5-1 CHAPTER 5. REQUESTS FOR OPERATIONAL APPROVAL OF OSAP, ARA,
OR HEDA OPERATIONS
5.1 Submission of Application for Operations Approval.
5.1.1 Written Request. The certificated air carrier or operator submits the operation request including the proposed chart to the principal inspector (PI) of the appropriate Flight Standards office or certificate-holding district office (CHDO). The PI should notify the NextGen Branch (AFS-480) for operational coordination within their specified area of operation. For operations outside of the appropriate Flight Standards office operational area, AFS-480 should coordinate with the controlling air traffic facility and Flight Standards office (if required) for the intended operational area. When the operator meets all of the requirements, the CHDO approves the operation and issues operations specifications (OpSpecs) or a letter of authorization (LOA). The CHDO may request support from another appropriate Flight Standards office or AFS-480 representative.
5.1.2 Evaluation. The FAA will evaluate the requests to ensure that particular radar and Global Positioning System (GPS) or other navigation requirement combination meets minimum requirements, flightcrew training requirements are met, and helicopter and avionics maintenance requirements are adequate. FAA engineering flight test and evaluation are required if a radar is installed that has not previously been approved for obstruction avoidance with ground mapping mode. The application should include the following items:
5.1.2.1 OSAPs, ARAs, or HEDAs:
1. A list of helicopters, the type of navigation equipment installed, and evidence of FAA approval of the airborne radar system for obstacle avoidance with ground mapping mode in accordance with the requirement of this AC.
2. A description of the equipment installation, helicopter flight manual supplements and changes, and proposed minimum equipment lists (MEL), if appropriate.
3. The training program.
4. The maintenance program.
5. Location of nearest weather and altimeter setting source.
6. Charted operations. The operator or the FAA may chart the operation on a reimbursable basis. The operator will submit the original charted operation to the CHDO with sufficient copies for the CHDO to send to, if appropriate, the Flight Standards office having jurisdiction.
7. Platform lighting.
8. Recommendation as to night operations.
5-2
9. Communication frequencies.
10. Platform markings.
5.1.2.2 ARA (only). The request should contain evidence of an FAA approval of any required ground-based transponder beacon and a description of any ground-based transponder beacon installation. The following are required for submission:
1. Navigation systems to be used (shore to platform).
2. Elevation and location of all landing platforms, rigs, or drilling ships, and any other obstacles within the intermediate and final operation areas.
3. Availability and requirement for use of a platform-based radar transponder beacon.
5.1.2.3 HEDA (only):
1. A representative pictorial and written description of the proposed HEDA.
2. HEDA location (latitude and longitude to within the nearest tenth of a second).
3. Operations and training manual revisions to incorporate HEDAs, if it is an initial application.
4. The date of first intended use and the proposed length of service that authorization is sought.
5.1.3 Instrument Operations.
1. Helicopter OSAP, ARA, and HEDA operations to offshore platforms/helidecks are classified as instrument operations.
2. The OpSpecs or LOAs usually contain conditional authorizations that apply to individual operators. The CHDO approves operations for their operators. All other operators submit requests directly to the appropriate Flight Standards office having jurisdiction over the area of intended operation for approval.
5.2 Specific Operator Requirements and Operations.
5.2.1 Navigation and Facility Requirements. Any operator that wishes to be approved for instrument flight rule (IFR) offshore operations must ensure that the following navigation and facility requirements are met:
5.2.1.1 Route Requirements. Operators may develop these proposed and specified routes by onshore station reference navigation where adequate signal coverage is available. Outside of the area where signal coverage is available, the operator must provide a suitable means of navigation. By means of validation
5-3 tests in visual conditions, principal operations inspectors (POI) must ensure that the operator is able to demonstrate adequate navigational performance for these routes before being granted approval to use them. All fix coordinates will be submitted to the appropriate Flight Standards office by the operator.
