Thanks to input from NBAA and other aviation stakeholders, the FAA no longer requires a letter of authorization (LOA) for Part 91 operators planning to fly certain routes and procedures, typically in Europe, where specific area navigation (RNAV) requirements are in place. Removing an LOA requirement eliminates a huge burden for Part 91 operators, and NBAA said it has been working diligently to help in this effort.

The LOA BO34 requirement originally was in place so that Part 91 operators could demonstrate that their avionics equipment met the Precision RNAV or Basic RNAV/RNAV 5 system capability on routes and for procedures flown in Europe. “However,” NBAA pointed out, “the minimum level of system capability for U.S. operators flying RNAV routes or procedures is RNAV 1 and 2, both more stringent standards than RNAV 5.”

NBAA further noted that “there is no longer a need for Part 91 LOA B034” because they already meet the more stringent RNAV precision criteria. “Further, Part 91 operators are not required to seek LOA approval for RNAV 1 and 2 operations, but rather be prepared to show compliance upon request via their aircraft flight manual or pilot’s operating handbook–making the separate LOA requirement redundant.”

“LOAs remain a significant concern for our members,” said Brian Koester, NBAA’s director for flight operations, “and we continue to be continually engaged with the agency through our participation in joint FAA/industry working groups and the FAST PAcE ARC [Flight Standards Transparency, Performance, Accountability, Efficiency Aviation Rulemaking Committee] on methods to further improve this process and reduce the burden on operators.”