3-5 Letter of Authorization from the Flight Technologies and Procedures Division, or
5. A current and qualified Airspace System Inspection Pilot (ASIP).
3.2.2.1.4 Procedure Evaluation Pilot (PEP). A PEP conducts a procedure specific onsite evaluation of the landing location for certain helicopter instrument flight procedures. Non-FAA service providers with similar experience as a rotor craft Aviation Safety Inspector, who has completed Flight Standardsapproved training (see chapter 4), and received a PEP Letter of Authorization from the Flight Technologies and Procedures Division may conduct onsite procedure specific evaluations.
3.2.2.2 Weather. Flight validation must not be conducted at night or IMC (except as noted in paragraph 3.2.2.2.1 and 3.2.2.2.2). Ensure sufficient in-flight ceiling and visibility to accomplish the assessment of obstacles and determine that the procedure flight track reflects the IFP design.
3.2.2.2.1 Portions of the procedure above a published minimum IFR altitude (e.g., high-level portions of Standard Instrument Departures or Standard Terminal Arrival Routes) may be flown at night and/or in IMC.
3.2.2.2.2 Approval of night minimums. A night evaluation is required when an IFR procedure is developed for airports, heliports, or landing areas with no prior IFR service and:
Procedure is to a newly constructed runway, heliport, or landing area, or;
A runway, heliport, or landing area has been lengthened, shortened, or relocated.
1. The purpose of the night evaluation is to determine the adequacy of airport/heliport/landing area lighting systems prior to authorizing night minimums. Each procedure with a “Fly visual” or “Proceed Visually” segment proposed for night use must be evaluated at night prior to commissioning, or must be restricted from night use until the evaluation is completed. A night evaluation is not required to landing surfaces serviced by point-in-space procedures (approach and departure) with a “Proceed VFR” segment(s).
2. Determine the adequacy of infrastructure to include lighting systems prior to authorizing night minimums (e.g., photocell, radio control, local lighting patterns in the area surrounding the airport, heliport, or landing area and do not distract, confuse, or incorrectly identify the runway, heliport, or landing area environment).
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3. Conduct all night evaluations during VMC (or visual guidance for navigation in the "visual" segment of a helicopter approach) with sufficient in-flight ceiling and visibility to assess the airport, heliport, or landing area infrastructure.
3.3 Flight Validation of Space Based Augmentation System (SBAS)/ Ground Based Augmentation System (GBAS) WAAS IFP.
When conducting flight validation of SBAS/GBAS (WAAS) IFP utilize an in-flight data collection system that enables in-flight or post-flight analysis to validate that FAS data elements provide navigation guidance, as designed, to the physical runway threshold or point-in-space. The system must be capable of performing the necessary evaluations in a documented, quantitative fashion.
4-1 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 a Flight Standards-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 editions) AC 90-100, U.S. Terminal and En Route Area Navigation Operations AC 90-101, Approval Guidance for RNP Procedures with AR AC 90-105, Approval Guidance for RNP Operations and Barometric Vertical Navigation in the U.S. National Airspace System and in Oceanic and Remote Continental Airspace AC 90-107, Guidance for Localizer Performance with Vertical Guidance and Localizer Performance without Vertical Guidance Approach Operations in the U.S. National Airspace System AC 90-110, Instrument Flight Procedure Service Provider Authorization Guidance for Space-based Instrument Flight Procedures AC 90-112, Development and Submission of Special Instrument Procedures to the Federal Aviation Administration 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, Standards for Using Remote Sensing Technologies in Airport Surveys AC 150/5300-18, General Guidance and Specifications for Submission of Aeronautical Surveys to NGS: Field Data Collections and Geographic Information System Standards AC 150/5390-2, Heliport Design
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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 JO 7100.41, Performance Based Navigation Implementation Process FAA Order 8200.1, United States Standard Flight Inspection Manual FAA Order 8260.3, United States Standard for Terminal Instrument Procedures FAA Order 8260.19, Flight Procedures and Airspace FAA Order 8260.42, United States Standard for Helicopter Area Navigation FAA Order 8260.46, Departure Procedure Program FAA Order 8260.58, United States Standard for Performance Based Navigation 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 FAA Order 8260- 30 series forms, see FAA Order 8900.1, Volume 11, chapter 12.
4.1.5 Familiarity and demonstration of flight validation requirements for both day and night operations.
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/heliport/landing area requirements 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.
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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.
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 for day and night operations).
