Airspace/Air Traffic News & Resources
News
Dual J80 Route Out of New York and Philadelphia Available May 15
May 14, 2008
A dual J80 route westbound out of New York and Philadelphia will be available beginning May 15. The objective for the dual J80 route is to provide additional departure capacity for westbound aircraft out of New York City and Philadelphia by alleviating constraints associated with airport departure flows that compete for J80. The dual J80 route virtually parallels the current J80 airway and is built on a series of established area navigation (RNAV) fixes and navigational aids. This new procedure will be implemented as an unpublished route and will be available as a "Q Route" or RNAV route at a later date. To view the FAA advisory circular regarding the new route, visit: http://web.nbaa.org/public/ops/airspace/ac91-81dualj80.pdf
FAA Declares March Surface Incident Awareness Month
March 10, 2008
To raise awareness of runway incursions and to promote runway safety, the air traffic managers of several metropolitan FAA towers in the National Airspace System (NAS) are declaring March as “Surface Incident Awareness Month.” A key component of the program will be the emphasis on clear, concise, pilot-controller communications and read-back. Often when an incident occurs, it is due to a breakdown in communication. An FAA letter with additional details on this program is available at: http://web.nbaa.org/public/ops/safety/runways/awarenessmonth.pdf
Departing Salt Lake City? Comply With ALL Restrictions
January 28, 2008
New RNAV departure procedures were implemented at Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) on January 17. The procedures are operationally successful; however, a number of pilots have failed to comply with published altitude restrictions as depicted on the graphic of the procedure. It's imperative that flightcrews comply with all published restrictions on the procedure unless otherwise cleared by ATC. Crews should pay particular attention to the "at" and "at or below" restrictions. NBAA encourages operators to conduct a thorough pre-departure briefing as it is essential for successful execution of the Standard Instrument Departure (SID). For more information, contact NBAA's Operations Service Group at info@nbaa.org or visit the NBAA web site at http://web.nbaa.org/public/ops/airspace/notices/zlc
Revised Guidance Issued for RNAV SIDs at Salt Lake City International
January 18, 2008
On January 17, six area navigation (RNAV) standard instrument departures (SIDs) were implemented at Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC). The new procedures include the EDETH ONE, LEETZ ONE, NSIGN ONE, PECOP ONE, TWIN FALLS ONE and WEVIC ONE RNAV departures. Changed from last week’s information reported in Update, upon initial contact with departure control, the pilot should only state the altitude leaving and the assigned SID. Example: “(Call sign) leaving 5,200, LEETZ One Departure”. This phraseology will communicate intent to comply with the altitude/speed restrictions of the departure procedure being flown. On initial call-up, do not restate the initial level-off altitude; do not restate the “top” altitude on the SID. Pilots are expected to comply with all SID speed and altitude constraints unless those are explicitly modified by air traffic control. For more information, contact NBAA’s Operations Service Group at info@nbaa.org. To learn more about explanations of phraseology:
http://www.faa.gov/airports_airtraffic/air_traffic/publications/notices/2007/NTAP07DEC20/gen07000.cfm
U.S. Military Airspace to Be Released in Effort to Curb Holiday Travel Delays
December 20, 2007
In an effort to minimize holiday travel delays, the U.S. military again is opening the VACAPES area, located off the mid-Atlantic coast, to civilian air traffic during certain periods between Friday, December 21 and Wednesday, January 2. There will be two routes out of New York Center (ZNY) and Boston Center (ZBW) southbound to Florida, and two routes from Florida northbound to ZNY and ZBW. Several of the routes have been shortened by over 100 miles from those offered during the Thanksgiving holiday. Operators are urged to file the routes as published in the advisories to aid in flightplan processing. Operators also must ensure they meet the equipment requirements specified in FAA regulations for their operations. For more information, view the FAA presentation at: http://web.nbaa.org/public/ops/airspace/vacapes
FAA Releases NOTAMs for Super Bowl in Glendale, AZ
December 17, 2007
Anticipating an increased demand for both commercial and general aviation operations in conjunction with Super Bowl XLII, the FAA has released the temporary flight restriction (TFR) notices to airmen (NOTAMs) for the event, which will take place on February 3 in Glendale, AZ. While there will not be a special traffic management program (STMP) put into place, users can expect to see some form of traffic management initiatives (TMIs) into the Phoenix area. Further details, including the Super Bowl TFR restrictions, can be found on the NBAA web site at:
http://web.nbaa.org/public/ops/superbowl.php
New NBAA Traffic Flow Management Resource Available to Members
December 11, 2007
NBAA has developed a new online resource designed to educate Members about traffic flow management (TFM). TFM is a function of air traffic control, which manages the flow of air traffic in the National Airspace System based on capacity and demand. During inclement weather or high volume events, traffic management specialists utilize ground delay programs, ground stops, airspace flow programs and other tools to manage the flow of traffic. NBAA is providing the TFM resource to help Members better understand these tools and how flights may be affected, allowing them to operate more efficiently, be more proactive in minimizing delays and provide more accurate information to their passengers. To view the resource, visit: http://web.nbaa.org/member/ops/airspace/tfm
FAA Releases New Online RVR Tool
December 3, 2007
The FAA has released a new and enhanced runway visual range (RVR) tool on its web site, which makes obtaining airport RVR information much easier. The new tool, called the "RVR Monitor," allows users to view data at a glance for all 59 RVR-reporting airports. The monitor shows the lowest RVR value that has been observed at each airport during the previous 10 minutes and color-codes airports with degraded RVR values. Detailed current data for each airport also is available by clicking on the airport's identifier. The RVR monitor can be accessed at http://rvr.fly.faa.gov/rvr-cgi-bin/rvr-status.pl.
