Appendix C C-1 APPENDIX C. ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION C.1 References.
C.1.1 Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR):
• Part 91, §§ 91.175, 91.181, and 91.703.
• Part 135, § 135.215.
C.1.2 FAA Orders. For current FAA orders, use the following websites:
https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/orders_notices/index.cfm/go/document.list/doc umentType/order or https://drs.faa.gov.
• Order 8260.3( ), United States Standard for Terminal Instrument Procedures (TERPS).
• Order 8260.19( ), Flight Procedures and Airspace.
• Order 8260.42( ), United States Standard for Helicopter Area Navigation (RNAV).
• Order 8900.1, Flight Standards Information Management System.
C.1.3 Advisory Circulars (AC). For current ACs, use the following websites:
https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/advisory_circulars/index.cfm/go/document.list or https://drs.faa.gov.
• AC 20-165( ), Airworthiness Approval of Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast OUT Systems.
• AC 90-105( ), Approv al Guidance for RNP Operations and Barometric Vertical Navigation in the U.S. National Airspace System and in Oceanic and Remote Continental Airspace.
• AC 90-114( ), Automati c Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast Op erations.
• AC 91-70( ), Oceanic and Remote Continental Airspace Operations.
C.1.4 Handbooks. Instrument Procedures Handbook (FAA-H-8083-16), Chapter 7, Helicopter Instrument Procedures.
C.1.5 Technical Standard Orders (TSO). For current TSOs, use the following website:
https://drs.faa.gov.
• TSO-C63d, Airborne Weather Radar Equipment.
• TSO-C87, Airborne Low-Range Radio Altimeter.
• TSO-C102, Airborne Radar Approach and Beacon Systems for Helicopters.
• TSO-C145a, Airborne Navigation Sensors Using the Global Positioning System (GPS) Augmented by the Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS).
Appendix C C-2
• TSO-C146a, Stand-Alone Airborne Navigation Equipment Using the Global Positioning System (GPS) Augmented by the Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS).
• TSO-C146b, Stand-Alone Airborne Navigation Equipment Using the Global Positioning System Augmented by the Satellite Based Augmentation System.
• TSO-C146c, Stand-Alone Airborne Navigation Equipment Using the Global Positioning System Augmented by the Satellite Based Augmentation System.
• TSO-C154c, Universal Access Transceiver (UAT) Automatic Dependent Surveillance- Broadcast (ADS-B) Equipment Operating on Frequency of 978 MHz.
• TSO-C166b, Extended Squitter Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) and Traffic Information Service-Broadcast (TIS-B) Equipment Operating on the Radio Frequency of 1090 Megahertz (MHz).
C.1.6 RTCA, Inc. Documents. For current RTCA documents, use the following website:
https://my.rtca.org/nc__store.
• RTCA DO-172, Minimum Operational Performance Standards for Airborne Radar Approach and Beacon Systems for Helicopters.
• RTCA DO-173, Minimum Operational Performance Standards for Airborne Weather and Ground Mapping Pulsed Radars.
• RTCA DO-208, Minimum Operational Performance Standards for Airborne Supplemental Navigation Equipment Using Global Positioning System (GPS).
• RTCA DO-229, Minimum Operational Performance Standards for Global Positioning System/Wide Area Augmentation System Airborne Equipment.
C.1.7 International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Documents. For current ICAO documents, use the following website: https://www.icao.int/publications/Pages/default.as px.
• ICAO Annex 2, Rules of the Air.
• ICAO Annex 6, Operation of Aircraft.
• ICAO Annex 11, Air Traffic Services.
C.2 Definitions. The following definitions apply to Offshore Standard Approach Procedure (OSAP), Airborne Radar Approach (ARA), and Helicopter En Route Descent Area (HEDA) operations unless otherwise noted. Acronyms for the definitions are enclosed in parentheses ( ). The abbreviations for operations are enclosed in brackets [ ] and indicate application only to that type of operation.
