Appendix A A-3 Acronym Description IMC Instrument Meteorological Conditions INS Inertial Navigation System IRS Inertial Reference System LHD Large Height Deviation LNAV Lateral Navigation LOA Letter of Authorization LRC Long Range Cruise LRCS Long-Range Communication System LRNS Long-Range Navigation System MEL Minimum Equipment List MHz Megahertz MMEL Master Minimum Equipment List Mode S Mode Select Secondary Radar With Data Link MSpecs Management Specifications NAS National Airspace System NAT North Atlantic NAT HLA North Atlantic High Level Airspace NATO North Atlantic Treaty Organization NAV Navigation NAVAID Navigational Aid NavSpec Navigation Specification NM Nautical Miles NOPAC North Pacific NOTAM Notice to Air Missions NWS National Weather Service OAPS Operations Approval Portal System OCA Oceanic Control Area OESB Oceanic Error Safety Bulletin OFP Operational Flight Plan OpSpecs Operations Specifications OTS Organized Track System
Appendix A A-4 Acronym Description PBC Performance-based Communication PBCS Performance-based Communication and Surveillance PBN Performance-based Navigation PI Principal Inspector PIC Pilot in Command PIREP Pilot Weather Report POI Principal Operations Inspector PPO Prior Permission Only QFE Atmospheric pressure at aerodrome elevation (or at runway threshold).
(With the runway threshold QFE set in the subscale, your altimeter will read zero on the runway threshold.)
QNE Pressure Altitude (Flight Level), obtained with Standard Pressure
(29.92 in Hg or 1013.2 hPa) set in the altimeter subscale.
QNH The pressure set on the subscale of the altimeter so that the instrument indicates its height above sea level.
RA Resolution Advisory RAIM Receiver Autonomous Integrity Monitoring RCP Required Communication Performance RD Rapid Decompression RNAV Area Navigation RNP Required Navigation Performance RSP Required Surveillance Performance RVSM Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum SAO Special Area(s) of Operation SAR Search and Rescue SARPs Standards and Recommended Practices (ICAO) SATCOM Satellite Communications SATVOICE Satellite Voice SELCAL Selective Calling System SIGWX Significant Weather SLOP Strategic Lateral Offset Procedures SMS Safety Management System
Appendix A A-5 Acronym Description SOP Standard Operating Procedure SSR Secondary Surveillance Radar SUA Special Use Airspace SUPPS Regional Supplementary Procedures (ICAO Doc 7030) SWPC Space Weather Prediction Center TAF Terminal Aerodrome Forecast TCAS Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System TIBA Traffic Information Broadcasts by Aircraft TSO Technical Standard Order UTC Coordinated Universal Time VAAC Volcanic Ash Advisory Center VFR Visual Flight Rules VHF Very High Frequency WebOPSS Web-based Operations Safety System WGS 84 World Geodetic System 1984 A.2 Definitions.
A.2.1 Advisory Airspace. Airspace of defined dimensions, or a designated route, within which air traffic advisory service is available.
A.2.2 Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM). A primary FAA publication whose purpose is to provide the aviation community with basic flight information and ATC procedures for use in the NAS of the United States. The AIM contains items of interest to pilots concerning health and medical facts, factors affecting flight safety, a pilot/controller glossary of terms used in the ATC System, and information on safety and accident and hazard reporting.
A.2.3 A eronautical Information Publication (AIP) (ICAO). A publication issued by or with the authority of a State and containing aeronautical information of a lasting character essential to air navigation.
A.2.4 A eronautical Telecommunication Station . An aeronautical station which forms part of a radio telephone network by providing air/ground communications and flight information service as an integral part of ATS. Aeronautical telecommunication stations are also known as international Flight Service Stations (FSS), Aeronautical Radio, or Aeradio Stations, depending on the State providing the service.