U.S. Military to Help Curb Holiday Travel Delays
November 19, 2007
In an effort to curb travel delays during the Thanksgiving holiday, the U.S. military is allowing use of the VACAPES area, located off the mid-Atlantic coast, to civilian air traffic from Wednesday, November 21 through Sunday, November 25. A modified Amber 761 Route will become available, and the notice will be published on the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) advisory database. Additionally, the FAA likely will utilize traffic management initiatives this holiday week to balance demand with air traffic capability, and may implement ground delay programs including GAAPs and airspace flow programs. NBAA recommends that operators file flight plans early and check the FAA's OIS web page and advisory database on the planned day of travel. View the FAA presentation at http://web.nbaa.org/public/ops/airspace/2007_fall_snwbrd.pdf
FAA to Host Telcons on ERAM Transition
October 22, 2007
The Federal Aviation Admistration (FAA) will host a series of bi-weekly telcons as part of an effort to educate the aviation community on the upcoming changes in flight plan processing associated with the en route automation modernization (ERAM) program. ERAM is the largest National Airspace System (NAS) equipment replacement program in FAA history and involves the replacement of 20 air route traffic control center (ARTCC) host computer-processing systems. These telcons will take place every Wednesday from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. ET beginning October 31 and continuing through December 12, and will discuss the upcoming changes in flight plan filing and processing as the FAA transitions from a NAS flight plan format to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) flight plan format on or about June 5, 2008. For more information, contact NBAA's John Kosak at JKosak@nbaa.org, or view the FAA presentation.
NBAA Provides Online Webcast of NOTAM Realignment Meeting
October 22, 2007
The FAA's Aeronautical Information Management Group conducted a notice to airmen (NOTAM) realignment town hall meeting last week to discuss upcoming changes to the NOTAM system, including the Distant "D" NOTAM criteria that will replace the ICAO NOTAM criteria in January 2008. Those who missed the event may view the recorded meeting online at NBAA's web site, along with additional information about NOTAM realignment at:
http://web.nbaa.org/public/ops/airspace/realignment
Duats.com: An Electronic Alternative to Flight Service Stations
May 24, 2007
NBAA is aware that there have been problems such as dropped calls, extended wait times, and dropped flight plans with Automated Flight Service Stations across the country. The FAA and the vendor, Lockheed Martin, are also aware of the problems which are occurring and are working to resolve those issues. CSC DUATs is an alternative to utilizing the Flight Service Stations, especially in this transition period. Free access to CSC DUATS is available to U.S. pilots, flight and ground instructors, and other approved users in the U.S. aviation community. For more information, visit the NBAA website at http://web.nbaa.org/public/ops/airspace/fssalternative.php
FAA Announces Updated TIPH Notice
December 28, 2006
The FAA has updated guidance to the controller workforce on taxi into position and hold (TIPH), effective February 5, 2007. This notice amends FAA Order 7110.65, Air Traffic Handbook. While most of the TIPH changes will be transparent to pilots, two changes of note are: (1) ATC may withhold the landing clearance when another aircraft is holding on the runway, and (2) increased traffic advisories for TIPH operations on intersecting runways. ATC will issue traffic advisories to aircraft holding in position and to aircraft holding, arriving or departing the intersecting runway. Direct questions to FAA’s Angela Nelson at (202) 385-8606 or angela.nelson@faa.gov or NBAA's Bob Lamond at rlamond@nbaa.org. Download the notice (36 KB, PDF).