4.2.4 Approved ASI will document recurrent training complete on the IFPV Evaluator Check Record.
A-1 APPENDIX A. ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION A.1 Definitions.
A.1.1 Accuracy codes. Standards for horizontal and vertical obstacle measurements are outlined in FAA Order 8260.19.
A.1.2 Airborne obstacle assessment. An airborne assessment of obstacles to determine 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. IFPV service providers conduct Airborne Obstacle Assessment (AOA) during the preflight validation phase of the IFPV process and may conduct reassessment during the periodic (540-day) obstacle assessment. AOA must not be conducted at night or in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). Night means the time between the end of evening civil twilight and the beginning of morning civil twilight, as published in the Air Almanac, converted to local time.
A.1.3 Area navigation (RNAV). A method of navigation that permits aircraft operation on any desired flightpath 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 (PBN) as well as other operations that do not meet the definition of PBN.
A.1.4 ARINC 424. This is an international standard file format for the preparation and transmission of data for assembly of airborne navigation system data bases.
A.1.5 Authorization required (AR). An authorization by the FAA to conduct Required Navigation Performance (RNP) approaches designated as “Authorization Required.”
Standards and criteria for the development of RNP AR IFPs necessitates a higher level of aircraft equipage and additional aircrew training.
A.1.6 Autonomous Global Positioning System Recording System (AGRS). A positioning and recording system that is independent from (and does not interfere with) an aircraft navigation 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 than one hertz (Hz). The AGRS must also be in compliance with the applicable Minimum Operational Performance Specifications (MOPS) for the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) equipment or system intended for route of flight or procedure. The AGRS system can be one stand-alone unit or a series of components connected together (e.g., laptop, GNSS receiver, etc.), as long as it meets the minimum specifications outlined in current IFPV guidance.
A.1.7 Flight Inspection System. The position recording and analysis system used by the FAA which is independent from the primary aircraft navigation system used in flight
A-2 inspection aircraft. The FAA Automated Inspection System (AFIS) provides sufficient assessment and recording capabilities for flight validation.
A.1.8 Flight inspection (Flight Check). In-flight investigation and evaluation of air navigation aids and instrument flight procedures to ascertain or verify that they meet established tolerances and provide safe operations for intended use. It involves the operation of a suitably equipped aircraft for the purpose of calibrating ground-based NAVAIDs or monitoring the performance of navigation systems.
A.1.9 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.
A.1.10 Flyability. A check or system of checks that ensure safe design of the procedure. These checks may include, but are not limited to; acceptability of any deviations to standards, bank angles, airspeeds, descent gradients, roll rates, track lengths, workload issues, procedure complexity, runway alignment, etc.
A.1.11 Global Positioning System (GPS). GPS refers to the worldwide positioning, navigation and timing determination capability available from the U.S. satellite constellation. The GPS Standard Positioning System (SPS) signal specification defines the service provided by GPS for civil use. The GPS meets the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) GNSS requirements.
A.1.12 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 IFP. IFPV service providers conduct ground obstacle assessment during the preflight validation phase of the IFPV process and may conduct reassessment during the periodic (540-day) obstacle assessment.
A.1.13 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.
A.1.14 Instrument flight procedure (IFP). 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.
A.1.15 Instrument Flight Procedure Service Provider. An entity that provides IFP development and maintenance services.
A.1.16 Instrument Flight Procedure Validation (IFPV). The required QA steps in the procedure development process for satellite-enabled 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 a series of actions involving several distinct
A-3 elements including: preflight validation, simulator evaluation, ground obstacle assessment, airborne obstacle assessment, and flight validation.
A.1.17 IFPV Evaluator. The evaluator is the individual responsible for conducting the IFPV activity and signing the respective FAA Order 8260-series form(s). Each IFPV activity requires a specific designation on the letter of authorization (LOA). Evaluators must complete the FAA Academy Flight Validation of Satellite-enabled Performance-Based Instrument Flight Procedures course or equivalent, satisfactorily demonstrate evaluation to an FAA Aviation Safety Inspector (ASI), and have authorization from the Flight Technologies and Procedures Division.
A.1.18 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.
A.1.19 Pre-Flight Validation. 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.
A.1.20 Public IFP. An IFP published in Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) Part 97 and available to the general public.
A.1.21 Required Navigation Performance (RNP). A statement of the 95 percent navigation accuracy performance that meets a specified value for a particular phase of flight or flight segment. This includes and incorporates associated on-board performance monitoring and alerting features to notify the pilot when the RNP for a particular phase or segment of a flight is not performing at the correct accuracy level. Refer to the current edition of RTCA DO-236, Minimum Aviation System Performance Standards:
Required Navigation Performance for Area Navigation.
