e. GPS Equipment Approval and Installation for Class II Navigation and Remote Areas.
• For Class II navigation requiring only the use of a single long-range navigation system (S-LRNS), you may use a GPS IFR installation with a TSO C-129, 129A (or TSO C-145 or TSO C-146, as applicable) authorized navigation system as the only required LRNS.
• For Class II navigation requiring the use of two LRNSs, you may use a single GPS IFR installation with a TSO C-129, 129A (or TSO C-145 or TSO C-146, as applicable) authorized navigation system in conjunction with another approved LRNS, such as an inertial system.
• For Class II navigation requiring the use of two LRNSs, you may use GPS IFR systems for both of the required LRNSs if both GPS units are TSO-C129 or 129A units approved for IFR use and both units also meet the additional requirements specified in FAA Notice 8110.60, GPS as a Primary Means of Navigation for Oceanic/Remote Operations. Specific operational procedures must be accomplished, including performing a fault detection and exclusion (FDE) availability prediction or both GPS units are TSO C-145 or TSO C-146 units approved for IFR use. Accomplish specific operational procedures, including performing a RAIM availability prediction.
f. Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM)/Aircraft Flight Manual Supplement (AFMS) documentation. Aircraft certificated to use GPS as the only LRNSs when two LRNSs are required will have the following statement in the AFM or AFMS: “The ____ GPS equipment as installed has been found to comply with the requirements for GPS primary means of Class II navigation in oceanic and remote airspace, when used in conjunction with the FDE prediction program. This does not constitute operational approval.”
g. FDE Availability Prediction Program. FDE is the capability of GPS to detect a satellite failure that affects navigation and automatically excludes that satellite from the navigation solution. All operators using GPS as the only LRNSs when Class II navigation requires two LRNSs must utilize an FAA-approved FDE prediction program for the installed GPS equipment that is capable of predicting, prior to departure, the maximum outage duration of the loss of fault exclusion, the loss of fault detection, and the loss of navigation function for flight on a specified route. The “specified route of flight” is a series of waypoints to include the route to any required alternates with the time specified by a velocity or series of velocities. Since you may not maintain specific groundspeeds, perform the pre-departure prediction for the range of expected groundspeeds. This FDE prediction program must use the same FDE algorithm (a step-by-step procedure for solving a problem) employed by the installed GPS equipment and you must develop it using an acceptable software development methodology. The FDE prediction program must provide the capability to manually designate satellites that are scheduled to be unavailable in order to perform the prediction accurately. Evaluate the FDE prediction program as part of the navigation system’s installation approval. You can find the requirements for the FDE prediction algorithm in FAA Notice 8110.60, or its successor.
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h. Operational Control Restrictions for Class II Navigation in Oceanic and Remote Areas.
(1) FDE Prediction Program. Prior to departure, the operator must use the FDE prediction program to demonstrate that there are no outages in the capability to navigate the specified route of flight and the FDE prediction program determines whether the GPS constellation is robust enough to provide a navigation solution for the specified route of flight.
Any predicted satellite outages that affect the capability of GPS equipment to provide the navigation function on the specified route of flight requires cancellation, delay, or re-routing of the flight.
(2) Fault Exclusions and Acceptable Durations. Once the navigation function is verified and the equipment can navigate on the specified route of flight, the operator must use the FDE prediction program to demonstrate that the maximum outage of the capability of the equipment to provide fault exclusion for the specified route of flight does not exceed the acceptable duration. Fault exclusion is the ability to exclude a failed satellite from the navigation solution. The acceptable duration is equal to the time it would take to exit the protected airspace, assuming a 35 NM per hour cross-track navigation system error growth rate when starting from the center of the route. For example, a 60 NM lateral separation minimum yields 51 minutes acceptable duration (30 NM divided by 35 NM per hour). If the fault exclusion outage exceeds the acceptable duration, the operator must cancel, delay, or re-route the flight. If the fault exclusion outage exceeds the acceptable duration on the specific route of flight, the operator must cancel, delay, or re-route the flight.
i. En Route Procedures for GPS Class II Navigation in Oceanic and Remote Areas.