NBAA Creates New Access Committee
November 6, 2006
NBAA has folded its Airports/Heliports, Airspace/Air Traffic and Local Business Aviation Organization Standing Committees into a new Access Committee to better consolidate its efforts in support of the NBAA Board of Directors' Strategic Action Plan. The Access Committee will advocate for regulations and procedures that ensure business aviation's non-discriminatory access to airports and airspace. It also will develop products and services to help NBAA Members optimize the use of business aircraft in the airspace system, and it will educate local business and political leaders on the benefits and economic value of business aviation and regional airports. Review the Committee announcement. Review the new Access Committee web page.
Important Reminder to NBAA Operating Members Concerning LOAs
August 4, 2006
Part 91 operators who have been renewing their FAA letters of authorization (LOAs) permitting operations in Special Areas of Operation (SAO) airspace
no longer need to do so under a new system in effect since February 6. The FAA automated operations safety system (OPSS) is currently issuing all Part
91 LOAs approvals, which stay in effect as long as the information contained in the LOA remains valid. In the past, LOAs had remained valid for two years.
Only LOAs generated by the automated OPSS using LOA template B046 void the need for renewal. Operators must renew their LOAs if they were generated manually,
using the format introduced by N8700.35 (generated outside of OPSS).
Examples of SAO requiring FAA authorization are: North Atlantic Minimum Navigation Performance Specification (NAT MNPS) airspace, Reduced Vertical Separation
Minimum (RVSM) airspace and Pacific Oceanic Required Navigation Performance 10 (RNP-10) airspace. Other SAO will be added to OPSS as programs develop.
Several local FSDO inspectors and operators had incorrectly referred to the new type of LOA as an operations specification (OpSpec) document; however,
while the two documents look similar, OpSpecs are issued only to commercial operators.
Authorizations from the automated OPSS are applicable to Part 91 operators, Part 125 deviation holders and certificated Part 133 and 137 commercial operators.
The operators and their aircraft would be entered into this nationwide tracking system. For more information, contact NBAA Director, Technical Operations
Eli Cotti at ecotti@nbaa.org.
- FAA Notice N 8700.45 - Issuance of Part 91 Authorizations from the Automated Operations Safety System (OPSS) - (28KB,
PDF)
- FAA Guidance on Letters of Authorization (LOA) for Operation in Special Areas of Operation - (27KB,
PDF)
National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency to Remove Aeronautical Data from Public Access
June 23, 2006
The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) announced that it will go forward with the removal of its Flight Information Publications
(FLIP) and Digital Aeronautical Flight Information File (DAFIF™) from public access. The removal of the affected NGA products is being phased in
over a 22 month period, ultimately ending in October 2007. NGA is taking this action due to the increased numbers of international source providers claiming
intellectual property rights of their data. More.
Draft Environmental Impact Statement for NY/NJ/PHL Airspace Redesign
February 13, 2006
The FAA has released the New York/New Jersey/Philadelphia Airspace Redesign draft environmental impact statement (DEIS). NBAA highly encourages Members
operating in the Northeast U.S. to become familiar with the DEIS and attend any of the ongoing public meetings in their area. Four airspace alternatives
are being considered, and NBAA encourages Members to support the "Integrated Airspace Alternative." Review
a copy of the DEIS.
FAA Emphasizes HF Communication Requirements for Operations to/from Bermuda
December 12, 2005
The FAA is emphasizing the requirements of FAR Sec. 91.511, Radio Equipment for Over Water Operations. The emphasis centers around the requirement for
operators to have HF communications unless the "VHF gap" of 30 minutes or less exists. Many operators are calling NY Oceanic to request waivers that
cannot be issued. More.
NBAA Works With FAA to Implement Major Changes to Florida Airspace
October 26, 2005
In recent years there has been substantial traffic volume from November through March to and from Florida with no accompanying changes in airspace, which
has resulted in airspace complexity that led to delays and extended routings for operators. However, after working with NBAA and other aviation groups,
the FAA has implemented significant changes to both enroute and terminal airspace in Jacksonville and Miami air route traffic control centers (ARTCCs)
and various terminal radar approach controls (TRACONs) in Florida.
On September 1, 2005, a variety of "Q Routes" utilizing RNAV procedures both to and from various Florida airports went into effect for aircraft capable
of filing equipment suffixes /E, /G, /R, /J, /L, or /Q. NBAA has worked with the FAA for several years to develop these advanced navigation routes, which
were first introduced in the Northwest and Western U.S. two years ago. More.
FAA Takes Step Towards Implementing ADS-B for Future Surveillance in U.S.