C.2.1 Aeronautical Radar Beacon [ARA]. An acti ve transponder that responds to radar interrogations.
C.2.2 Airborne Radar. A system comprised of weather radar with a ground mapping mode which meets the requirements identified in this AC.
Appendix C C-3 C.2.3 Airborne Radar Approach (ARA) [ARA]. A nonpr ecision instrument operation based upon the use of an ARA system as the primary operation aid in the intermediate, final, and missed operation segments. The system is comprised of weather radar with a ground mapping mode, a Global Positioning System (GPS) navigation receiver, and the cockpit displays, controls, and instrumentation necessary to provide guidance. The airborne weather radar with a ground mapping mode is referred to as “airborne radar” in the preceding chapters.
C.2.4 Clear Area [OSAP]. An ar ea centered on the final and missed operation course that provides 0.5 nautical mile (NM) lateral obstruction clearance starting at the decision point of the Decision Point Altitude (DPA) and continuing throughout the missed operation.
C.2.5 Clear Sector [ARA]. An ar ea overlying and centered on the final operation course. It is 4 NM wide at the Final Approach Point (FAP) and narrows linearly to a 2 NM width at 2 NM from the operation target.
C.2.6 Clear Zone [ARA]. A rec tangular zone established for a missed operation to the left or right of the final operation course and clear of any obstacle.
C.2.7 Cluster Operation [ARA]. An ARA to an offshore landing site located less than 4 NM from any other platform, rig, drill ship, or other plotted obstacle.
C.2.8 Course Bearing Cursor [ARA]. An ele ctronically generated course line shown on a radar display to assist pilots in flying a straight line surface track between the FAP and missed approach point (MAP).
C.2.9 Course Bearing Selector [ARA]. A pilot -selectable control that positions the cursor on the display.
C.2.10 Decision Point Altitude (DPA) [OSAP]. A point located on the offset final or Delta 30° operation course at 500 feet (ft) mean sea level (MSL) between the FAP and not less than 2 NM from the operation target. At the DPA, if the radar presentation forward along the operation course is clear laterally of all obstructions by at least 0.5 NM, the operation may continue when equipped with an operable radio altimeter to 200 ft above the surface.
However, if at the DPA a lateral separation of 0.5 NM from obstructions is not assured, a missed operation must be initiated.
C.2.11 Delta 30° OSAP (Δ 30°) [OSAP]. An opera tion flown straight-in toward the landing site using GPS for course guidance and airborne weather radar in ground mapping mode for detecting and avoiding obstructions. The “Δ” symbol represents a heading change. At
1.1 NM from the operation target a Delta 30° turn is made to the clear area located to the left or right of course. The Delta 30° course is determined by adding 30 degrees to or subtracting 30 degrees from the inbound heading. The MAP is located no closer than
0.6 NM from the operation target.
C.2.12 Final Approach Point (FAP) [ARA, OSAP]. The position downwind from the operation target where the final operation is initiated.
Appendix C C-4 C.2.13 Helicopter En Route Descent Area (HEDA) [HEDA]. An ins trument operation that provides an en route descent and transition from instrument flight rules (IFR) to visual conditions within a specified area of operation. A HEDA is not an instrument approach procedure (IAP), and it is not authorized as an alternate destination on an IFR flight plan.
C.2.14 HEDA Coordinates [HEDA]. A po int in space (PinS) that is the MAP for the HEDA.
C.2.15 Intermediate Approach Fix (IF). The IF may be a Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Range Collocated Tactical Air Navigation (VORTAC) distance measuring equipment (DME) fix or a waypoint based upon an approved Area Navigation (RNAV) system. The IF connects the en route structure to the intermediate segment of the operation.
C.2.16 Minimum Descent Altitude (MDA). The MDA for OSAP, ARA, and HEDA operations is based on either a radio or barometric altimeter. The radio altitude (RA) MDA is prefixed by the RA and the barometric altitude MDA is prefixed by an asterisk.