(1) Degraded Navigation Capability. If the GPS displays a loss of navigation function alert, the pilot should maintain heading and altitude until they regain GPS navigation. The pilot will report degraded navigation capability to ATC in accordance with § 91.187. Additionally, flightcrew members operating under part 121 will notify the appropriate dispatch or flight following facility of any degraded navigation capability in accordance with the air carrier’s FAA-approved procedures. For at least one hour, the approved long-range GPS units have the ability to automatically provide electronic DR navigation solutions based on last known information. There are strict procedural requirements for dispatch and en route RAIM to ensure satellite coverage along the oceanic routes and that no outages are scheduled to occur during the planned flight. Each operator’s long-range navigation program should require the standardized application of disciplined, systematic cross-checking of navigation information during all phases of flight during Class II navigation.
(2) Satellite Fault Detection Outage. If the GPS displays an indication that a fault detection function outage (e.g., RAIM) is not available, provide navigation integrity by comparing the GPS position with a position computed by extrapolating the last verified position with true airspeed (TAS), heading, and estimated winds. If the positions do not agree to within 10 NM, the pilot should immediately maintain heading and altitude until they regain the exclusion function or navigation integrity and report degraded navigation capability to ATC in accordance with § 91.187.
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(3) Fault Detection Alert. If the GPS displays a fault detection alert (failed satellite), the pilot may choose to continue to operate using the GPS-generated position if they actively monitor the current estimate of position uncertainty displayed on the GPS from the FDE algorithm. If this number exceeds 10 NM or is not available, the pilot should immediately maintain heading and altitude until they exclude the failed satellite and report degraded navigation capability to ATC in accordance with § 91.187.
(4) Validation Tests Are Required. Such tests may consist of a single flight or series of flights. The following are references:
• Sections 121.93 and 121.113.
• Section 135.145.
• FAA Order 8900.1, Volume 3, Chapter 29, Section 8, Validation Test Requirements, current edition.
j. GPS in Lieu of ADF or DME. You may substitute an approved GPS navigation system for an ADF and DME receiver, provided you can call up facility or fix coordinates from the current GPS airborne database. Retrieve waypoints, fixes, intersections, and facility locations used for these operations from the current GPS airborne database. If you cannot retrieve the required positions from the airborne database, the substitution of GPS for ADF and DME will not receive authorization.
• For all operators, using GPS in lieu of DME does not preclude any equipage requirements of the applicable regulations. To provide navigation performance equivalent to ADF or DME avionics, the GPS navigation systems must have proper certification, installation, and authorization for use under IFR, as described above.
• This approval does not alter the conditions and requirements for use of GPS when using it to provide lateral course guidance to fly GPS or GPS Area Navigation (RNAV) standard instrument approach procedures.
• For those operations where the operating rules require installation of DME, the operator’s MEL should include provisions for authorizing continued operations using a certified GPS when the installed “DME” is inoperative. Operators in the NAS may receive authorization to use GPS equipment certified for IFR operations in lieu of ADF and DME equipment for the following operations:
• Determining the aircraft position over a DME fix. GPS satisfies § 91.205(e) requirement for DME at and above 24,000 feet MSL (FL 240).
• Flying a DME arc.
• Navigating to/from an NDB/compass locator.
• Determining the aircraft position over an NDB/compass locator.
• Determining the aircraft position over a fix made up of a crossing NDB/compass locator bearing.
• Holding over an NDB/compass locator.
• The ground-based NDB or DME facility may be temporarily out of service.
• For further information on the use of GPS in lieu of DME, refer to the Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM).
