U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration Advisory Circular Subject: Oceanic and Remote Continental Airspace Operations Date: 2/1/19 AC No: 91-70B Initiated by: AFS-400 Change: 1
1. PURPOSE OF THIS ADVISORY CIRCULAR (AC). The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) (“we”) developed this AC to provide general information and guidance for commercial and General Aviation (GA) operators (“you”) planning flights in oceanic and remote continental airspace. This guidance includes the authorizations you need for operations in such airspace outside the continental United States (CONUS).
2. PRINCIPAL CHANGES. This change aligns this AC with the Future of Flight Standards reorganization. This change also adds standard information in Chapter 1 and updates references, hyperlinks, and formatting throughout the AC.
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U .S. Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration Advisory Circular Subject: Oceanic and Remote Continental Airspace Operations Date: 10/4/16 AC No: 91-70B Initiated by: AFS-400 Change:
This advisory circular (AC) contains general information and detailed guidance for operators planning flights in oceanic and remote continental airspace, including authorizations needed for operations outside the continental United States (CONUS). This includes Performance-based Navigation (PBN) and Special Areas of Operation (SAO). The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) revised this AC to focus on the evolving operations in airspace where air traffic control (ATC) provides procedural control. This AC is laid out in a chronological format, beginning with foundational information, followed by information on the training, authorizations, and equipment required to operate most efficiently in this airspace, and finishing with flight planning, flight execution, and contingency operations guidance. Our goal is to provide you with a template to guide you through planning and executing flight operations through oceanic and remote continental airspace. Information related to international operations in specific locales has been removed from this AC due to its transitory nature. Some region-specific information has been incorporated into the North Atlantic (NAT) Resource Guide for United States Operators, West Atlantic Route System, Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Resource Guide for U.S. Operators, and Pacific Resource Guide for U.S. Operators. These online resource guides, along with the FAA Domestic/International Notices to Airmen (NOTAM), provide the most current information available to pilots, aircraft dispatchers and other operational control personnel preparing for oceanic and international operations. We have also included hyperlinks to many documents, available free or for purchase. The dynamics of oceanic and remote continental airspace operations are such that they are constantly evolving, and it is incumbent on you, the operators, to closely monitor any changes.
This AC neither is mandatory nor constitutes a regulation. When this AC uses mandatory language (e.g., “must” or “may not”), it is quoting or paraphrasing a regulatory requirement or prohibition. When this AC uses permissive language (e.g., “should” or “may”), it describes an acceptable means, but not the only means, of conducting that aspect of operations in oceanic and international airspace. However, if you use the means described in the AC, you must follow them in all important respects.
CONTENTS Paragraph Page
Chapter 1. General1-1
1.1 Purpose of This Advisory Circular (AC)1-1
1.2 Audience1-1
1.3 Where You Can Find This AC1-1
1.4 What This AC Cancels1-1
1.5 Fundamental Changes from Previous Edition1-1
1.6 Related Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) Parts1-1
1.7 Related Reading Material (current editions)1-2
1.8 AC Feedback Form1-3
Chapter 2. Background Information for Operations in Oceanic and Remote
Continental Airspace2-1
2.1 The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO): Its Relationship to
U.S. Aviation2-1
2.2 ICAO Annexes2-1
2.3 Applicability of U.S. and International Regulations2-3
2.4 ICAO Guidance Documents and Reference Material2-4
2.5 Authorization to Operate in SAOs2-6
2.6 Authorization Process Relative to SAO2-7
2.7 Web-Based Operations Safety System (WebOPSS)2-8
Chapter 3. Pilot Qualification and Training Guidance for International, Oceanic, and
Remote Continental Airspace Operations3-1
3.1 Operator/Pilot-in-Command (PIC) Responsibilities—International
Operations3-1
3.2 Training Requirements for Oceanic and Remote Continental Airspace
Operations3-1
Chapter 4. Communications, Navigation, and Surveillance Systems Guidance for
Operations in Oceanic and Remote Continental Airspace4-1
4.1 Communications, Navigation, and Surveillance Improvements—Impact on
Air Traffic Services (ATS)4-1
4.2 Performance-Based Operations4-1
4.3 Voice Communications in Oceanic and Remote Continental Airspace4-3
4.4 CPDLC and Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Contract (ADS-C)4-5
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4.5 Data Link Systems—Operational Authorization to Use4-6
