Aviation System Standards |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an instrument flight procedure?An instrument flight procedure is a series of predetermined maneuvers allowing for the orderly transition of an aircraft operating under instrument flight rules. (i.e. IFR conditions) This all-encompassing term can be applied equally to instrument approach, instrument departure, and enroute operations. Departure procedures allow for an orderly transition along a specified route providing obstruction clearances from the point of departure to a position at which enroute operations may be conducted. Instrument approach procedures allow for the transition from enroute operations to the terminal area of intended landing at the destination airport. The instrument approach procedure is designed utilizing ground or space based system and provides guidance and obstruction clearance to the runway or an altitude from which visual operations may be conducted for landing. Instrument flight procedures are prescribed and approved for a specific airport by a competent authority. These procedures are particularly critical to flight safety and are designed to ensure continued safe operations during periods of marginal weather/visibility and in areas of adverse terrain. How does AVN develop an instrument flight procedure?The specialist utilizes airport, facility and obstruction data (terrain and man-made) furnished by the country, in the development of the procedure. He/she also takes into consideration any particular design needs requested by the country that meet the criteria specified. Each segment of the procedure is designed and the appropriate forms document the product. What shall I expect after the instrument flight procedure is developed?After an instrument flight procedure is designed and passes the quality review process, it must be certified through flight inspection. After flight inspection, the procedure must be charted and published for use. At the country's request, AVN will perform flight inspection and/or charting under separate reimbursable agreements. What data will be required for AVN to produce these Instrument Procedure Charts?The charting of instrument flight procedures is restricted to those procedures that have been developed by the FAA. In order to complete these charts, accurate data must be provided, in English, by the requesting country. These may include airport, obstacle, communication, fix, special use and terrain data. The requesting persons, or country is responsible for taking all actions to adopt an instrument flight procedure. This includes actions regulating the airspace affected by an instrument flight procedure; providing notices through appropriate publications and authorities; publication in the Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) or other country publications; updating the charts to comply with any changes to the instrument procedures and approving operational use. What is Flight Inspection?Flight inspection is the in-flight evaluation of the signal-in-space performance of ground and space based navigation aids (NAVAIDS). As part of its routine flight inspection procedures, FAA also conducts an airborne evaluation of the Instrument Flight Procedures predicated on those NAVAIDS to assess the flyability and safety of those instrument approaches. What kind of Flight Inspection Services Are Available?At a country?s request, and in accordance with a reimbursable agreement, AVN can perform one or more of the following types of international flight inspections:
How are Flight Inspections Performed?Flight inspection is performed utilizing one of the FAA flight inspection aircraft that is configured to evaluate the particular system that requires an airborne evaluation. At the conclusion of each inspection, a flight inspection report will be furnished. What equipment is used?AVN performs flight inspection services in two different types of aircraft- the Hawker and the Challenger. The decision on which aircraft will be used to provide services is based on operational considerations, and remains at the discretion of AVN. Why is data important?Accurate data is extremely important because most of the analysis is dependent upon knowing the exact position of both the flight inspection aircraft and the facility or procedure which is being evaluated. Signal measurements are often made in hundredths of a degree where the accuracy being off just a few feet could negatively impact the performance status of a facility. The flight inspection agreement will specify required data for flight inspections by the FAA. Why are periodic inspections necessary?Changes may occur in the environmental conditions and facility performance that can impact aviation safety. Periodic inspections ensure the continued integrity of a commissioned facility or procedure. How is scheduling done for missions under an agreement?AVN is committed to providing the most efficient flight inspection service. This is done through effective scheduling and aircraft routing to ensure the minimum cost to our international customers. The Flight Inspection Office, located in Oklahoma City, is responsible for the formulation and management of all flight inspection itineraries to accomplish national and international workload requests. Periodic inspections are done in accordance with specified intervals. Some countries prefer a "will call" or "on demand" schedule while others accept the intervals the FAA prescribes for its own facilities and procedures. What services are provided by the
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FAA, National Aeronautical Charting Office |
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| Telephone | (301) 436-8301 |
| FAX | (301) 436-6829 |
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Please read more NACO Frequently Asked Questions on aeronautical charting.