Contributor - Accidents and Regulations

Contributor - Accidents and Regulations

Gordon Gilbert

A new draft Advisory Circular (<a href="https://www.faa.gov/aircraft/draft_docs/media/afs/AC_120-XLS_Coord_Copy.pdf">AC 120-xLS</a>) provides an FAA-approved means of obtaining and maintaining authorization of operations in ground-based Category I, Category II, and Category III landing weather minimums and IFR lower than standard takeoff minimums. This AC reflects “significant revision of information” that occurred in 2011when the FAA removed the definitions of Category IIIa, IIIb, and IIIc operations, and discontinued the use of this nomenclature in subsequent documentation.

 


The agency stressed that this advisory does not change, add, or delete regulatory requirements or authorize deviations from regulatory requirements. However, the AC does address the operational authorizations formerly published in AC 120-29A and AC 120-28D (which will be cancelled) and any subsequent developments.

 


The AC notes that some FAA instrument procedures might still retain Category IIIa nomenclature until these procedures are updated or amended, but these definitions are outdated and no longer used for aircraft certification or operational authorization. “Any reference to these terms in this AC is used for historical context,” the agency said. “The general Category III operation definition remains in effect, and is fully described in FAA orders and other ACs.”

 


This new AC also incorporates information pertaining to international all-weather operations (AWO) criteria harmonization among the FAA, EASA, and other regulatory authorities. Subsequent revisions of this AC will be published as additional AWO harmonization items are agreed upon by these agencies. Also, information is included addressing operations using enhanced and/or synthetic vision systems during AWO operations, as well as operations involving hybrid approach and landing systems. Space-based systems are not discussed in this AC.

New developments at airports including regulations and noise issues; legal disputes; openings, acquisitions and mergers.

Draft AC Reflects Changes to IFR Approaches

New AC also incorporates information pertaining to international all-weather operations (AWO) criteria harmonization between the FAA and EASA.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Curt Epstein

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

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