4.6 ATC in Oceanic and Remote Continental Airspace4-6
4.7 Special Use Airspace (SUA)4-8
4.8 Air Defense Identification Zones (ADIZ)4-8
4.9 World Geodetic System 1984 (WGS 84)4-9
Chapter 5. Flight Planning Guidance for International and Oceanic and Remote
Continental Airspace Operations5-1
5.1 Lead Time Requirements5-1
5.2 Preparing an Itinerary5-1
5.3 Crew Fatigue5-4
5.4 Required Paperwork/Documentation5-5
5.5 Entry to Foreign Airspace—Flight Plan Versus Formal Advance Permission5-7
5.6 Managing Risk in Oceanic and Remote Continental Airspace Operations5-7
5.7 Weather Forecasts and Other Meteorological Planning5-8
5.8 Notices to Airmen (NOTAM)5-9
5.9 Extended Operations (ETOPS)5-9
5.10 Polar Operations5-9
5.11 Areas with Limited ATS5-10
5.12 Rotorcraft Operations5-10
Chapter 6. Flight Execution Guidance for Operations in Oceanic and Remote
Continental Airspace6-1
6.1 General Information6-1
Table 6-1. Examples of Incorrectly Applied Conditional Clearances6-2
6.2 Flight Plan6-4
6.3 Aircraft Preflight Guidance6-6
6.4 En Route Guidance6-11
Chapter 7. In-Flight Contingency Guidance for Operations in Oceanic and Remote
Continental Airspace7-1
7.1 Contingency Procedures: When They May Be Needed7-1
7.2 Choosing the Correct Contingency Procedure7-1
7.3 Altimetry and/or Navigation Degradation7-2
7.4 Lost Communications Procedures7-2
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Appendix A. Abbreviations and DefinitionsA-1
Appendix B. Special Areas of Operation and OpSpecs/MSpecs/LOAsB-1
Appendix C. Unusual Weather ActivityC-1
Figure C-1. ICAO Volcanic Ash Advisory CentersC-1
Figure C-2. Example of a National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration Scales Activity ReportC-3
Appendix D. Sample Oceanic ChecklistD-1
Appendix E. IATA In-Flight Broadcast ProcedureE-1
Figure E-1. Map of IFBP Area of ApplicabilityE-4
Appendix F. Special Procedures for In-Flight Contingencies in Oceanic and Remote
Continental AirspaceF-1
Figure F-1. General Weather Deviation Procedures ModelF-5
Appendix G. Suggested Subjects for Inclusion in Oceanic and International Procedures
and/or an Operations ManualG-1
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CHAPTER 1. GENERAL
1.1 Purpose of This Advisory Circular (AC). The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) (“we”) developed this AC to provide general information and guidance for commercial and General Aviation (GA) operators (“you”) planning flights in oceanic and remote continental airspace. This guidance includes the authorizations you need for operations in such airspace outside the continental United States (CONUS).
1.2 Audience. We have primarily targeted this AC at operators who do not yet have set procedures for flights through this type of airspace and can use this AC as a guide in developing their own procedures. We are also targeting GA pilots who do not fly regularly in oceanic and remote continental airspace and need a refresher on what to consider before, during, and after such a flight. Most commercial operators have company procedures for operations in oceanic and remote continental airspace. Those procedures have been accepted by FAA inspectors and conform to all relevant regulations and guidance. If you are working for one of these operators, this AC may serve to reinforce your company procedures.
1.3 Where You Can Find This AC. You can find this AC on the FAA’s website at http://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/advisory_circulars.
1.4 What This AC Cancels. AC 91-70A, Oceanic and International Operations, dated August 12, 2010, is canceled. AC 91-70, Oceanic Operations, and the North Atlantic International General Aviation Operations Manual (NAT IGA) are also obsolete.
1.5 Fundamental Changes from Previous Edition. Procedures for operating in oceanic and remote continental airspace are constantly evolving, and you should closely monitor any changes. We revised this AC to point you to the most current sources of international material. In some cases, we refer you to a website. You can also find supplements to this material by starting at https://www.faa.gov or by calling an FAA Special Areas of Operation (SAO) specialist. Contact information for an SAO specialist can be obtained from the responsible Flight Standards (FS) office. You may also be able to find this contact information on the North Atlantic (NAT) Resource Guide for United States Operators, Pacific Resource Guide for U.S. Operators, and West Atlantic Route System, Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Resource Guide for U.S. Operators. In this AC, we include specific guidance for authorizations and conformance with other FAA policy issues. Host nation Aeronautical Information Publications (AIP) and international Notices to Airmen (NOTAM) also contain the most recent information.
1.6 Related Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) Parts.
• Part 91, §§ 91.1 through 91.21, 91.101 through 91.143, 91.151 through 91.159,
91.167 through 91.193, 91.203, 91.205, 91.209 through 91.217, 91.221, 91.225,
91.227, 91.303 through 91.319, 91.323, 91.509, 91.511, 91.605, 91.609, 91.703 through 91.715, and 91.903; and Appendix G.