5.2.1.2 Terminal Operations. Appropriate OSAP, ARA, or HEDA charts and operations must be approved by the POI before being published in the operator’s manual. The POI grants the authorization by means of an LOA or OpSpec.
5.2.1.3 Air Traffic LOA for Area of Operation. The operator should request support from the CHDO, the Flight Standards office, or AFS-480 representative.
5.2.2 Issuance of an LOA or OpSpecs. An LOA or OpSpec authorizing the use of OSAP, ARA, or HEDA operations is issued to the operator by their appropriate Flight Standards office and/or POI. An LOA or OpSpecs authorizing the use of HEDA procedures is valid for 1 year from the date of issuance. Any operator wishing to obtain HEDA revalidation must submit written confirmation to the POI ensuring that the HEDA is clear of obstructions and that positive course guidance is available. The operator must provide the means for any onsite inspection by the POI (if required).
Appendix A A-1 APPENDIX A. SAMPLE TRAINING PROGRAM FOR OSAP, ARA, OR HEDA A.1 Sample Training Program.
A.1.1 General. Operators are required to establish and maintain an approved training program appropriate to their operations before final approval of the special instrument operation.
Anyone requesting authorization to use an Offshore Standard Approach Procedure (OSAP), Airborne Radar Approach (ARA), or Helicopter En Route Descent Area (HEDA) in instrument flight rule (IFR) flight operations must train each flightcrew member on the following subjects. (The abbreviations of operations enclosed in brackets [ ] indicate application only to that type of operation.)
A.1.2 Basic Airborne Radar Principles and Operation. (Ground school 5 hours, Equipment operation 1 hour.)
A.1.3 Theory of Operation.
1. Terminology.
2. Block diagrams (P-40/50, BDX 1300/1400, etc.).
A.1.4 Interpretation of Radar Returns.
1. Primary.
2. Secondary.
3. False return, clutter, anomalies.
4. Enhancement devices: beacons/reflectors.
5. [ARA] Correlation of ground photos/maps with radar scope pictures, and identification of clusters/targets. (Ground school 8 hours.)
A.1.5 Equipment Limitations.
1. Effects of precipitation.
2. Effects of sea state and wave height.
A.1.6 Detecting and Reporting Equipment Malfunctions.
A.1.7 Emergency Procedures.
A.1.8 [OSAP and HEDA] GPS Principles and Operation. (Ground school 2 hours, Equipment operation 3 hours.)
A.1.9 Introduction and Basic Principles.
Appendix A A-2 A.1.10 Controls, Indicators, and Display Functions.
1. Display unit and functions.
2. Data selector switch, controls, and indicators.
3. Course deviation indicator.
4. Receiver computer unit.
A.1.11 Operating Procedures.
1. General.
2. Preflight and operational checks.
3. Self-test.
4. Initial present position entry.
5. Magnetic variation entry.
6. Area Navigation (RNAV) using waypoints.
7. Leg change entry.
8. Offset track—entry and steering.
9. User-defined waypoints.
10. Identifying and correcting operational problems.
A.1.12 OSAP, ARA, or HEDA Operations. (Ground school 2 hours.)
1. Definitions.
2. Limitations.
3. Minimums.
4. Weather requirements.
5. Equipment requirements.
6. [OSAP or ARA] Approach target identification.
7. [OSAP] Final Approach Point (FAP) identification and verification.
8. Verification and placement of the MAP.
9. Final approach course.
10. [OSAP] Course adjustment to 0.5 NM offset.
11. [OSAP] Decision Point Altitude (DPA).
12. Verification of equipment accuracy at DPA.
13. Verification of minimum horizontal obstacle clearance.
14. Using the lowest appropriate radar scale.
Appendix A A-3
15. Missed approach.
16. Crew coordination, duties, and responsibilities.
17. Before Final Approach Segment (FAS).
18. During FAS.
19. [OSAP or ARA] After visual reference is established with the operation target.