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CHAPTER 11. HELICOPTOR OCEANIC OPERATIONS
11-1. GULF OF MEXICO.
a. Background. Although helicopter operations in the Gulf of Mexico have had an enviable safety record, recent statistics indicate that a significant rise in weather-related accidents has occurred. It is imperative that pilots performing oceanic (offshore) operations do not exceed the minimum weather criteria for visual flight rules (VFR) and instrument flight rules (IFR) flight or the minimum flight altitude parameters for all phases of flight. The operator must comply with all applicable minimum equipment requirements for the operation. Two documents that address issues and requirements for improving rotorcraft operations within the National Airspace System (NAS) are “Rotorcraft Terminal ATC Route Standards” (FAA/RD-90/18) and “Rotorcraft En Route ATC Route Standards” (FAA/RD-90-19). These documents are available to the public through the National Technical Information Service (NTIS), 5285 Port Royal Rd., Springfield, Virginia 22151-2103. All operators should obtain these two documents and ensure that crews are familiar with the operating procedures discussed in these documents.
b. Flight in Environmentally Sensitive Areas. Protection of endangered species and the overflight of environmentally sensitive areas are of increasing concern in the Gulf of Mexico.
Infringements by low-flying airplanes and/or rotorcraft operating en route to airways in the Gulf of Mexico or to helidecks can be disruptive to wildlife while over the shore or near the shore.
The Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM), the current edition of Advisory Circular (AC) 91-36, Visual Flight Rules (VFR) Flight Near Noise-Sensitive Areas, on VFR sectional maps, and on specially designed maps published by Minerals Management Service (MMS) of the Department of the Interior (DOI) contain guidelines for flights in these areas.
11-2. IFR OFFSHORE OPERATIONS. Any operator that desires to conduct IFR operations in uncontrolled airspace will submit a letter describing the proposed operation to the certificate-holding district office (CHDO). This letter should include which specific routes to fly, the exact location of the destination, the type of aircraft used, the navigation equipment on the aircraft, and the specific Navigational Aids (NAVAID) used at the offshore facility, if any.
a. Offshore Operators. Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 91 offshore operators are to obtain a letter of authorization (LOA) for IFR operations. They will receive the LOA once they meet all certification requirements.
b. FAA Coordination. After reviewing the request, the CHDO will arrange a coordination meeting with the air traffic elements involved (such as the center, approach control, Flight Service Station (FSS), etc.). If a NAVAID exists at the offshore facility, the regional flight procedures branch will have representation at the coordination meeting. If the operator conducts the proposed operations in a region other than that of the CHDO, the CHDO will coordinate with the FSDO having jurisdiction of the geographic area where they conduct operations. The jurisdictional Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) will perform route checks and other required inspections, and forward reports of these inspections to the CHDO. When the operator meets all of the requirements, the CHDO approves the operation and issues operations specifications (OpSpecs) or an LOA.
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11-3. NAVIGATION REQUIREMENTS AND PROCEDURES.
a. Route Requirements. Operators may develop proposed routes using Class I station-referenced NAVAIDs where adequate signal coverage is available. In areas where signal coverage is not available, the operator must provide a suitable means of Class II navigation. The FAA will require a validation test in VFR conditions to ensure that the operator is able to demonstrate adequate navigational performance for the route(s) before granting approval for the use of the route(s).
b. Approval of IFR Operations Using Class I Navigation. Appropriate operating procedures must receive approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and be in the operator’s manual. Use of the procedures will receive authorization through a nonstandard OpSpec paragraph that refers to the operator’s manual containing these procedures.
c. Approval of IFR Operations Using Non-Terminal NAVAID Facilities. The operator must submit a written request to the CHDO for a helicopter offshore procedure according to AC 90-80, Approval of Offshore Standard Approach Procedures, Airborne Radar Approaches, and Helicopter En Route Descent Areas, current edition.
d. Extended Over-Water or IFR Operations Equipment. All navigation equipment used in extended over-water or IFR operations must meet 14 CFR part 135, § 135.165(b) requirements. If you obtain positive course guidance for any portion of the route through the use of long-range navigation equipment such as a very low frequency (VLF) or LORAN-C, the aircraft must have two independent receivers for navigation stalled and be operative before receiving approval.
e. Weather Reporting Requirements. A weather reporting facility approved by the National Weather Service (NWS) or the FAA must be present and operable within 10 nautical miles (NM) of the destination. The FAA (with NWS concurrence) may approve a remote source as a deviation from the provisions of § 135.213(b) when the operator is able to demonstrate an adequate level of safety for the proposed operations. The approval for this deviation will be in the OpSpecs.
f. Helicopter En Route Descent Areas (HEDA). An operator that desires to establish a HEDA will submit a written request to its CHDO. If the proposed HEDA is outside the CHDO’s geographic area of responsibility, the CHDO will forward the request to the jurisdictional FSDO.