October 31, 2005
In the October 2005 issue of RTCA Digest, Charlie Keegan, FAA Air Traffic Organization vice president, operations planning, contributed an article
outlining recent actions taken by the FAA Joint Resources Council in moving the agency closer to a decision on implementation of ADS-B technology in
the United States. In part, Keegan states, "The FAA’s Joint Resources Council has taken an initial step toward development of the Next Generation
Air Transportation System or NGATS Initiative by selecting ADS-B as the preferred option for the future surveillance system. ADS-B was selected over
other surveillance alternatives because of its ability to provide pilots enhanced situational awareness and to support a broad range of new air traffic
control applications. In its most basic form, ADS-B supports core surveillance functions performed today by secondary radar, while providing more cost-effective
performance due to its high accuracy, integrity and update rate." View the full article (407 KB, PDF)
NBAA is represented on several RTCA working groups where these and other issues important to the business aviation community are discussed to obtain
consensus positions for industry to recommend to the FAA. RTCA, Inc. is a private, not-for-profit corporation that develops consensus-based recommendations
regarding communications, navigation, surveillance, and air traffic management (CNS/ATM) system issues. RTCA functions as a Federal Advisory Committee.
Its recommendations are used by the FAA as the basis for policy, program and regulatory decisions and by the private sector as the basis for development,
investment and other business decisions. You can learn more about RTCA at www.rtca.org.
Operational Trial of 30/30 Separation Standards in Oakland OC3
October 3, 2005
Effective on December 22, 2005, at 0901 UTC, the FAA will introduce an operational trial of 30 nm lateral and 30 nm longitudinal (30/30) separation standards
in Oceanic Sector 3 (OC3) of the Oakland Oceanic Flight Information Region. The policies, guidance and direction are available for download
in PDF format and also will be publishtional NOTAM book. During the trial, the Oakland
Air Route Traffic Control Center may apply 30/30 in OC3 between aircraft/operators meeting the aircraft equipage and authorization requirements stated
in paragraph 4 of the notice. The trial will affect eligible aircraft operating between airports in the U.S. and those in Australia, Fiji, New Zealand
and Tahiti. The FAA will post the notice on its Oceanic Procedures Branch web page within the next two weeks, and the page will be expanded to include
documents such as the FAA, Australian and ICAO policy documents for operators to obtain authorization for RNP-4 operations. Visit
the Oceanic Procedures Branch web page.
NBAA Response to FAA 'Flight Plan' Cites Concern About Inclusion of Agency Funding Issues in Plan
August 29, 2005
In August, 2005, NBAA responded to a request for comments from the FAA on the Agency's draft five-year (2006–2010) strategic plan. The document,
which is known as the "Flight Plan," is updated annually to provide a report card for the FAA's performance over the previous year and outline
the Agency's priorities for future years. NBAA's response to the plan states that the FAA correctly prioritized many issues affecting business aviation
in the areas of safety, air traffic modernization and airport capacity enhancements. However, NBAA also made clear its concern that the FAA's document
includes several "sidebars"
related to the future funding mechanism for the FAA, and how needed improvements will be funded. "We do not believe this Flight Plan is the proper
vehicle for a discussion on the Trust Fund or future funding issues," NBAA's response noted. "There are other interactive forums addressing
these issues and where various perspectives can be presented on a policy issue. A balanced presentation on these issues is not evident in the draft plan." For
additional information about NBAA's comments to the FAA, contact NBAA's Steve Brown at sbrown@nbaa.org. Review
a complete copy of the document.
Aircraft Equipment Suffix Table for FAA Flight Plans is Updated
Since September 1, 2005, new aircraft equipment suffixes must be used on FAA flight plans to indicate Advanced RNAV and RVSM capabilities. Most operators
should file /L as a suffix on domestic U.S. flight plans for an airplane with Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), including GPS or Wide Area
Augmentation System (WAAS), with en route and terminal capability in addition to RVSM. Operators who are flying advanced RNAV capable aircraft with
an AFM statement of RNP-1.0 capability in addition to RVSM capability should file /Q as a suffix. More information about aircraft equipment suffix
codes for flight plans can be found in the FAA's Aeronautical Information Manual, in Chapter
5, Air Traffic Procedures.
Avoid East Coast Departure Delays by Flying the Offshore Radar Routes
July 27, 2005
North and Southbound traffic along the East Coast is affected in the summer by Severe Weather Avoidance Procedures (SWAP) and in the winter by “Snowbird” volume
issues. In these situations, departure delays between Northeast airports and Central and South Florida airports on inland routes often escalate to one
hour or more. Customers who are RVSM-capable, over-water equipped, and can operate above FL310 should consider filing or requesting the offshore radar
routes. View a presentation with more information on this topic (180KB, PowerPoint).