20. [OSAP or ARA] When visual reference is lost while maneuvering to the landing site.
21. [OSAP or ARA] Upon reaching the missed approach point (MAP) without visual reference with the operation target.
22. [HEDA] Upon reaching the HEDA coordinates without establishing visual conditions.
23. [HEDA] When visual conditions cannot be maintained while maneuvering to the landing site.
A.2 Flight Training. (Visual conditions 3 hours.) All assigned pilots and radar operators must complete as many trips over a route terminating in an OSAP, ARA, or HEDA under the supervision of an instructor or check airmen, as may be necessary to:
1. Ensure their competency in the use of the equipment; and
2. Enable certification of their proficiency in the system.
A.2.1 Recurrent Training. Recurrent training for pilots and radar operators is required annually.
A.2.2 Currency Requirements. A flight proficiency check is required annually.
A.3 Records.
1. A method of maintaining flightcrew member training records must be approved by the principal operations inspector (POI) prior to authorizing OSAP, ARA, or HEDA operations.
2. Appropriate training and certification records will be maintained by each operator and shall be presented for inspection on request of the FAA.
Note 1: The ground school and flight hours are for illustrative purposes only.
POIs must determine, with their operators, an appropriate number of hours based on the operator’s environment, experience, procedures, and equipment. POIs are directed by policy which prohibits approving any initial training program with less than a specific number of ground and flight training hours.
Note 2: Flight training requirements may be expressed in numbers of operations rather than in numbers of flight-hours.
Appendix B B-1 APPENDIX B. SAMPLE OFFSHORE INSTRUMENT CHARTS B.1 Sample Offshore Instrument Charts:
• Figure B-1, Sample Delta 30° OSAP.
• Figure B-2, Sample Parallel Offset OSAP.
• Figure B-3, Sample ARA Chart for Single Platform.
• Figure B-4, Sample ARA Chart for Platform Cluster.
• Figure B-5, Sample HEDA Chart.
Appendix B Figure B-1. Sample Delta 30° OSAP COPTER DELTA 30° OSAP SPECIAL AUTHORIZATION REQUIRED. WX RADAR IN MAPPING - 10 NM Communications Frequency 118.15 MODE, AND GPS REQUIRED.
Maintain MEA Until Departing the En Route Fix. Select 1 NM CDI Sensitivity when Departing the En Route Fix.
(Approach Target) - * En Route Fix Landing Site A30" Heading at MAP(0.6 NM) ° © °MAP(0.6 NM) 500 ft MSL or No Lowe
1.1 NM from Than Barometric MDA Landing Site - Adjusted for RASS laximum Ground Speed DPA (Not Less Than 70 Knots between 2 NM from Landing 5 NM FAP and MAP Site) 900 ft- FAP 7 NM Arc from the 7 NM Arc from the Approach Target Approach Target 7 NM Fix for Optional Clear All Obstructions by at Least Direct Route 0.5 NM Laterally by Radar after FAP Inbound. Teardrop PT or Standard Course Reversal. Type and NOT FOR NAVIGATION 10 NM Direction Optional.
Remain Within MISSED OPERATION: 10 NM Climb to 900 viathe д 30* Heading, DPA (Not Less FAP Direct to the Approach Targe hen Climbing Tum to the 2000 Landing Site Than 2 NM from Landing Site) 7900 KMSL Remain within 10 NM and Hold, DPA Or As Directed by ATC.
MAP 500 ft MSL or No Lower than Barometric MDA HOLDING AFTER MISSED APPROACH: Adjusted for RASS Hold Overthe Approach Target on the bound Couse, 3 NM Legs, Maintain fr 0.6 WU or As Directed by AT NM Sea Level Avoid Radar Targets by 0.5 NM Laterally - Not Less than 5.0 NM from the Ap Until Reaching 900 ft MSL when Making IFR Departures.
