PWS 3.4.1_j_AC_91-70B_CHG_1.pdf

U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration

Advisory Circular

Subject: Oceanic and Remote Continental Airspace Operations

Date: 2/1/19 AC No: 91-70B Initiated by: AFS-400 Change: 1

1. PURPOSE OF THIS ADVISORY CIRCULAR (AC). The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) (“we”) developed this AC to provide general information and guidance for commercial and General Aviation (GA) operators (“you”) planning flights in oceanic and remote continental airspace. This guidance includes the authorizations you need for operations in such airspace outside the continental United States (CONUS).

2. PRINCIPAL CHANGES. This change aligns this AC with the Future of Flight Standards reorganization. This change also adds standard information in Chapter 1 and updates references, hyperlinks, and formatting throughout the AC.

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2/1/19 AC 91-70B CHG 1

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Robert C. Carty Deputy Executive Director, Flight Standards Service

U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration

Advisory Circular

Subject: Oceanic and Remote Continental Airspace Operations

Date: 10/4/16 AC No: 91-70B Initiated by: AFS-400 Change:

This advisory circular (AC) contains general information and detailed guidance for operators planning flights in oceanic and remote continental airspace, including authorizations needed for operations outside the continental United States (CONUS). This includes Performance-based Navigation (PBN) and Special Areas of Operation (SAO). The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) revised this AC to focus on the evolving operations in airspace where air traffic control (ATC) provides procedural control. This AC is laid out in a chronological format, beginning with foundational information, followed by information on the training, authorizations, and equipment required to operate most efficiently in this airspace, and finishing with flight planning, flight execution, and contingency operations guidance. Our goal is to provide you with a template to guide you through planning and executing flight operations through oceanic and remote continental airspace. Information related to international operations in specific locales has been removed from this AC due to its transitory nature. Some region-specific information has been incorporated into the North Atlantic (NAT) Resource Guide for United States Operators, West Atlantic Route System, Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Resource Guide for U.S. Operators, and Pacific Resource Guide for U.S. Operators. These online resource guides, along with the FAA Domestic/International Notices to Airmen (NOTAM), provide the most current information available to pilots, aircraft dispatchers and other operational control personnel preparing for oceanic and international operations. We have also included hyperlinks to many documents, available free or for purchase. The dynamics of oceanic and remote continental airspace operations are such that they are constantly evolving, and it is incumbent on you, the operators, to closely monitor any changes.

This AC neither is mandatory nor constitutes a regulation. When this AC uses mandatory language (e.g., “must” or “may not”), it is quoting or paraphrasing a regulatory requirement or prohibition. When this AC uses permissive language (e.g., “should” or “may”), it describes an acceptable means, but not the only means, of conducting that aspect of operations in oceanic and international airspace. However, if you use the means described in the AC, you must follow them in all important respects.

https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/avs/offices/afx/afs/afs400/afs410/media/nat.pdf https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/avs/offices/afx/afs/afs400/afs410/media/watrs.pdf https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/avs/offices/afx/afs/afs400/afs410/media/pac.pdf http://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/notices/

CONTENTS

Paragraph Page

Chapter 1. General ...................................................................................................................... 1-1

1.1 Purpose of This Advisory Circular (AC) ...................................................................... 1-1

1.2 Audience ....................................................................................................................... 1-1

1.3 Where You Can Find This AC ...................................................................................... 1-1

1.4 What This AC Cancels .................................................................................................. 1-1

1.5 Fundamental Changes from Previous Edition .............................................................. 1-1

1.6 Related Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) Parts ........................... 1-1

1.7 Related Reading Material (current editions) ................................................................. 1-2

1.8 AC Feedback Form ....................................................................................................... 1-3

Chapter 2. Background Information for Operations in Oceanic and Remote Continental Airspace .................................................................................................. 2-1

2.1 The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO): Its Relationship to U.S. Aviation................................................................................................................. 2-1

2.2 ICAO Annexes .............................................................................................................. 2-1

2.3 Applicability of U.S. and International Regulations ..................................................... 2-3

2.4 ICAO Guidance Documents and Reference Material ................................................... 2-4

2.5 Authorization to Operate in SAOs ................................................................................ 2-6

