Part 91 operators seeking a letter of authorization (LOA) from the FAA for certain communications, navigation, and surveillance equipment on new-production business aircraft could find the process easier, according to NBAA. Under newly published guidance, the FAA has introduced a process that “streamlines the review of aircraft capabilities, training compliance and procedures compliance, and bundles a request for multiple common LOAs in a single application.”
The revised guidance follows NBAA’s participation in a joint FAA/industry working group, co-led by the General Aviation Manufacturers Association and the agency’s flight technologies and procedures divisions, aimed at streamlining the application process for the 10 most common LOA applications. These include enhanced vision systems, equipment necessary to fly in oceanic regions, and area navigation and required navigation performance terminal operations.
NBAA director of flight operations and regulations Brian Koester said the standardized processes will also resolve disparities in LOA guidance between FAA offices and/or different inspectors.
“This should make what has been an extremely frustrating process for owners of new, technologically advanced aircraft significantly less burdensome, with much greater clarity on the requirements for aircraft, crews, and operational procedures,” Koester noted. “We expect these standardized procedures to greatly enhance the efficiency of the LOA application process due to more consistent review and presentation of information.”