A.1.22 Special IFP. An IFP approved by the FAA in accordance with specific guidelines but not published in 14 CFR Part 97 for public use.
A.1.23 Terminal Area Route Generation Evaluation and Traffic Simulation (TARGETS). A software tool used to generate and evaluate terminal routes and conduct simulation and analysis.
A.1.24 Validation. The evaluator verifies whether a data element or a set of data elements is acceptable for its purpose.
A.1.25 Verification. The activity whereby the evaluator checks the current value of a data element against the value originally supplied.
A-4 A.2 Related Publications (Current Editions).
A.2.1 Regulations. Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) Part 97.
A.2.2 Reference Material.
These publications address IFP development and implementation:
FAA AC 90-100, U.S. Terminal and En Route Area Navigation Operations FAA AC 90-101, Approval Guidance for RNP Procedures with AR FAA AC 90-105, Approval Guidance for RNP Operations and Barometric Vertical Navigation in the U.S. National Airspace System and in Oceanic and Remote Continental Airspace AC 90-107, Guidance for Localizer Performance with Vertical Guidance and Localizer Performance without Vertical Guidance Approach Operations in the U.S.
National Airspace System FAA AC 90-110, Instrument Flight Procedure Service Provider Authorization Guidance for Space-based Instrument Flight Procedures FAA 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, Standards for Using Remote Sensing Technologies in Airport Surveys FAA AC 150/5300-18, General Guidance and Specifications for Submission of Aeronautical Surveys to NGS: Field Data Collections and Geographic Information System Standards FAA AC 90-5390-2, Heliport Design FAA Order JO 7100.41, Performance Based Navigation Implementation Process FAA Order 8200.1, United States Standard Flight Inspection Manual FAA Order 8260.3, United States Standard for Terminal Instrument Procedures
A-5 FAA Order 8260.19, Flight Procedures and Airspace FAA Order 8260.42, United States Standard for Helicopter Area Navigation FAA Order 8260.46, Departure Procedure Program FAA Order 8260.58, United States Standard for Performance Based Navigation Instrument Procedure Design FAA Order 8260.60, Special Instrument Procedures FAA Order 8900.1, Flight Standards Information Management System, Volume 11, chapter 12, Instrument Flight Procedure Validation RTCA DO-236, Minimum Aviation System Performance Standards: Required Navigation Performance for Area Navigation A.3 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
MM/DD/YY AC 90-113B B-1 APPENDIX B. EXAMPLE OF A BRIEFING FOR NON-IFPV AUTHORIZED PILOTS B.1 Introduction.
B.1.1 Operator’s pilot-in-command (PIC) is responsible for all aspects of the flight.
B.1.2 IFPV personnel will not ask or require them to do anything outside the regulations or their operations specifications.
B.1.3 Comply with operator policies and procedures.
B.2 Mission.
B.2.1 IFP locations. Cover all scheduled validation locations and intentions.
B.2.2 Discuss procedure legs, altitudes, and airspeeds to be flown (i.e., initial, intermediate, final, missed approach, and holding).
B.2.3 Discuss, if the OEAs are to be flown, how they will be flown, who will define the track to be flown, etc.
B.2.4 If an airborne obstacle assessment is to be flown, discuss how it will be flown.
B.2.5 Discuss a proposed route for efficiency, air traffic control, weather, fuel locations, and other operational needs.
B.3 Operating Rules.
B.3.1 14 CFR Part 91.
B.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.
B.3.3 Weather – VFR / IFR, departure, en route, destination, alternate.
B.3.4 NOTAMs – departure, en route, destination, alternate.
B.3.5 Temporary flight restrictions.
B.3.6 Emergencies. During an emergency the flight validation will terminate immediately.
B.4 Company/Operator Requirements.
B.4.1 PIC will follow all company/operator requirements.
MM/DD/YY AC 90-113B B-2 B.4.2 There will be no pressure to operate outside the company/operators rules.
B.4.3 PIC follows company/operators flight following rules.
B.5 IFPV Requirements.
B.5.1 Will comply with FAA IFPV requirements.
B.5.2 Brief the crew to ensure understanding and comfort with the mission requirements.
B.6 Post Mission.
Obtain/verify contact information for the Chief Pilot, Director of Operations, and Principal Operations Inspector.