C.2.17 Minimum Descent Height (MDH). A preselected RA used in the (AUTO) logic of the flight management system (FMS). The selected MDH is used to calculate the decent gradient required from the final approach fix (FAF) to arrive at the preselected altitude
0.25 NM prior to the MAP.
C.2.18 Minimum En Route Altitude (MEA). The lowest published altitude between radio fixes which ensures acceptable navigational signal coverage and meets obstacle clearance requirements between those fixes. The MEA prescribed for a Federal airway or segment thereof, area navigation low or high route, or other direct route applies to the entire width of the airway, segment, or route between the radio fixes defining the airway, segment, or route.
C.2.19 Minimum IFR Altitude (MIA). Minimum altitudes for IFR operations as prescribed in part 91. These altitudes are published on aeronautical charts and prescribed in 14 CFR part 95 for airways and routes, and in 14 CFR part 97 for Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAP). If no applicable minimum altitude is prescribed in part 95 or part 97, the following MIA applies:
1. In designated mountainous areas, 2,000 ft above the highest obstacle within a horiz ontal distance of 4 NM from the course to be flown;
2. Other than mountainous areas, 1,000 ft above the highest obstacle within a horizontal distance of 4 NM from the course to be flown; or
3. As otherwise authorized by the Administrator or assigned by air traffic control (ATC).
C.2.20 Missed Approach Point (MAP) [OSAP, ARA]. The M AP for an OSAP is a point no closer to the operation target than 0.6 NM for the Delta 30° or 0.7 NM for the parallel offset. The MAP for an ARA is a point no closer to the operation target, as observed on the radar display, than the minimum authorized visibility for landing.
Appendix C C-5 C.2.21 Observed Coordinates. Coordinates established by a GPS TSO-C129, Airborne Supplemental Navigation Equipment Using the Global Positioning System (GPS), (World Geodetic System 1984 (WGS 84) compatible) navigation receiver for a proposed offshore landing site or HEDA location.
C.2.22 Offset Approach [ARA]. An oper ating technique used when the radar operator at 1 NM from the operation target provides vectors to position the operation target off the zero azimuth mark by no more than 25 percent of the scan angle being used.
C.2.23 Offshore Operations. Oper ations that routinely have a substantial proportion of the flight conducted over sea areas to or from offshore locations. Such operations include, but are not limited to, support of offshore oil, gas and mineral exploitation, and sea-pilot transfer.
C.2.24 Offshore Standard Approach Procedures (OSAP). An operation designed specifically for helicopters operating at least 5 NM from land. The operation uses GPS for course guidance and airborne weather radar in ground mapping mode for detecting and avoiding obstructions. The OSAP provides the following:
1. A positive fix for the FAP;
2. A positive method of maintaining desired track (DTK) over the surface on the final and missed operation course; and
3. A definite missed operation point.
C.2.25 Operation Target [ARA, OSAP]. A s tationary platform, rig, or ship used as an alignment point. The operation target may or may not be the landing site.
C.2.26 Parallel Offset [OSAP]. A segment of the OSAP operation where the final segment is offset 0.5 NM either left or right of centerline, depending upon the missed operation clear area.
C.2.27 Proceed Visually to the Landing Site [OSAP]. Th is phrase requires the pilot at or prior to the MAP to acquire and maintain visual contact with the landing site. Obstacle or terrain avoidance from the MAP to the landing site is the responsibility of the pilot. A missed operation is not provided between the MAP and the landing site.
C.2.28 Radar Operator. The pilot who operates the radar. The radar operator provides obstacle identification and vector instructions to the pilot at the controls of a helicopter to avoid obstructions during OSAP, ARA, or HEDA operations. The radar operator may be the pilot in command (PIC) or second in command (SIC).