• Part 119, §§ 119.59 and 119.63.
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• Part 121, §§ 121.11, 121.121, 121.163, 121.339, 121.351, 121.353, and 121.355; and Appendix G.
• Part 125, §§ 125.23, 125.45, 125.51, 125.203, 125.209, and 125.363.
• Part 135, §§ 135.3, 135.43, 135.145, 135.165, 135.167, and 135.183; and Appendix G.
1.7 Related Reading Material (current editions).
1.7.1 RTCA Documents. Available for purchase on the RTCA website at https://www.rtca.org/content/list-available-documents.
1. RTCA/DO-258/ED-100, Interoperability Requirements for ATS Applications Using ARINC 622 Data Communications.
2. RTCA/DO-306/ED-122, Safety and Performance Standard for Air Traffic Data Link Services in Oceanic and Remote Airspace (Oceanic SPR Standard).
1.7.2 FAA Technical Standard Orders (TSO).
1. TSO-C115, Flight Management System (FMS) Using Multi-Sensor Inputs.
2. TSO-C145, Airborne Navigation Sensors Using The Global Positioning System Augmented by the Satellite Based Augmentation System (SBAS).
3. TSO-C146, Stand-Alone Airborne Navigation Equipment Using The Global Positioning System Augmented by the Satellite Based Augmentation System (SBAS).
4. TSO-C196, Airborne Supplemental Navigation Sensors for Global Positioning System Equipment Using Aircraft-Based Augmentation.
1.7.3 FAA ACs.
1. AC 20-138, Airworthiness Approval of Positioning and Navigation Systems.
2. AC 20-140, Guidelines for Design Approval of Aircraft Data Link Communication Systems Supporting Air Traffic Services (ATS).
3. AC 20-150, Airworthiness Approval of Satellite Voice (SATVOICE) Equipment Supporting Air Traffic Service (ATS) Communication.
4. AC 90-80, Approval of Offshore Standard Approach Procedures, Airborne Radar Approaches, and Helicopter En Route Descent Areas.
5. AC 90-96, Approval of U.S. Operators and Aircraft to Operate Under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) in European Airspace Designated for Basic Area Navigation (B-RNAV)/RNAV5 and Precision Area Navigation (P-RNAV).
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6. 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.
7. AC 90-114, Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast Operations.
8. AC 90-117, Data Link Communications.
9. AC 91-85, Authorization of Aircraft and Operators for Flight in Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM) Airspace.
10. AC 120-42, Extended Operations (ETOPS and Polar Operations).
11. AC 120-100, Basics of Aviation Fatigue.
12. AC 120-103, Fatigue Risk Management Systems for Aviation Safety.
13. AC 135-42, Extended Operations (ETOPS) and Operations in the North Polar Area.
1.8 AC Feedback Form. For your convenience, the AC Feedback Form is the last page of this AC. Note any deficiencies found, clarifications needed, or suggested improvements regarding the contents of this AC on the Feedback Form.
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CHAPTER 2. BACKGROUND INFORMATION FOR OPERATIONS IN OCEANIC
AND REMOTE CONTINENTAL AIRSPACE
2.1 The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO): Its Relationship to U.S. Aviation. As a charter member of ICAO, the United States has fully supported the organization’s goals from its inception in 1947. ICAO works to achieve the highest level of standards and procedures for aircraft, personnel, airways, and aviation services throughout the world. ICAO oversees the international standards ascribed to by its more than 190 Member States for navigation facilities, airports, weather, and radio services.
Through active support and participation in ICAO, the FAA strives to improve worldwide safety standards and procedures. ICAO’s strategic objectives are to continue to establish and maintain Standard and Recommended Practices (SARP) for the safe and orderly development of international aviation. You should be familiar with the 19 ICAO Annexes, which contain more than 10,000 adopted SARPs.
Note: ICAO Member States are obligated to comply with the international SARPs contained in the 19 Annexes and supporting ICAO documents such as ICAO Document 4444, Procedures for Air Navigation Services—Air Traffic Management, and ICAO Document 7030, Regional Supplementary Procedures.
2.2 ICAO Annexes. Find all ICAO Annexes at the ICAO store at https://store.icao.int.
2.2.1 Annex 1, Personnel Licensing. Provides information on licensing of flightcrews, air traffic controllers, and aircraft maintenance personnel, including medical standards for flightcrews and air traffic controllers.
2.2.2 Annex 2, Rules of the Air. Contains visual flight rules (VFR) and instrument flight rules (IFR) for all operators.
2.2.3 Annex 3, Meteorological Services for International Air Navigation. Provides for meteorological services for international air navigation and reporting of meteorological observations from aircraft.