2.6 Authorization Process Relative to SAO ........................................................................ 2-7

2.7 Web-Based Operations Safety System (WebOPSS) ..................................................... 2-8

Chapter 3. Pilot Qualification and Training Guidance for International, Oceanic, and Remote Continental Airspace Operations .................................................................. 3-1

3.1 Operator/Pilot-in-Command (PIC) Responsibilities—International Operations ..................................................................................................................... 3-1

3.2 Training Requirements for Oceanic and Remote Continental Airspace Operations ..................................................................................................................... 3-1

Chapter 4. Communications, Navigation, and Surveillance Systems Guidance for Operations in Oceanic and Remote Continental Airspace ......................................... 4-1

4.1 Communications, Navigation, and Surveillance Improvements—Impact on Air Traffic Services (ATS) ........................................................................................... 4-1

4.2 Performance-Based Operations..................................................................................... 4-1

4.3 Voice Communications in Oceanic and Remote Continental Airspace ....................... 4-3

4.4 CPDLC and Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Contract (ADS-C) ........................... 4-5 ii

4.5 Data Link Systems—Operational Authorization to Use ............................................... 4-6

4.6 ATC in Oceanic and Remote Continental Airspace ..................................................... 4-6

4.7 Special Use Airspace (SUA) ......................................................................................... 4-8

4.8 Air Defense Identification Zones (ADIZ) ..................................................................... 4-8

4.9 World Geodetic System 1984 (WGS 84) ...................................................................... 4-9

Chapter 5. Flight Planning Guidance for International and Oceanic and Remote Continental Airspace Operations ............................................................................... 5-1

5.1 Lead Time Requirements .............................................................................................. 5-1

5.2 Preparing an Itinerary .................................................................................................... 5-1

5.3 Crew Fatigue ................................................................................................................. 5-4

5.4 Required Paperwork/Documentation ............................................................................ 5-5

5.5 Entry to Foreign Airspace—Flight Plan Versus Formal Advance Permission ............. 5-7

5.6 Managing Risk in Oceanic and Remote Continental Airspace Operations .................. 5-7

5.7 Weather Forecasts and Other Meteorological Planning ............................................... 5-8

5.8 Notices to Airmen (NOTAM) ....................................................................................... 5-9

5.9 Extended Operations (ETOPS) ..................................................................................... 5-9

5.10 Polar Operations .......................................................................................................... 5-9

5.11 Areas with Limited ATS ........................................................................................... 5-10

5.12 Rotorcraft Operations ................................................................................................ 5-10

Chapter 6. Flight Execution Guidance for Operations in Oceanic and Remote Continental Airspace .................................................................................................. 6-1

6.1 General Information ...................................................................................................... 6-1

Table 6-1. Examples of Incorrectly Applied Conditional Clearances .......................... 6-2

6.2 Flight Plan ..................................................................................................................... 6-4

6.3 Aircraft Preflight Guidance ........................................................................................... 6-6

6.4 En Route Guidance ..................................................................................................... 6-11

Chapter 7. In-Flight Contingency Guidance for Operations in Oceanic and Remote Continental Airspace .................................................................................................. 7-1

7.1 Contingency Procedures: When They May Be Needed ................................................ 7-1

7.2 Choosing the Correct Contingency Procedure .............................................................. 7-1

7.3 Altimetry and/or Navigation Degradation .................................................................... 7-2

7.4 Lost Communications Procedures ................................................................................ 7-2 iii

Appendix A. Abbreviations and Definitions ............................................................................. A-1

Appendix B. Special Areas of Operation and OpSpecs/MSpecs/LOAs .....................................B-1

Appendix C. Unusual Weather Activity .....................................................................................C-1

Figure C-1. ICAO Volcanic Ash Advisory Centers ..............................................C-1

Figure C-2. Example of a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Scales Activity Report ..................................................................C-3

Appendix D. Sample Oceanic Checklist .................................................................................... D-1

Appendix E. IATA In-Flight Broadcast Procedure .................................................................... E-1

Figure E-1. Map of IFBP Area of Applicability ................................................... E-4

Appendix F. Special Procedures for In-Flight Contingencies in Oceanic and Remote Continental Airspace ............................................................................................. F-1

Figure F-1. General Weather Deviation Procedures Model .................................. F-5

Appendix G. Suggested Subjects for Inclusion in Oceanic and International Procedures and/or an Operations Manual ............................................................................... G-1 iv

CHAPTER 1. GENERAL

1.1 Purpose of This Advisory Circular (AC). The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) (“we”) developed this AC to provide general information and guidance for commercial and General Aviation (GA) operators (“you”) planning flights in oceanic and remote continental airspace. This guidance includes the authorizations you need for operations in such airspace outside the continental United States (CONUS).