MDA VISIBILITY RADIO ALTIMETER STATUS RA200 3/4 OPERATIVE FOR FILING AS *250 3/4 INOPERATIVE AN ALTERNATE Increase MDA 5 ft for Each NM Over 5 NM from Landing Site. *Altimeter Source More Than 5 NM but Less Than 75 NM, Use 800-2 Nonprecision Alternate Minimums or As Approved by OpsSpecs.
PROCEED VISUALLY TO THE LANDING SITE B-2
Appendix B Figure B-2. Sample Parallel Offset OSAP SPECIAL AUTHORIZATION REQUIRED. Communications WX RADAR IN MAPPING MODE, AND GPS 10 NM Frequency 118.15 REQUIRED.
Maintain MEA Until Departing the En Route Fix. Select 1 NM CDI Sensitivity when Departing the En Route Fix.
- * En Route (Approach Target) Fix Landing Site
(0.7 NM°@60.7 N Maximum Ground
- Speed 70 Knots
0.5 NM Offset between FAP and MAP DPA (Not Less Than 500 ft MSL or No Lower 2 NM from Landing Than Barometric MDA Site) Adjusted for RASS 5 NM 900 ft- J 7 NM Arc from the 7 NM Arc from the Approach Target Approach Target 7 NM Fix for Optional Clear All Obstructions by at Least Direct Route 0.5 NM Laterally by Radar after FAP Inbound. Teardrop PT or Standard Course Reversal. Type and Direction Optional.
NOT FOR NAVIGATION 10 NM Remain Within MISSED APPROACH: 10 NM Climb to 900 viathe Offset Course, Landing Than 2 NM from DPA (Not Less Landing Site) FAP 1 R PMSL Site or As Directed by ATC. DRA MAP 500 ft MSL or No Lower HOLDING AFTER MISSED APPROACH: than Barometric MDA Adjusted for RASS Hold Overthe Approach Target on the 200 of As Die 3 N bY ATE, Manian the 0.7 NME Sea Level Avoid Radar Targets by 0.5 NM Laterally - 1 Not Less than 5.0 NM from the Operation Target Until Reaching 900 ft MSL when Making IFR Departures.
MDA VISIBILITY RADIO ALTIMETER STATUS RA200 3/4 OPERATIVE FOR FILING AS AN ALTERNATE *250 3/4 INOPERATIVE Increase MDA 5 ft for Each NM Over 5 NM from Landing Site. *Altimeter Source More Than 5 NM but Less Than 75 NM, Use 800-2 Nonprecision Alternate Minimums or As Approved by OpsSpecs.
PROCEED VISUALLY TO THE LANDING SITE B-3
Appendix B Figure B-3. Sample ARA Chart for Single Platform COPTER ARA VEAZY 63 Wx Radar in Mapping Mode Required. NOT FOR NAVIGATION Special Authorization Required. Frequency 8.15 1 4 NM 1 1 11201) Landing Site (Approach Target) 600 ft MSL or No Lower Than Barometric MDA Adjusted for RASS 4 NM Intermediate Fix (IF)
• En Route MEA ‚Fix MEA MISSED APPROACH: HOLDING AFTER MISSED APPROACH:
Climbing turn into the clear zone then climbing to 2000, direct to Hold over the IF on the Inbound course, 1 minute IF and hold or ae directed by ATC. lege, maintain 2000 or as directed by ATC Landing Site Elevation 50 ft 1500 ft Approach Target
FAP MAP MAP FAP 600 ft MSL or No Lower than Barometric MDA Adjusted for RASS Sea Level Landing RA Site 10 NM - 3 NM MDA VISIBILITY RADIO ALTIMETER STATUS *Altimeter Source More Than 5 NM but Less RA200 3/4 OPERATIVE Than 75 NM, Increase MDA 5 ft. for NM "380 1/2 INOPERATIVE Over 5 NM from Approach Target.