The letter of request should include the following information:
• A pictorial and/or a written description of the proposed HEDA.
• The means by which the operator establishes positive course guidance.
• Equipment requirements for use in the HEDA.
• Proposed operations and training manual revisions to incorporate HEDAs, if an initial application for approval of a HEDA.
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• The date of first intended use and the proposed length of service for which authorization is sought.
g. HEDA Procedures and Requirements. Prior to granting authorization, the CHDO or jurisdictional FSDO will coordinate with a flight inspection procedures specialist to determine if the proposed HEDA is clear of obstructions and that positive course guidance is available for the entire route, including descent to the lowest authorized altitude (LAA). Aircraft must have all required flight and navigation equipment installed and be operative to utilize the 400-foot minimum.
(1) General. IFR-approved helicopter operators in offshore environments use these procedures to conduct instrument approaches to rigs, platforms or ships that are at least 5 NM offshore in uncontrolled airspace. The helicopter will use the airborne radar approaches (ARA) or offshore standard approach procedures (OSAP) for conducting instrument approaches in this environment.
(2) Approach Approval Procedures. AC 90-80 contains approval guidance, procedures criteria. and a sample training program for offshore instrument approaches. ARA procedures are special instrument approach procedures (IAP) approved under the provisions of the current editions of FAA Order 8260.19, Flight Procedures and Airspace, and FAA Order 8260.3, United States Standards for Terminal Instrument Procedures (TERPS).
(a) ARA Approval Procedures.
• The FSDO with geographic responsibility for the area in which the operator will conduct the ARA must verify the adequacy of obstacle clearances.
• Operators must demonstrate acceptable performance of en route and IAPs to the CHDO prior to the operator obtaining approval to use these procedures.
• ARAs are on FAA Form 8260-7, Special Instrument Approach Procedures.
• The FAA regional flight inspection and procedures (FIP) staff will inspect ARAs prior to approval by the CHDO. They will make minor changes of rig locations in pen, provided the en route egress point and procedures remain the same and the controlling obstacle does not change. Otherwise, the FIP staff will develop a new procedure.
(b) OSAP Approval Procedures.
• Operators that desire to conduct OSAPs must submit a written request to the CHDO according to the procedures stated in the current edition of AC 90-80.
• The CHDO will evaluate and test the procedures contained in the request for approval.
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• Additionally, the operator’s maintenance and training programs will receive an inspection prior to issuance of the authorization.
• Part 135 operators will receive authorization to conduct OSAPs as part of the OpSpecs.
• Part 91 operators will receive authorization to conduct OSAPs in an LOA.
CHAPTER 12. CREW TRAINING FOR OCEANIC OPERATIONS
12-1. CREW QUALIFICATIONS. In the International Standards and Recommended Practices (ISARP) (Annex 6), the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) makes the following stipulations for flights outside the jurisdiction of member states:
• An operator will ensure that all employees, when abroad, know that they must comply with the laws, regulations, and procedures of those states where they conduct operations.
• An operator will ensure that all pilots are familiar with the laws, regulations, and procedures pertinent to the performance of their duties prescribed for the areas traversed, the airports used, and the related air navigation facilities. The operator will ensure that other members of the flightcrew are familiar with these laws, regulations, and procedures that are pertinent to the performance of their respective duties in the operation of the aircraft.
• When the pilot in command (PIC) conducts the operation, he/she must perform the following:
• Comply with the relevant laws, regulations and procedures of the United States.
• Assume responsibility for the operation and safety of the aircraft and for the safety of all persons aboard during flight time.