1.2 Audience. We have primarily targeted this AC at operators who do not yet have set procedures for flights through this type of airspace and can use this AC as a guide in developing their own procedures. We are also targeting GA pilots who do not fly regularly in oceanic and remote continental airspace and need a refresher on what to consider before, during, and after such a flight. Most commercial operators have company procedures for operations in oceanic and remote continental airspace. Those procedures have been accepted by FAA inspectors and conform to all relevant regulations and guidance. If you are working for one of these operators, this AC may serve to reinforce your company procedures.

1.3 Where You Can Find This AC. You can find this AC on the FAA’s website at http://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/advisory_circulars.

1.4 What This AC Cancels. AC 91-70A, Oceanic and International Operations, dated August 12, 2010, is canceled. AC 91-70, Oceanic Operations, and the North Atlantic International General Aviation Operations Manual (NAT IGA) are also obsolete.

1.5 Fundamental Changes from Previous Edition. Procedures for operating in oceanic and remote continental airspace are constantly evolving, and you should closely monitor any changes. We revised this AC to point you to the most current sources of international material. In some cases, we refer you to a website. You can also find supplements to this material by starting at https://www.faa.gov or by calling an FAA Special Areas of Operation (SAO) specialist. Contact information for an SAO specialist can be obtained from the responsible Flight Standards (FS) office. You may also be able to find this contact information on the North Atlantic (NAT) Resource Guide for United States Operators, Pacific Resource Guide for U.S. Operators, and West Atlantic Route System, Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Resource Guide for U.S. Operators. In this AC, we include specific guidance for authorizations and conformance with other FAA policy issues. Host nation Aeronautical Information Publications (AIP) and international Notices to Airmen (NOTAM) also contain the most recent information.

1.6 Related Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) Parts.

• Part 91, §§ 91.1 through 91.21, 91.101 through 91.143, 91.151 through 91.159,

91.167 through 91.193, 91.203, 91.205, 91.209 through 91.217, 91.221, 91.225, 91.227, 91.303 through 91.319, 91.323, 91.509, 91.511, 91.605, 91.609, 91.703 through 91.715, and 91.903; and Appendix G.

• Part 119, §§ 119.59 and 119.63.

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• Part 121, §§ 121.11, 121.121, 121.163, 121.339, 121.351, 121.353, and 121.355; and Appendix G.

• Part 125, §§ 125.23, 125.45, 125.51, 125.203, 125.209, and 125.363.

• Part 135, §§ 135.3, 135.43, 135.145, 135.165, 135.167, and 135.183; and Appendix G.

1.7 Related Reading Material (current editions).

1.7.1 RTCA Documents. Available for purchase on the RTCA website at https://www.rtca.org/content/list-available-documents.

1. RTCA/DO-258/ED-100, Interoperability Requirements for ATS Applications Using ARINC 622 Data Communications.

2. RTCA/DO-306/ED-122, Safety and Performance Standard for Air Traffic Data Link Services in Oceanic and Remote Airspace (Oceanic SPR Standard).

1.7.2 FAA Technical Standard Orders (TSO).

1. TSO-C115, Flight Management System (FMS) Using Multi-Sensor Inputs.

2. TSO-C145, Airborne Navigation Sensors Using The Global Positioning System Augmented by the Satellite Based Augmentation System (SBAS).

3. TSO-C146, Stand-Alone Airborne Navigation Equipment Using The Global Positioning System Augmented by the Satellite Based Augmentation System

(SBAS).

4. TSO-C196, Airborne Supplemental Navigation Sensors for Global Positioning System Equipment Using Aircraft-Based Augmentation.

1.7.3 FAA ACs.

1. AC 20-138, Airworthiness Approval of Positioning and Navigation Systems.

2. AC 20-140, Guidelines for Design Approval of Aircraft Data Link Communication Systems Supporting Air Traffic Services (ATS).

