U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration Advisory Circular Subject: Oceanic and International Operations Date: 8/12/10 Initiated by: AFS-400 AC No: 91-70A Change:
FOREWORD This advisory circular (AC) contains general information and guidance for operators planning oceanic flights, including authorizations needed for operations outside the continental United States. This includes Special Areas of Operation (SAO) such as North Atlantic Minimum Navigation Performance Specifications (NAT/MNPS), Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM), Area Navigation (RNAV), and Required Navigation Performance (RNP) airspace. The dynamics of oceanic operations are such that they are constantly evolving and it is incumbent on the operators to closely monitor any changes. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) revised this AC to point the reader to the most current sources of international material. In many cases, the references are to a Web site. The material, however, is still found at www.faa.gov or calling a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) navigation specialist. This AC includes specific guidance for authorizations and other FAA policy issues. A detailed study of the FAA Web site is the best source for introduction information about oceanic, international, and remote operations.
ORIGINAL SIGNED BY /s/ John M. Allen Director, Flight Standards Service
CONTENTS Paragraph Page CHAPTER 1. GENERAL
1-1. Purpose1
1-2. Cancellation1
1-3. Applicability1
1-4. Related CFR Regulatio ns (current editions)1
1-5. Background2
1-6. General Information2
CHAPTER 2. UNITED STATES AVIATION AND THE ICAO
2-1. Background5
2-2. ICAO and the ICAO Annexes5
2-3. U. S. Public Law, International Agreements, and Standards Related to Air
Navigation9
CHAPTER 3. OCEANIC, INTERNATIONAL, AND REMOTE OPERATIONS
3-1. Introduction11
3-2. Equipment18
3-3. ATC22
3-4. Oceanic Communications26
3-5. Navigation Procedures (Navigation Sens ors—Inertial Navigation System (INS),
Inertial Reference Systems (IRS), or GNSS)27
3-6. Position Plotting28
3-7. Oceanic Operations38
3-8. Extended Operations (ETOPS)38
3-9. Strategic Lateral Offsets in Oceanic Ai rspace to Mitigate Collision Risk and Wake
Turbulence39
3-10. Oceanic Emergency Procedures40
3-11. Communication, Navigation, Surveill ance, and Air Traffic Management
(CNS/ATM) Technology44
Figure 1. Data Link Diagram45
3-12. Monitoring of Performance-Based Navigation (PBN) and Communication46
CHAPTER 4. ATLANTIC, CANADA, AND EUROPEAN OPERATIONS
4-1. Atlantic Region49
4-2. Communications50
4-3. Navigation50
4-4. Surveillance—Canadian Control Areas51
Figure 2. Canada—Northern, Southern and Arctic Control Areas51
4-5. European Region..........................................................................................................5 2 Page ii
CONTENTS (continued) Paragraph Page CHAPTER 5. NORTH PACIFIC OCEANIC OPERATIONS
5-1. Introduction55
5-2. Communications55
5-3. Navigation57
5-4. Surveillance58
Figure 3. Pacific Organized Track System Routes59
Figure 4. North Pacific Routes60
5-5. Class II Navigation and Position Planning61
CHAPTER 6. SOUTHERN PACIFIC OCEANIC OPERATIONS
6-1. Introduciton63
6-2. Communications63
6-3. In-Flight Contingencies64
CHAPTER 7. WATRS/CARIBBEAN OPERATIONS
7-1. General65
7-2. Operational Policy and Procedures65
7-3. Navigation70
Figure 5. West Atlantic Route System Plus Oceanic Airspace76
CHAPTER 8. SOUTH AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN
8-1. Introduction77
8-2. Navigation77
8-3. Communications77
Figure 6. In-Flight Broadcast Procedures Over Intertropical Convergence Zone79
8-4. Collision Avoidance82
8-5. Dispatch82
Figure 7. Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System Gap82
8-6. Maintenance/Dispatch Criteria83
8-7. Emergency Procedures and Diversions83
8-8. Medical Diversion........................................................................................................8 5
8-9. Depressurization Procedures86
8-10. Safety of Flight86
Figure 8. Terrain Critical Areas86
8-11. Central America and Caribbean Weather88
8-12. South America W eather Information92
8-13. Communication96