Appendix A A-6 A.2.5 Airborne Collision Avoidance System (ACAS) (ICAO). An aircraft system based on SSR transponder signals, which operates independently of ground-based equipment to provide advice to the pilot on potential conflicting aircraft that are equipped with SSR transponders.
A .2.6 Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ). Airspace over land or water, extending upward from the surface, within which the ready identification, location, and control of aircraft are required in the interest of national security.
A.2.7 Air Traffic Advisory Service (ICAO). A service provided within advisory airspace to ensure separation, in so far as practical, between aircraft that are operating on IFR flight plans.
A.2.8 Air Tra ffic Management (ATM) (ICAO). The dynamic, integrated management of air traffic and airspace including ATS, airspace management, and air traffic flow management—safely, economically, and efficiently—through the provision of facilities and seamless services in collaboration with all parties and involving airborne and ground-based functions.
A.2.9 Air Traffic Management (ATM) System (ICAO). A system that provides ATM through the collaborative integration of humans, information, technology, facilities, and services, supported by air and ground- and/or space-based communications, navigation, and surveillance.
A.2.10 Air Traffic Service (ATS) (ICAO). A generic term meaning variously flight information service, alerting service, air traffic advisory service, ATC service, area control service, or approach control service.
A.2.11 Air Traffic Service (ATS) Surveillance System (ICAO). A generic term meaning variously, ADS-B, Primary Surveillance Radar (PSR), SSR, or any comparable ground-based system that enables the identification of aircraft. A comparable ground-based system is one that has been demonstrated, by comparative assessment or other methodology, to have a level of safety and performance equal to or better than monopulse SSR.
A.2.12 Alerting Service (ICAO). A service provided to notify appropriate organizations regarding aircraft in need of SAR aid and to assist such organizations as required.
A.2.13 Area Control Center (ACC) (ICAO). A unit established to provide ATC service to controlled flights in CTAs under its jurisdiction. ACCs are the international equivalent of U.S. ARTCC.
A.2.14 Area of Magnetic Unreliability (AMU). As aircraft move towards the Earth’s north or south magnetic pole, the horizontal field strength diminishes and the ability of the compass to accurately sense magnetic north is reduced. It is generally recognized that when the horizontal magnetic field strength falls below 6000 nanotesla, the magnetic compass can no longer be considered to be reliable.
Appendix A A-7 A.2.15 Area Navigation (RNAV) (ICAO). A method of navigation that permits aircraft operation on any desired flight path within the coverage of ground- or space-based NAVAIDS or within the limits of the capability of self-contained systems or a combination of these.
A .2.16 Automatic Dependent Surveillance (ADS). A surveillance technique in which aircraft automatically provide, via a data link, data derived from onboard navigation and position fixing systems, including ACID, four-dimensional position, and additional data as appropriate.
A.2.16.1 A utomatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) (ICAO). A surveillance system by which aircraft, aerodrome vehicles, and other objects can automatically transmit and/or receive data such as identification, position, and additional data, as appropriate, in a broadcast mode via a data link.
A.2.16.2 Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Contract (ADS-C) (ICAO). A means by which the terms of an ADS-C agreement will be exchanged between the ground system and the aircraft, via a data link, specifying under what conditions ADS-C reports would be initiated and what data would be contained in the reports. The abbreviated term “ADS contract” is commonly used to refer to ADS event contract, ADS demand contract, ADS periodic contract, or an emergency mode.
A.2.17 C onditional Clearances . A conditional clearance is an ATC clearance given to an aircraft with certain conditions or restrictions, such as changing an FL based on a UTC time or a specific geographic position. In oceanic and remote continental airspace, this usually involves a restriction to comply with the clearance “BY” or “AT” a certain geographic position or time.
A.2.18 Control Area (CTA) (ICAO). A controlled airspace extending upwards from a specified limit above the Earth.
A.2.19 Controller-P ilot Data Link Communications (CPDLC). A two-way digital communications system that conveys textual ATC messages between controllers and pilots using ground- or satellite-based radio relay stations.