C.2.29 Radio Altimeter. An instrument that uses reflected radio signals to determine the height of the helicopter above the surface.
C.2.30 Radio Altitude (RA). The altitude of a helicopter above the surface determined by a radio altimeter.
C.2.31 Reflector [ARA]. A passive primary radar “skin-paint ” source.
Appendix C C-6 C.2.32 Remote Altimeter Setting Source (RASS). An altimeter setting source that is more than 5 NM but less than 75 NM from OSAP and ARA landing sites or HEDA coordinates.
C.2.33 Single Landing Site Operation [ARA]. An ARA to an offshore landing site located 4 NM or more from any other landing site, rig, ship, or other obstacle.
C.2.34 Turning Point (TP). A turning transition on an OSAP from en route flight to align with the final operation course.
C.2.35 Weathe r Box. An observation area whose boundary is defined by the distance between two weather stations.
C.3 Acronyms.
Acronym Meaning AC Advisory Circular ADS-B Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast AED Aircraft Evaluation Division ALoS Acceptable Level of Safety ARA Airborne Radar Approach ASOS Automated Surface Observing System ATC Air Traffic Control AWOS Automated Weather Observing System CDI Course Deviation Indicator CFR Code of Federal Regulations DME Distance Measuring Equipment DPA Decision Point Altitude DTK Desired Track ELOS Equivalent Level of Safety ETA Estimated Time of Arrival FAA Federal Aviation Administration FAF Final Approach Fix FAP Final Approach Point
Appendix C C-7 Acronym Meaning FAS Final Approach Segment FMS Flight Management System FOG Flight Operations Group FPAG Flight Procedures and Airspace Group FSS Flight Service Station GPS Global Positioning System HEDA Helicopter En Route Descent Area HSI Horizontal Situation Indicator IAP Instrument Approach Procedure ICAO International Civil Aviation Organization IF Intermediate Approach Fix IFR Instrument Flight Rules IMC Instrument Meteorological Conditions KIAS Knots Indicated Airspeed LAWRS Limited Aviation Weather Reporting System LOA Letter of Authorization LORAN-C Long-Range Navigation-C System MAP Missed Approach Point MDA Minimum Descent Altitude MDH Minimum Descent Height MEA Minimum En Route Altitude MEL Minimum Equipment List METAR Aviation Routine Weather Report MHz Megahertz MIA Minimum IFR Altitude
Appendix C C-8 Acronym Meaning MSL Mean Sea Level NAD North American Datum NASA National Aeronautics and Space Administration NM Nautical Miles NSP National Simulator Program NWS National Weather Service OpSpec Operations Specification OSAP Offshore Standard Instrument Operation PI Principal Inspector PIC Pilot in Command PinS Point in Space POI Principal Operations Inspector RA Radio Altitude RASS Remote Altimeter Setting Source RNAV Area Navigation ROC Required Obstruction Clearance rpm Revolutions per Minute SAWRS Supplementary Aviation Weather Reporting System SIAP Standard Instrument Approach Procedure SIC Second in Command sm Statute Mile SPECI Aviation Selected Special Weather Report STC Supplemental Type Certificate TAF Terminal Area Forecast TC Type Certificate
Appendix C C-9 Acronym Meaning TERPS Terminal Instrument Procedures TIS-B Traffic Information Service-Broadcast TP Turning Point TSO Technical Standard Order UAT Universal Access Transceiver VFR Visual Flight Rules VORTAC Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Range Collocated Tactical Air Navigation WAAS Wide Area Augmentation System WGS World Geodetic System
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 at 9-AWA-AFS400-Coord@faa.gov or the Flight Standards Directives Management Officer at 9-AWA-AFB-120-Directives@faa.gov.
Subject: AC 90-80C CHG 1, Approval of Offshore Standard Approach Procedures, Airborne Radar Approaches, and Helicopter En Route Descent Areas Date: _____________________ Please check all appropriate line items:
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