OVERHEAD OPERATION (Operation Target to Inbound Tum)(4NM) KNOTS 70 120 TIME 3:26 2:40 2:00
PROCEED VISUALLY TO THE LANDING SITE B-4
Appendix B Figure B-4. Sample ARA Chart for Platform Cluster COPTER ARA WINTR 120 NOT FOR NAVIGATION Communications Frequency 118.15 Platform Coordinates and Identification on Reverse Side (166 ft) 4 NM з ® 3,5 29 (B0 ft) 4 NM (120 ft) 128 ft) H 4 NM (80 ft) 700 ft MSL or No Lower Than Barometric MDA Adjusted for RASS 4 NM 1 Intermediate Special Authorization Required Fix (IF) WX Radar in Ground Mapping Mode Required Beacon Required.
Beacon on Platform #1.
3 En Route MEA Fix MEA MISSED OPERATION: HOLDING AFTER MISSED OPERATION:
Co the MEA. Direct to the Frand Hold, or As Directed By ATC. Hold Over the IF on the Inbound Course, 1 Minute Legs. Maintain the MEA or As Directed by ATC.
Landing Site Elevations:
1 - 42 ft 1500 ฿ 6 Approach 2 - 60 ft 3 - 90 f Target 4 - 38 ft 5 - 491 1 - NA FAP МАР FAP 700 ft MSL or No Lower than Barometric MDA Adjusted for RASS Sea Level Landing RA Site 10 NM - 4 NM - 3 NM MDA VISIBILITY RADIO ALTIMETER STATUS * 100 Radio Altitude Above the Highest Obetade withinthe **RA200 3/4 OPERATIVE * Altimeter Source More Than 5 NM but Lesa than 75 NM Cluster if a Couse Bearing Cursor ia Not Used.
*420 1/2 INOPERATIVE Increase MDA 5 IL for Each NM Over 5NM for Approach Target OVERHEAD APPROACH (Approach Targetto Inbound Tum)(4NN) KNOTS 70 TIME 3:26 2:40 2:00
PROCEED VISUALLY TO THE LANDING SITE B-5
Appendix B Figure B-5. Sample HEDA Chart
COPTER HEDA PROCEDURE SPECIAL AUTHORIZATION REQUIRED. 1 Frequency 1815
WX RADAR IN MAPPING MODE, AND GPS REQUIRED.
* COORDINATES HEDA 1 4 NM 8 NM Diameter Circle.
No Obstructions Allowed for Descents Below 700 ft MSL.
1 NM 900 ft MSL or No Lower Than Barometric MDA Adjusted for RASS Descent from MEA to 900 ft MSL is Not Authorized Until within 20 NM from HEDA Coordinates.
NOT FOR NAVIGATION Intermediate
- →*. Eix (IFL MEA _ - → MISSED APPROACH:
Climb to 900 then Climbing Turn to the 2000, Direct to the HEDA Coordinates. Remain within 10 NM and Hold or As Directed by ATC HOLDING AFTER MISSED APPROACH: Hold Over the HEDA Coordinates on inbound Course 3 En Route As Directed by ATC NM Legs, Maintain the 2000 or • MEA → ≤ FAP HEDA Coordinates 900 ft MSL or No Lower than Barometric MDA Adjusted for RASS Descent Below 700 ft MSL is Not Authorized Unless HEDA is Clear of All Obstructions.
Sea Level 4 4 NM - 4 NM → Approximately 20 NM fron he HEDA Coordinate:
MDA VISIBILITY RADIO ALTIMETER STATUS RA400 OPERATIVE Filing HEDA as Alternate Not Authorized.
*700 1 INOPERATIVE *The MDA is 700 ft MSL with Radio Altimeter or WX Radar with Mapping Mode Inoperative.
*The MDA is 700 ft MSL with Obstruction in HEDA.
*Altimeter Source More Than 5 NM but Less Than 75 NM, Increase MDA 5 ft for Each NM Over 5 NM from HEDA Coordinates