A.2.20 Cross- Checking. Cross-checking is the act of verification. Cross-checking involves matching a set of test data against a set of master data to detect deviations in sequence or content.
A.2.21 Current Flight Plan (ICAO). The flight plan, including changes, if any, brought about by subsequent clearances.
Note: I n this AC, we use the term “ currently effective route clearance” to refer to what ICAO Annex 2 calls the “current flight plan.”
A.2.22 D ead Reckoning (DR). The navigation of an airplane solely by means of computations based on airspeed, course, heading, wind direction, groundspeed, and elapsed time.
Appendix A A-8 A.2.23 Electronic Flight Bag (EFB). An EFB is any device, or combination of devices, actively displaying EFB applications. EFB applications are categorized as Type A or B, and can be hosted on either portable or installed components. A list of EFB applications can be found in the appendices of AC 120-76.
A.2.24 Erosion of Longitudinal Separation. A loss of required horizontal separation between aircraft operating at the same altitude, on the same oceanic routing, usually due to improper speed control or failure to communicate to ATC in a timely manner any changes in ETAs in excess of 2 minutes.
A.2.25 Extended Diversion Time Operations (EDTO) (ICAO). Any operation by an airplane with two or more turbine engines where the diversion time to an en route alternate aerodrome is greater than the threshold time established by the State of the Operator.
A.2.26 Extended Operations (ETOPS). An airplane flight operation, other than an all-cargo operation in an airplane with two or more engines, during which a portion of the flight is conducted beyond a time threshold identified in 14 CFR part 121 or 135, that is determined using an approved one-engine-inoperative cruise speed under standard atmospheric conditions in still air.
A.2.27 Fatigue Risk Management System (FRMS) (ICAO). FRMS is a data- driven means of continuously monitoring and managing fatigue-related safety risks, based upon scientific principles and knowledge as well as operational experience that aims to ensure relevant personnel are performing at adequate levels of alertness.
A.2.28 Flight Information Region (FIR) (ICAO). An airspace of defined dimensions within which Flight Information Service (FIS) and alerting services are provided.
A.2.29 Flight Information Service (FIS) (ICAO). A service provided for the purpose of giving advice and information useful for the safe and efficient conduct of flights.
A.2.30 Flight Level (FL) (ICAO). A surface of constant atmospheric pressure which is related to a specific pressure datum (i.e., Standard Pressure—29.92 in Hg or 1013.2 hPa) and is separated from other such surfaces by specific pressure intervals.
A.2.31 Flight Operations Officer/Flight Dispatcher (ICAO). A person designated by the operator to engage in the control and supervision of flight operations, whether licensed or not, suitably qualified in accordance with ICAO Annex 1, who supports, briefs, and/or assists the PIC in the safe conduct of the flight.
A.2.32 General Aviation (GA). That portion of civil aviation that does not include schedule d or unscheduled air carriers or commercial space operations.
A.2.33 Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) (ICAO). A worldwide position and time determination system that includes one or more satellite constellations, aircraft receivers, and system integrity monitoring, augmented as necessary to support the RNP for the intended operation.
Appendix A A-9 A.2.34 Global Positioning System (GPS). GPS refers to the worldwide positioning, navigation, and timing determination capability available from the U.S. satellite constellation. The service provided by GPS for civil use is defined in the GPS Standard Positioning Service Performance Standard. GPS is composed of space, control, and user elements.
A .2.35 Gross Navigation Error (GNE). A GNE is a lateral deviation of 10 NM or more from the aircraft’s cleared route. Previously, the threshold for a GNE was 25 NM.
A.2.36 High Frequency (HF) Communications. Radio frequencies between 3 and 30 MHz used for air/ground voice communications in overseas operations. HF communications (or, if supported, SATVOICE) capability is required for all IFR operations in controlled airspace when out of the range of VHF communications. If you are in doubt as to the VHF coverage along your intended route of flight, your aircraft should be equipped with HF communications (or SATVOICE, if supported).