• If an emergency situation that endangers the safety of the aircraft or persons necessitates action involving a violation of local regulations or procedures, the PIC will notify the appropriate local authorities without delay. If required by the state in which the incident occurs, the PIC will submit a report on any such violation to the appropriate authority of that state. In that event, the PIC will also submit a copy in writing to the FAA Flight Standards National Field Office (FSNFO), Flight Standards Service (AFS)-500. They must submit such reports within 10 days of the incident.
• The PIC will be responsible for notifying the nearest appropriate authority by the quickest available means of any accident involving the airplane resulting in serious injury or death of any person or substantial damage to the airplane or property.
12-2. PILOT AS PIC.
a. PIC Qualifications. An operator must not use a pilot as PIC of an aircraft on a route or route segment for which that pilot does not have qualifications for until that pilot has demonstrated to the operator an adequate knowledge of the following:
• The route flown and the airports used.
• The terrain and minimum safe altitudes.
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• The seasonal meteorological conditions.
• The meteorological, communication, and air traffic facilities, services, and procedures.
• The Search and Rescue (SAR) procedures.
• The navigational facilities and procedures, including any long-range navigation system (LRNS) procedures associated with the planned route.
b. Applicable Procedures. The PIC must also demonstrate an adequate knowledge of procedures applicable to flight paths over heavily populated areas and areas of high air traffic density; obstructions; physical layout; lighting; approach aids and arrival, departure, holding and instrument approach procedures (IAP); and applicable operating minimums.
c. Approaching Airports. The PIC will have made an actual approach into each airport of landing on the route, accompanied by a pilot qualified for that aircraft, as a member of the flightcrew or as an observer on the flight deck, unless:
• The approach to the airport is not over difficult terrain, the landing approach aids available are similar to those that the pilot has knowledge of, a margin approved by the Administrator is added to the normal operating minimums, or there is reasonable certainty that they can make a specific approach in visual meteorological conditions (VMC).
• The PIC can make the descent from the initial approach altitude in day VMC.
• The operator qualifies the PIC to land at the airport concerned by means of an adequate pictorial presentation.
• The airport concerned is adjacent to another airport at which the PIC has the qualifications to land.
12-3. TRAINING CONSIDERATIONS.
a. Receiving Approval. Crews conducting oceanic flights will receive training approved by the Administrator. Air carrier’s training programs will receive approval in conjunction with their certification and subsequent issuance of operations specification (OpSpec). General aviation aircraft desiring to fly in special use airspace will receive approval through the issuance of letter of authorization (LOA) crew qualifications for one of the following may satisfy the issuance of an LOA:
• Completing an operator’s oceanic operations training program.
• Completing a commercial oceanic operations training program.
• Submitting military training records indicating prior oceanic operations experience.
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• Using other methods indicating to the operator that the crew can safely conduct oceanic operations. (Examples could include written testing, oral testing, or evidence of prior experience.)
b. Qualifications for Oceanic Operations. To consider a crew qualified for oceanic operations, crewmembers must be knowledgeable in the following subject areas:
• ICAO operational rules and regulations.
• ICAO measurement standards.
• Use of oceanic flight planning charts.
• Sources and content of international flight publications.
• Itinerary planning and overflight clearances.
• Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) international flight plan, ICAO flight plan, and flight log preparation.
• Route planning within the special use airspace where they conduct flights including Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM) and Required Navigation Performance (RNP) requirements.
• En route and terminal procedures – different from U.S. procedures.
• Long range, air-to-ground communication procedures including all data link and satellite communication (SATCOM) Voice operations.
• Structure of the special use airspace where they conduct the flights.
• Air traffic clearances.
• International meteorology, including significant weather, charts, prognostic weather charts, tropopause prognostic charts, and terminal area forecasts (TAF).
• Specific en route navigation procedures for each type of navigation equipment required for use in the special use airspace.
• Emergency procedures, including required emergency equipment, SAR techniques, navigation equipment failure techniques, and communication equipment failure techniques.
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