2.2.4 Annex 4, Aeronautical Charts. Contains specifications for aeronautical charts used in international aviation.
2.2.5 Annex 5, Units of Measurement to be Used in Air and Ground Services. Lists dimensional systems used in air and ground operations.
2.2.6 Annex 6, Operation of Aircraft (3 parts). Specifies minimum standards for below-listed operations throughout the world:
1. Part I, International Commercial Air Transport—Aeroplanes.
2. Part II, International General Aviation—Aeroplanes.
3. Part III, International Operations—Helicopters.
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2.2.7 Annex 7, Aircraft Nationality and Registration Marks. Specifies requirements for registration and identification of aircraft.
2.2.8 Annex 8, Airworthiness of Aircraft. Specifies uniform procedures for certification and inspection of aircraft.
2.2.9 Annex 9, Facilitation. Provides for the standardization and simplification of border-crossing formalities.
2.2.10 Annex 10, Aeronautical Telecommunications:
1. Volume I, Radio Navigation Aids. Provides for standardizing communications equipment and systems.
2. Volume II, Communication Procedures Including Those With PANS Status.
Standardizes communications procedures.
3. Volume III, Communications Systems. Standardizes communications systems.
4. Volume IV, Surveillance Radar and Collision Avoidance Systems.
Standardizes surveillance radar and collision avoidance.
5. Volume V, Aeronautical Radio Frequency Spectrum Utilization. Standardizes aeronautical radio spectrum utilization.
2.2.11 Annex 11, Air Traffic Services. Includes information on establishing and operating air traffic control (ATC), flight information, and alerting services.
2.2.12 Annex 12, Search and Rescue. Provides information on organization and operation of facilities and services necessary for Search and Rescue (SAR).
2.2.13 Annex 13, Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation. Provides for uniformity in notifying, investigating, and reporting on aircraft accidents.
2.2.14 Annex 14, Aerodromes:
1. Volume I, Aerodrome Design and Operations. Contains specifications for the design and equipment of aerodromes.
2. Volume II, Heliports. Contains specifications for the design and equipment of heliports.
2.2.15 Annex 15, Aeronautical Information Services. Includes methods for collecting and disseminating aeronautical information required for flight operations.
2.2.16 Annex 16, Environmental Protection:
1. Volume I, Aircraft Noise. Contains specifications for aircraft noise certification, noise monitoring, and noise exposure units for land-use planning.
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2. Volume II, Aircraft Engine Emissions. Contains specifications for aircraft engine emissions.
3. Volume III, Aeroplane CO2 Emissions.
2.2.17 Annex 17, Security. Specifies methods for safeguarding international civil aviation against unlawful acts of interference.
2.2.18 Annex 18, The Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air. Contains specifications for labeling, packing, and shipping dangerous cargo.
2.2.19 Annex 19, Safety Management. Describes Safety Management System (SMS) development, regulatory framework, and supporting guidance.
2.3 Applicability of U.S. and International Regulations.
2.3.1 Regulatory Obligations. You must adhere to U.S. regulations, ICAO SARPs, and the “flight and maneuver” regulations of the countries you overfly or in which you land. The Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) from each country is an important source of information and reference. The U.S. AIP, for example, includes a detailed description of where U.S. aviation regulations differ from ICAO SARPs and procedures. You will see similar listings of “differences” in other State AIPs.
2.3.1.1 You should be especially familiar with ICAO Annex 2 and whichever part of ICAO Annex 6 applies to your operation.
2.3.1.2 Title 14 CFR part 91, § 91.703 stipulates that you are bound by ICAO Annex 2 if you operate your U.S.-registered aircraft outside the United States.
2.3.1.3 In all cases, § 91.703 requires that you follow the rules of the countries that you overfly and those in which you intend to land. If the part of 14 CFR under which you operate conflicts with the rules of the country you are operating over/in, you must follow the rules of that country.
2.3.1.4 According to 14 CFR part 121, § 121.11 and part 135, § 135.3(a)(2), for operations under each respective part, when operating within a foreign country, you must comply with the air traffic rules of the country concerned and any local airport rules that may be in force. You must also follow all rules of that part that are more restrictive than the rules of the foreign country in which you are operating, as long as you can do so without violating the rules of that country.
2.3.2 Differing Airspace Requirements. It is quite possible to transit regions with significantly different procedures in one long-range flight. Therefore, you should familiarize yourself with the equipment and procedural requirements to file and fly in each segment of foreign airspace in which you intend to operate by referencing, for example, the appropriate State’s AIP.
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