Part 91 Operators May Obtain LOA for GNSS-based RNAV Approaches Overseas

Sept. 14, 2015

Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)-based area navigation (RNAV) instrument approaches with the localizer performance with vertical guidance (LPV) line of minima published are becoming more common in Europe, said Rich Boll of NBAA’s Access Committee, and some foreign states are requiring documented evidence of training and approval to fly them.

To meet this need of U.S. business aviators, the NBAA Access Committee worked closely with FAA Flight Standards to adapt Letter of Authorization (LOA) C052, which was announced in FAA Order 8900.318.

Review the FAA’s order.

Part 91 business aircraft operators do not need this LOA to fly GNSS-based RNAV instrument approaches with LPV minima in the United States. Boll added that not all foreign states require this documentation either. So before applying for the C052 LOA, U.S. operators should check the aeronautical information publications for their destinations to see if they need this authorization.

For operators that frequently fly overseas, especially to European airports served by GNSS-based RNAV approaches with LPV minima published, they likely need to use these minima. If the foreign state requires an operator to have authorization to use these minima, then, “it would be appropriate for them to get the LOA,” said Boll.

Conversely, “If they make infrequent international trips, and their destination airports are served by ILS approaches, they probably don’t need the LOA,” said Boll. Still, as part of their preflight planning, operators should check each state’s information publications for specific requirements.

Before applying for the LOA, operators should review FAA Advisory Circular 90-107, Guidance for Localizer Performance with Vertical Guidance and Localizer Performance without Vertical Guidance Approach Operations in the U.S. National Airspace System, to ensure they have complied with its guidance. View the FAA Advisory Circular.

LOA processing time depends on the workload at the individual FAA flight standards district offices, said Boll.