A.2.37 High Seas. The seas beyond the 12 NM from the baseline of a shore. Airspace over the high seas is considered international airspace.
A.2.38 Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC) (ICAO). Meteorological conditions expressed in terms of visibility, distance from clouds, and ceiling, less than the minima specified for visual meteorological conditions (VMC).
A.2.39 International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). ICAO is a specialized agency of the United Nations whose objective is to develop the principles and techniques of international air navigation and to foster planning and development of international civil air transport.
A.2.40 Journey Logbook (ICAO). A record of the flight operation, which should be retained in order to maintain a continuous record of the last 6 months’ operations.
A.2.41 Large Height Deviations (LHD). A deviation from your cleared altitude by 300 feet or more.
A.2.42 Lateral Navigation (LNAV). A function of RNAV equipment that calculates, displays, and provides lateral guidance to a profile or path.
A.2.43 Long-Range Navigation System (LRNS). An electronic navigation unit that is approved for use under IFR as a primary means of navigation. An LRNS must have at least one source of navigational input suitable for oceanic and remote continental navigation, such as an INS or a GPS receiver.
A.2.44 Mach N umber Technique. Describes a control technique used by ATC whereby turbojet aircraft operating successively along suitable routes are cleared to maintain appropriate Mach numbers for a relevant portion of the en route phase of flight. The principal objective is to achieve improved utilization of the airspace and to ensure that separation between successive aircraft does not decrease below the established minima.
Appendix A A-10 A .2.45 Maste r Document. A copy of the OFP, labeled as “Master,” on which the currently effective route clearance is recorded, and which serves as the primary flightcrew reference for updating the progress of the flight. It should list sequentially the waypoints defining the route, the track and distance between each waypoint, and other information relevant to navigation along the cleared track.
A .2.46 Master Minimum Equipment List (MMEL) (ICAO). A list established for a particular aircraft type by the organization responsible for the type design with the approval of the State of Design containing items, one or more of which is permitted to be unserviceable at the commencement of a flight. The MMEL may be associated with special operating conditions, limitations, or procedures.
A.2.47 Minimum Equipment List (MEL) (ICAO). A list that provides for the operation of aircraft, subject to specified conditions, with particular equipment inoperative, prepared by an operator in conformity with, or more restrictive than, the MMEL established for the aircraft type.
A.2.48 Navigation Specification ( NavSpec) (ICAO). A set of aircraft and flightcrew requirements needed to support PBN operations within a defined airspace. There are two kinds of NavSpecs:
A.2.48.1 Ar ea Navigation (RNAV) Specification. A NavSpec based on RNAV that does not include the requirement for onboard performance monitoring and alerting, designated by the prefix RNAV (e.g., RNAV 5, RNAV 1).
A.2.48.2 Required Navigation Performance (RNP) Specification. A NavSpec based on RNAV that includes the requirement for onboard performance monitoring and alerting, designated by the prefix RNP (e.g., RNP 4, RNP APCH).
A.2.49 North Atlantic High Level Airspace (NAT HLA). NAT HLA is that volume of airspace (as defined in ICAO Doc 7030) between FL 285 and FL 420 within the OCAs of Bodo Oceanic, Gander Oceanic, New York Oceanic East, Reykjavik, Santa Maria, and Shanwick, excluding the Shannon and Brest Ocean Transition Areas. Aircraft operators must obtain approval from their State of Registry to operate within NAT HLA.
A.2.50 Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) Domestic/International. A notice containing information concerning the establishment, condition, or change in any aeronautical facility, service, procedure, or hazard, the timely knowledge of which is essential to personnel concerned with flight operations. NOTAMs are distributed via two methods:
telecommunications (Class I Distribution) and other than telecommunications (Class II Distribution).
