the beginning of the path to a termination point.
5.2.15 Instrument flight procedure service provider. An entity that provides IFP development services.
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5.2.16 Instrument flight procedure validation (IFPV). The required QA steps in the procedure development process for satellite-based PBN IFP. The purpose of IFPV is the verification of pertinent obstacle and procedural data as well as an assessment of the flyability of the procedure. IFPV is broken down into three elements: ground validation, preflight validation, and flight validation.
5.2.17 IFPV evaluator. The evaluator is the individual responsible for conducting the IFPV activity and signing the respective FAA 8260- series form. Each IFPV activity requires a specific designation on the Letter of Authorization (LOA). Evaluators must complete the FAA Academy Flight Validation of Satellite-Based Performance-Based Instrument Flight Procedures course or equivalent, satisfactorily demonstrate IFPV to an FAA Aviation Safety Inspector, and have authorization from the Flight Technologies and Procedures Division (AFS-400).
5.2.18 Obstacle. All fixed (whether temporary or permanent) and mobile objects, or parts thereof, located on an area intended for the surface movement of aircraft or that extend above a defined surface intended to protect aircraft in flight.
5.2.19 Preflight validation. This is an operational review of the PBN IFP. The preflight validation step of the IFPV process consists of a simulator evaluation (if required) to test the flyability of the procedure and an obstacle assessment (either ground-based or airborne) to validate obstacle data. The preflight validation provides a preliminary review of the elements evaluated during the flight validation.
5.2.20 Public IFP. An IFP published in Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) Part 97 and available to the general public.
5.2.21 Required navigation performance (RNP). A statement of the navigation performance necessary for operation within a defined airspace.
5.2.22 Special IFP. An IFP approved by the FAA in accordance with specific guidelines but not published in 14 CFR Part 97 for public use.
5.2.23 Terminal Area Route Generation Evaluation and Traffic Simulation (TARGETS). A software tool used to generate and evaluate terminal routes and conduct simulation and analysis.
5.2.24 Validation. The activity whereby the evaluator checks a data element as having a value that is fully applicable to the identity given to the data element, or a set of data elements, checked as being acceptable for their purpose.
5.2.25 Verification. The activity whereby the evaluator checks the current value of a data element against the value originally supplied.
5.3 Related Publications (current editions).
5.3.1 Regulations. Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) Part 97.
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5.3.2 Reference Material. These publications address IFP development and implementation:
• FAA AC 90-100, U.S. Terminal and En Route Area Navigation (RNAV) Operations.
• FAA AC 90-101, Approval Guidance for RNP Procedures with AR.
• FAA AC 90-105, Guidelines for using Global Positioning System Equipment for IFR En Route and Terminal Operations and for Nonprecision Instrument Approaches in the U.S. National Airspace System.
• FAA AC 90-110, Instrument Flight Procedure Service Provider Authorization Guidance for Required Navigation Performance Procedures.
• FAA Advisory Circular (AC) 90-112, Development and Submission of Special Instrument Procedures to the Federal Aviation Administration.
• FAA AC 120-40, Airplane Simulator Qualification.
• FAA AC 150/5300-13, Airport Design.
• FAA AC 150/5300-16, General Guidance and Specifications for Aeronautical Surveys: Establishment of Geodetic Control and Submission to the National Geodetic Survey.
• FAA AC 150/5300-17, General Guidance and Specifications for Aeronautical Survey Airport Imagery Acquisition and Submission to the National Geodetic Survey.
• FAA AC 150/5300-18, General Guidance and Specifications for Aeronautical Surveys to NGS: Field Data Collections and Geographic Information System (GIS) Standards.
• FAA Order 7100.9, Standard Terminal Arrival Program and Procedures.
• FAA Order 8200.1, United States Standard Flight Inspection Manual.
• FAA Order 8260.3, United States Standard for Terminal Instrument Procedures (TERPS).
• FAA Order 8260.19, Flight Procedures and Airspace.
• FAA Order 8260.42, United States Standard for Helicopter Area Navigation (RNAV).
• FAA Order 8260.46, Departure Procedure (DP) Program.
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• FAA Order 8260.58, United States Standard for Performance Based Navigation (PBN) Instrument Procedure Design.
• FAA Order 8260.60, Special Instrument Procedures.
• FAA Order 8900.1, Flight Standards Information Management System (FSIMS), Volume 11, chapter 12, Instrument Flight Procedure Validation.
• RTCA DO-236, Minimum Aviation System Performance Standards: Required Navigation Performance for Area Navigation.
5.4 Forms.
• FAA Form 8260-30.1, Simulator Validation Checklist.
• FAA Form 8260-30.2, Obstacle Assessment Checklist.
• FAA Form 8260-30.3, Flight Validation Checklist.
• FAA Form 8260-30.4, IFPV Evaluator Check Record.
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Appendix A APPENDIX A. EXAMPLE OF A BRIEFING FOR NON-IFPV AUTHORIZED PILOTS A.1 Introduction.
A.1.1 Operator’s pilot-in-command (PIC) is responsible for all aspects of the flight.
A.1.2 IFPV personnel will not ask or require them to do anything outside the regulations or their operations specifications.
A.1.3 Comply with operator policies and procedures.
A.2 Mission.
A.2.1 IFP locations. Cover all scheduled validation locations and intentions.
A.2.2 Discuss procedure legs, altitudes, and airspeeds to be flown (i.e., initial, intermediate, final, missed approach, and holding).
A.2.3 Discuss, if the OEAs are to be flown, how they will be flown, who will define the track to be flown, etc.
A.2.4 If an airborne obstacle assessment is to be flown, discuss how it will be flown.
A.2.5 Discuss a proposed route for efficiency, air traffic control, weather, fuel locations, and other operational needs.
A.3 Operating Rules.
A.3.1 14 CFR Part 91.
A.3.2 Flight plan type. Visual flight rules (VFR) and/or instrument flight rules (IFR) operations are authorized during IFPV activities. However, the weather at the location of the IFPV activity must meet the requirements of this chapter. Visual meteorological conditions (VMC) are mandatory during obstacle evaluation, night evaluation, VFR area evaluation, visual segment evaluation, and departure procedure evaluations.
A.3.3 Weather – VFR / IFR, departure, en route, destination, alternate.
A.3.4 NOTAMs – departure, en route, destination, alternate.
A.3.5 Temporary flight restrictions.
A.3.6 Emergencies. During an emergency the flight validation will terminate immediately.
A.4 Company/Operator Requirements.
A.4.1 PIC will follow all company/operator requirements.
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Appendix A A.4.2 There will be no pressure to operate outside the company/operators rules.
A.4.3 PIC follows company/operators flight following rules.
A.5 IFPV Requirements.
A.5.1 Will comply with FAA IFPV requirements.
A.5.2 Brief the crew to ensure understanding and comfort with the mission requirements.
A.6 Post Mission.
Obtain/verify contact information for the Chief Pilot, Director of Operation, Principal Operations Inspector, and All Weather Operations individual (if possible).
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Advisory Circular Feedback 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 emailing this form to [AFS460IFPV@faa.gov].
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