8-14. Navigation96
8-15. Surveillance96
CONTENTS (continued) Paragraph Page
8-16. CAR-SAM Routes97
Figure 9. Miami to Sao Paulo97
CHAPTER 9. GULF OF MEXICO OPERATIONS
9-1 Introduction105
9-2. Characteristics of the Airspace105
9-3. Navigation and Communicati ons in the Gulf of Mexico107
9-4. International Operations109
9-5. Military and Helicopter Operations110
CHAPTER 10. LONG RANGE NAVIGATION
10-1. General Navigation Concepts, FAA Policies, and Guidance111
10-2. IRS/INS and Long-Range Navigation Procedures116
10-3. LRNS Problems and Recommended Actions121
10-4. Proving Tests and Validation Flights124
10-5. INS Navigation—Special Practices and Procedures126
10-6. FAA Approval of Global Positioning Sy stem (GPS) Equipment and Operations127
Figure 10. GPS Equipment Classes129
CHAPTER 11. HELICOPTER OCEANIC OPERATIONS
11-1. Gulf of Mexico135
11-2. IFR Offshore Operations135
11-3. Navigation Requireme nts and Procedures136
CHAPTER 12. CREW TRAINING FOR OCEANIC OPERATIONS
12-1. Crew Qualifications139
12-2. Pilot as PIC139
12-3. Training Considerations140
CHAPTER 13. GENERAL AVIATION SHORT-RANGE AIRCRAFT OCEANIC
OPERATIONS
13-1. Introduction143
13-2. ICAO Guidance143
13-3. The NAT Environment143
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CONTENTS (continued) Paragraph Page
13-4. Pilot Qualification Requirements144
13-5. Oceanic Flight Standards144
13-6. Operation of Aircraft145
13-7. Equipment146
13-8. Special Requirements for Flights Transiting Greenland146
13-9. Special Requirements for Flights Transiting Iceland147
13-10. ELT Requirement for Turbojet-Powered Aircraft148
13-11. Special Requirements for Canadian Departures148
13-12. Major Routes Used by Short-Ra nge Aircraft Crossing the NAT153
Figure 11. Four Major Routes Used by Short-Range Aircraft to Cross the North Atlantic ..155
13-13. Additional Considerations156
CHAPTER 14. POLAR ROUTES
14-1. Introduction159
14-2. Related Material159
14-3. Polar Communications160
14-4. Polar Routes162
14-5. CPDLC163
14-6. Company Communications163
14-7. Cruising Levels in Meters164
14-8. Airport Weather Reports164
14-9. Outside Air Temperature (OAT)/Fu el Temperatures/Fuel Freeze Points165
14-10. Fuel Temperature Operational Limit165
14-11. FMS/Autopilot (AP) Performance at the Pole165
14-12. Polar Emergency/Irregular165
CHAPTER 15. OCEANIC AND OVERFLIGHT OPERATIONS TO THE RUSSIAN
REPUBLIC AND THE COMMONWEALTH OF INDEPENDENT STATES (CIS)
15-1. Introduction169
15-2. Russia169
APPENDIX 1. GLOSSARY OF ACRONYMS/ABBREVIATIONS (6 pages)1
APPENDIX 2. SAMPLE OCEANIC CHECKLIST (9 pages)1
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CHAPTER 1. GENERAL
1-1. PURPOSE. This advisory circular (AC) contains general information and guidance for operators planning oceanic flights, including authorizations needed for operations outside the continental United States. This includes Special Areas of Operation (SAO) such as North Atlantic Minimum Navigation Performance Specifications (NAT/MNPS), Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM), Area Navigation (RNAV), and Required Navigation Performance (RNP) airspace.
a. Initiatives. In all geographic regions, the evolution of communication, navigation, surveillance and air traffic management (CNS/ATM) is the catalyst for initiatives such as data link, RNP, RNAV, Automatic Dependent Surveillance (ADS), and RVSM.
b. Critical Areas and Procedures. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) identifies critical areas and procedures such as Strategic Lateral Offset Procedures (SLOP).
c. Revisions. The dynamics of oceanic operations are such that they are constantly evolving and it is incumbent on the operators to closely monitor any changes. The FAA revised this AC to point the reader to the most current sources of international material. In many cases, the references are to a Web site. The material, however, is still found at www.faa.gov or by calling an FAA navigation specialist. This AC includes specific guidance for authorizations and other FAA policy issues. A detailed study of the FAA Web site is the best source for introduction information about oceanic, international, and remote operations.