A.2.51 Oceanic Airspace. Airspace over the high seas. Generally, “oceanic” is included in the airspace designation (e.g., Oceanic Control Area (OCA)), and direct controller-pilot VHF voice communications are not available. ATC is provided using at least some elements of procedural control in accordance with ICAO.
Appendix A A-11 A.2.52 Oceanic Area Control Center (OACC). An ACC with responsibilities for providing ATS in oceanic airspace. Responsibility for the provisions of ATS is delegated by ICAO to various States based primarily upon geographic proximity and the availability of the required resources.
A .2.53 Performance- based Communication (PBC) (ICAO). Communication based on performance specifications applied to the provision of ATS. An RCP specification includes communication performance requirements that are allocated to system components in terms of communication to be provided and associated, continuity, availability, integrity, safety, and functionality needed for the proposed operation in the context of a particular airspace concept.
A.2.54 Performance- based Navigation (PBN) (ICAO). RNAV based on performance requirements for aircraft operating along an ATS route, on an IAP, or in a designated airspace. Performance requirements are expressed in NavSpecs (RNAV specification, RNP specification) in terms of accuracy, integrity, continuity, availability, and functionality needed for the proposed operation in the context of a particular airspace concept.
A.2.55 Performance- based Surveillance (PBS) (ICAO). Surveillance based on performance specifications applied to the provision of ATS. An RSP specification includes surveillance performance requirements that are allocated to system components in terms of the surveillance to be provided and associated data delivery time, continuity, availability, integrity, accuracy of the surveillance data, safety, and functionality needed for the proposed operation in the context of a particular airspace concept.
A.2.56 Pilot in Command (PIC) (ICAO). The pilot designated by the operator, or in the case of GA, the owner, as being in command and charged with the safe conduct of a flight.
A.2.57 Procedural Control (ICAO). Term used to indicate that information derived from an A TS surveillance system is not required for the provision of ATC service.
A.2.58 Procedural Separation (ICAO). T he separation used when providing procedural control.
A.2.59 Reduced Vertical Separation Minima (RVSM). RVSM separation minima are 1000 feet vertical separation between FL 290 and FL 410 inclusive. Operators and aircraft must be authorized by the Administrator to operate in RVSM airspace. An operator may be authorized without application to the FAA when meeting the standards of part 91, Appendix G, section 9. Alternatively, OpSpec/MSpec/LOA B046, Operations in Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM) Airspace, is available as a specific approval, when needed for international operations. For additional guidance, refer to AC 91-85, Authorization of Aircraft and Operators for Flight in Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM) Airspace.
A.2.60 Remote Continental Airspace. Airspace over land where VHF voice communications, ATC surveillance (via radar or ADS-B), and reliable ground-based NAVAIDs are not available. ATC is provided using procedural control and procedural separation, with LRCS.
Appendix A A-12 A.2.61 Required Communication Performance (RCP) Specification (ICAO). A set of requirements for ATS provision, aircraft capability, and operations needed to support PBC within a defined airspace.
A .2.62 Require d Navigation Performance (RNP) Specification (ICAO). A NavSpec based on RNAV that includes the requirement for performance monitoring and alerting, designated by the prefix RNP (e.g., RNP 2, RNP 4, RNP APCH).
A.2.63 Required Surveillance Performance (RSP) Speci fication (ICAO). A set of ATS provisions, including communication services and aircraft and operator requirements, needed for surveillance, supporting a performance-based operation within a defined airspace.
A.2.64 Special Use Airspace (SUA). C onsists of airspace of defined dimensions where activities must be confined because of their nature, or where limitations are imposed upon aircraft operations that are not a part of those activities, or both.
A.2.64.1 P rohibited Areas. A prohibited area is an SUA designated under 14 CFR part 73, within which no person may operate an aircraft without the permission of the using agency.