Airspace/Air Traffic Resources
FAA RVR Web Site/RVR Monitor
The FAA Air Traffic Control System Command Center has made public a Runway Visual Range (RVR) web site at http://rvr.fly.faa.gov/rvr/index.html to
provide access to RVR data for selected airports in table or graph formats.
A new tool, called the "RVR Monitor," can also be found here. RVR Monitor allows users to view data at a glance for all 59 RVR-reporting airports. The monitor shows the lowest RVR value that has been observed at each airport during the previous 10 minutes and color-codes airports with degraded RVR values. The data is intended only for flight planning purposes and does not replace
official RVR data available via ATC.
RVR News and Resources
NBAA news and information resources on Runway Visual Range (RVR).
Aviation Weather Center
The NOAA National Weather Service Aviation Weather Center web site allows users to find weather advisories, forecasts, observations, and other aviation
weather related information.
FAA PilotWeb
Operators can use the "FAA PilotWeb" at https://pilotweb.nas.faa.gov to search for NOTAMs along
a flight path, within specific Center Airspace, and within a defined radius of a location. Users will also find links to weather information, aeronautical
information, and ATC tools.
RVSM
RVSM (reduced vertical separation minima) refers to airspace between flight level (FL) 290 and FL 410, with assigned altitudes separated by a minimum
of 1,000 feet. More information about RVSM, including a timeline of implementation throughout the world, background information, and maintenance and
operational templates, may be found on the NBAA web site at http://web.nbaa.org/public/ops/cns/rvsm/.
RNAV/RNP Resources
This page provides information related to the use of Area Navigation (RNAV) Standard Instrument Departures (SIDs), RNAV Standard Terminal Arrivals (STARs), and Required Navigation Performance (RNP) Special Aircraft and Aircrew Authorization Required (SAAAR) Approaches around the U.S.
CNS/ATM Implementation Timeline
Implementation schedule and details for pending ATM programs.
NBAA Automated Flight Deck Training Guidelines
The document presents the NBAA-recommended minimum training guidelines necessary to satisfy an automated flight deck instructional program. The training
objectives are designed for an initial course of instruction (i.e., original aircraft type or transition training) rather than a recurrent training
program. Download the document in PDF format (267 KB)
ASDE-X?
ASDE-X (airport surface detection equipment) is a multi-modal system that will display an ID tag next to every radar target depicted on the ground controller's
display. Milwaukee's General Mitchell International Airport (MKE) was the first U.S. airport to go operational with ASDE-X, which is coming online
at other airports around the country, and by January 2007, it will be operational at a total of 34 airports. Review
the article by Bob Conyers and David Rivers of the NBAA Airspace/Air Traffic Committee.
FAA "Roadmap for performance-based navigation" (1.3 MB, PDF)
Rather than rely on traditional ground-based navigation aids, operators who can reliably fix their aircraft position using specified performance requirements
will be able to navigate using satellite-based navigation aids and equipment already existing on the aircraft. View the FAA's "Roadmap
for performance-based navigation" (1.3 MB, PDF) on the FAA web site for information about future plans for utilizing Required Navigational
Performance (RNP).
FAA Instrument Procedures Handbook
This handbook is designed as a technical
reference for professional pilots who operate under instrument flight rules (IFR) in the National Airspace System. It expands on information contained in the FAA Instrument Flying Handbook, and introduces
advanced information for IFR operations. It also provides detailed coverage of instrument charts and procedures
including IFR takeoff, departure, en route, arrival, approach, and landing. Safety information covering relevant
subjects such as runway incursion, land and hold short operations, controlled flight into terrain, and human
factors issues also are included.
Track Advisory User's Guide for Dispatchers (141KB,
PDF)
Track Advisory is a computer-based program, utilizing DOTS Plus, which is designed to assign route of flight, altitude and oceanic departure
release times for aircraft utilizing Westbound Pacific Organized Tracks (PACOTS). The program has been in operation at Oakland Center since 1992.
Anchorage Center began using DOTS Plus Track Advisory program in September 2000. Download the Guide (PDF,
141 KB).
North Atlantic MNPS Airspace Operations Manual, Edition 2005
ERAM Flight Plan Transition to ICAO Format
Access the latest news and information regarding the upcoming changes in flight plan filing and processing as the FAA transitions from a NAS flight plan format to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) flight plan format on or about June 5, 2008.
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