1-2. CANCELLATION. AC 91-70, Oceanic Operations-An Authoritative Guide to Oceanic Operations, dated September 6, 1994, is canceled.
1-3. APPLICABILITY. While this document is comprehensive in design, some chapters are not applicable to all operations. The publication cycle of this AC is such that it is impossible to include up-to-the-minute details of all political, geographic, navigational, surveillance, and communication information. It is available on the applicable FAA Web sites and updated on a frequent basis. Therefore, operators should use this document only for general guidance and to verify specifics by consulting the most recent Aeronautical Information Publications (AIP), international Notices to Airmen (NOTAM), and other information from the international section on the FAA’s Web site.
1-4. RELATED CFR REGULATIONS (current editions).
• Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 91, §§ 91.1 through 91.21,
91.101 through 91.143, 91.151 through 91.159, 91.167 through 19.193, 91.203, 91.205,
91.209 through 91.217, 91.221, 91.303 through 91.319, 91.323, 91.509, 91.511,
91.605, 19.609, 91.703 through 91.715, and 91.903.
• Title 14 CFR part 119, §119.59.
• Title 14 CFR part 121, §§ 121.11, 121.121, 121.163, 121.339, 121.351, 121.353,
121.355, and appendix G.
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• Title 14 CFR part 125, §§ 125.23, 125.45, 125.51, 125.203, 125.209, and 125.363.
• Title 14 CFR part 135, §§ 135.43, 135.145, 135.165, 135.167, and 135.183.
1-5. BACKGROUND. Presently, there are several issues that are significant to the United States and Foreign Civil Aviation Authorities (FCAA) relative to oceanic, international, and remote flight operations. The majority of these issues involve increased air traffic density, complex and differing aviation regulations, improved technologies, and required special authorizations. Reducing separation standards on a global basis actively involves International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) member states. It is, therefore, critical that operators follow current procedures. Flights in airspace designated as SAOs require the operator to obtain an operational authorization in the form of operation specifications (OpSpecs) or a letter of authorization (LOA).
a. Foreign Countries. In all cases, flights to foreign countries are required to follow the rules of the countries that they overfly and those in which they intend to land. A noteworthy example would be having awareness of RNAV 5 and RNAV 1 that many of the European States have implemented. Flights in these areas require approval by the State of Registry of the operator. The FAA must approve U.S. operators.
b. Gulf of Mexico. Flights operating in the Gulf of Mexico do not involve long distances over water, but they often encounter severe tropical weather, exceed the service volume of navigation facilities, and encounter the sensitivity of national defense agencies on the southern borders of the United States. It is important to note that the airspace in the Gulf is oceanic airspace and thus demands adherence to oceanic regulations and procedures. Specifically, designated Q-routes (routes implemented in the northeast corner in the Gulf) require an RNAV system with at least one long-range navigation system (LRNS).
c. Caribbean. Governed, in most cases, by the definition of “extended over-water,” Caribbean flights also encounter situations similar to those found in the Gulf of Mexico. Crews flying in the Caribbean should have awareness of the special route structure between the coast of Florida and Puerto Rico as these routes—designated as Y-routes—have special navigation equipment requirements. Instrument charts for the area include these special navigation equipment requirements.
1-6. GENERAL INFORMATION. The FAA has completed the following:
• Revised this AC as a single-source document for operators initially planning oceanic, international, and remote flights;
• Established a tracking system and statistical database of gross navigational errors (GNE), Large Height Deviations (LHD), and reports on erosion of longitudinal separation, and LOA verification requests;
• Standardized the LOA and OpSpecs formats and the issuance of procedures for FAA inspectors through guidance in FAA Order 8900.1, Flight Standards Information Management System (FSIMS); and
• Developed Web sites for international operations that are updated periodically. This expansion allows operators to remain aware of airspace changes, policy changes, or new regulations.
NOTE: Current AIPs and NOTAMs contain the most recent information.
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CHAPTER 2. UNITED STATES AVIATION AND THE ICAO
2-1. BACKGROUND. An understanding of oceanic operations requires having knowledge of the ICAO and U.S. involvement with this organization. This background is necessary to understand the relationship between U.S. and international policy. World War II had a major impact on the technical development of aircraft, compressing 25 years of peacetime development into 6 years. There were many political and technical problems to resolve in support of a world at peace. Safety and regularity in air transportation made it necessary for airports to install Navigational Aids (NAVAID) and weather reporting systems. Standardization of methods for providing international services was vital to preclude unsafe conditions caused by misunderstanding or inexperience.
a. Standards. ICAO established standards for air navigation, air traffic control (ATC), personnel licensing, airport design, and many other important issues related to air safety.