A.2.64.2 R estricted Areas. A restricted area is an SUA designated under part 73, within which the flight of aircraft, while not wholly prohibited, is subject to restriction.
A.2.64.3 Warning Areas. A warning area is airspace of defined dimensions, extending from 3 NM outward from the coast of the United States, which contains activity that may be hazardous to nonparticipating aircraft. The purpose of such a warning area is to warn nonparticipating pilots of the potential danger.
A warning area may be located over domestic or international waters or both.
A.2.65 T arget Level of Safety (TLS) (ICAO). A generic term representing the level of risk that is considered acceptable in particular circumstances.
A.2.66 Very High Frequency (VHF). The frequency band between 30 and 300 MHz. Portions of this band, 108–118 MHz, are used for certain NAVAIDs, while 118–136 MHz are used for civil air/ground voice communications.
A.2.67 Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC). Meteorological conditions expressed in terms of visibility, distance from cloud, and ceiling, equal to or better than specified minima.
A.2.68 Waypoint. A predetermined geographical position that is defined in terms of latitude/longitude coordinates. Waypoints may be a simple named point in space or associated with existing NAVAIDs, intersections, or fixes. A waypoint is most often used to indicate a change in direction, speed, or altitude along the desired path. For purposes of RNAV procedures, waypoints are identified as either:
Appendix A A-13 A.2.68.1 Flyby Waypoint. Flyby waypoints are used when an aircraft should begin a turn to the next course prior to reaching the waypoint separating the two route segments. This is known as turn anticipation.
A.2.68.2 Flyover Waypoint. Flyover waypoints are used when the aircraft must fly over the point prior to starting a turn.
Appendix B B-1 APPENDIX B. SPECIAL AREAS OF OPERATION AND OPSPECs/MSPECs/LOAs B.1 Special Areas of Operation (SAO). SAOs are geographic areas having unique characteristics that require the use of special equipment, procedures, and/or techniques to safely conduct flight operations. The FAA requires certificated U.S. operators to obtain operational authorization to fly in oceanic and remote continental airspace. The FAA requires all operators to obtain operational authorization to fly in some or all of the SAOs, depending on operating part, as indicated in Table B-1, SAO-Related OpSpecs/MSpecs/LOAs, and Table B-2, Oceanic and Remote/General En Route OpSpecs/MSpecs/LOAs. Currently, the FAA considers the following areas SAOs:
1. NAT HLA;
2. Central East Pacific Airspace;
3. North Pacific (NOPAC) Airspace;
4. AMUs; and
5. North Polar Area.
B.1.1 OpSpecs or MSpecs are the instruments for issuing operational authorization to U.S.
certificated operators. U.S. GA operators (i.e., those operating solely under part 91 (excluding part 91K)) obtain authorization through an LOA.
B.1.2 The tables below list the OpSpecs/MSpecs/LOAs associated with SAOs, as well as a number of OpSpecs and MSpecs related to the broader subject of oceanic and remote continental/general en route operations.
B.1.3 Absence of an “X” in the MSpec and/or Part 91 LOA applicability column
(e.g., OpSpec B041, North Atlantic Operations with Two-Engine Airplanes Under Part
121) indicates that an MSpec and/or LOA is not required for those operators who would ordinarily be issued MSpecs or LOAs.
Table B-1. SAO-Related OpSpecs/MSpecs/LOAs Auth Applicability Title OpSpec MSpec Part 91 LOA B037 X X Operations in Central East Pacific (CEP) Airspace B038 X X Operations in North Pacific (NOPAC) Airspace B039 X X X1 Operations in North Atlantic High Level Airspace (NAT HLA) B040 X X Operations in Areas of Magnetic Unreliability B055 X X North Polar Operations D098 X2 Short-Term Operations in Airspace Requiring Specific Approval
1 Part 91, B039 is required for NAT/HLA operations.
2 D098 can be used to authorize operations in oceanic/remote airspace, Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM) airspace, and in SAOs.