Questions concerning the commercial and legal rights of developing airlines to fly into and through the territories of another country led the United States to conduct exploratory discussions with other allied nations during early 1944. On the basis of these talks, allied and neutral states received invitations to meet in Chicago in November 1944. The outcome of this Chicago Convention was a treaty requiring ratification by 26 of the 52 states that met. By ratifying the treaty, contracting states agreed to pursue certain stated objectives, assume certain obligations, and establish the international organization that became known as ICAO.
b. Member of ICAO. As a charter member of ICAO, the United States has fully supported the organization’s goals from its inception and especially concerns itself with technical matters. Through ICAO, the United States works to achieve the highest level of standards and procedures for aircraft, personnel, airways, and aviation services throughout the world. At the same time, the United States depends upon ICAO to oversee that navigation facilities, airports, weather, and radio services provided by other nations meet international standards. Through active support and participation in ICAO, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) strives to improve worldwide safety standards and procedures.
c. Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Foreign Country. The FAA also provides technical assistance to other nations when needed. The FAA has multiple agreements with numerous foreign countries to provide technical assistance in areas such as flight inspection, training, air traffic development, loan of equipment, NAVAIDs, and supply support. MOAs detail the specific terms of these arrangements. These MOAs include descriptions of services, special conditions, financial provisions, liability information, effective dates, termination dates, and other information required for particular situations. On behalf of the FAA, the Associated Administrator of International Aviation negotiates and signs the agreements involving international activities.
2-2. ICAO AND THE ICAO ANNEXES.
a. ICAO Objectives. The objectives of ICAO are to develop the principles and techniques of international air navigation and to foster the continued development of international air transportation.
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b. Privileges and Obligations of Member States. Ratifying the Convention obligated member states to abide by “certain principles and arrangements in order that international civil aviation may be developed in a safe and orderly manner, and that international air transport services may be established on the basis of equality of opportunity and operated soundly and economically.” Ninety-six articles, created and accepted at the Convention, established the privileges and obligations of the member states.
c. Organizational Structure. The United Nations (UN) recognizes ICAO as a specialized agency for international civil aviation. ICAO is not subordinate to, and does not receive any line-of-command authority from, the UN.
d. ICAO Publications. Annual editions of the “Catalogue of ICAO Publications and Audio-Visual Aids” contain more complete descriptions of these and other ICAO publications.
Contact ICAO at the following address for available editions of this catalog and other ICAO publications:
International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) 999 University Street, Montréal, Quebec H3C 5H7, Canada Tel.: +1 514-954-8219 Fax: +1 514-954-6077 SITATEX: YULCAYA E-mail: icaohq@icao.int ICAO home page: www.icao.int
(1) The ICAO Journal. ICAO publishes this document eight times annually and contains articles and a digest of ICAO meetings and activities from the previous period.
Semi-annually, it contains a table showing the status of all ICAO publications involving air navigation.
(2) Final Reports of Meetings. The final reports of divisional, regional, and panel meetings include the proceedings and recommendations of each meeting. These recommendations are not effective until reviewed by the Air Navigation Commission (ANC) or another appropriate committee and approved by the Council. Approved recommendations are separately referred as appropriate for the affected states for implementation.
(3) Annexes to the Convention. The 18 ICAO Annexes to the Convention contain the International Standards and Recommended Practices (ISARP) adopted by the Council.
Paragraph 2-2, subparagraph f of this chapter contains a list of the 18 Annexes with a brief description of their subject matter.
(4) DOC 4444–Procedures for Air Navigation Services (PANS). Normally developed by the ANC and based on recommendations of divisional or panel meetings, PANS are intended to amplify, in more detail, the Standards and Recommended Practices (SARP) in ICAO Annexes in certain fields. To date, PANS exist for Procedures for Air Navigation Services Aircraft Operations (PANS-OPS), Procedures for Air Navigation Services–air traffic management (PANS-ATM), and ICAO abbreviations and codes (PANS-ABC).
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