3. AC 20-150, Airworthiness Approval of Satellite Voice (SATVOICE) Equipment Supporting Air Traffic Service (ATS) Communication.

4. AC 90-80, Approval of Offshore Standard Approach Procedures, Airborne Radar Approaches, and Helicopter En Route Descent Areas.

5. AC 90-96, Approval of U.S. Operators and Aircraft to Operate Under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) in European Airspace Designated for Basic Area Navigation (B-RNAV)/RNAV5 and Precision Area Navigation

(P-RNAV).

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6. AC 90-105, Approval Guidance for RNP Operations and Barometric Vertical Navigation in the U.S. National Airspace System and in Oceanic and Remote Continental Airspace.

7. AC 90-114, Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast Operations.

8. AC 90-117, Data Link Communications.

9. AC 91-85, Authorization of Aircraft and Operators for Flight in Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM) Airspace.

10. AC 120-42, Extended Operations (ETOPS and Polar Operations).

11. AC 120-100, Basics of Aviation Fatigue.

12. AC 120-103, Fatigue Risk Management Systems for Aviation Safety.

13. AC 135-42, Extended Operations (ETOPS) and Operations in the North Polar Area.

1.8 AC Feedback Form. For your convenience, the AC Feedback Form is the last page of this AC. Note any deficiencies found, clarifications needed, or suggested improvements regarding the contents of this AC on the Feedback Form.

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CHAPTER 2. BACKGROUND INFORMATION FOR OPERATIONS IN OCEANIC

AND REMOTE CONTINENTAL AIRSPACE

2.1 The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO): Its Relationship to U.S. Aviation. As a charter member of ICAO, the United States has fully supported the organization’s goals from its inception in 1947. ICAO works to achieve the highest level of standards and procedures for aircraft, personnel, airways, and aviation services throughout the world. ICAO oversees the international standards ascribed to by its more than 190 Member States for navigation facilities, airports, weather, and radio services.

Through active support and participation in ICAO, the FAA strives to improve worldwide safety standards and procedures. ICAO’s strategic objectives are to continue to establish and maintain Standard and Recommended Practices (SARP) for the safe and orderly development of international aviation. You should be familiar with the 19 ICAO Annexes, which contain more than 10,000 adopted SARPs.

Note: ICAO Member States are obligated to comply with the international SARPs contained in the 19 Annexes and supporting ICAO documents such as ICAO Document 4444, Procedures for Air Navigation Services—Air Traffic Management, and ICAO Document 7030, Regional Supplementary Procedures.

2.2 ICAO Annexes. Find all ICAO Annexes at the ICAO store at https://store.icao.int.

2.2.1 Annex 1, Personnel Licensing. Provides information on licensing of flightcrews, air traffic controllers, and aircraft maintenance personnel, including medical standards for flightcrews and air traffic controllers.

2.2.2 Annex 2, Rules of the Air. Contains visual flight rules (VFR) and instrument flight rules (IFR) for all operators.

2.2.3 Annex 3, Meteorological Services for International Air Navigation. Provides for meteorological services for international air navigation and reporting of meteorological observations from aircraft.

2.2.4 Annex 4, Aeronautical Charts. Contains specifications for aeronautical charts used in international aviation.

2.2.5 Annex 5, Units of Measurement to be Used in Air and Ground Services. Lists dimensional systems used in air and ground operations.

2.2.6 Annex 6, Operation of Aircraft (3 parts). Specifies minimum standards for below-listed operations throughout the world:

1. Part I, International Commercial Air Transport—Aeroplanes.

2. Part II, International General Aviation—Aeroplanes.

3. Part III, International Operations—Helicopters.

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2.2.7 Annex 7, Aircraft Nationality and Registration Marks. Specifies requirements for registration and identification of aircraft.

2.2.8 Annex 8, Airworthiness of Aircraft. Specifies uniform procedures for certification and inspection of aircraft.

2.2.9 Annex 9, Facilitation. Provides for the standardization and simplification of border-crossing formalities.

2.2.10 Annex 10, Aeronautical Telecommunications:

1. Volume I, Radio Navigation Aids. Provides for standardizing communications equipment and systems.

2. Volume II, Communication Procedures Including Those With PANS Status.

Standardizes communications procedures.

3. Volume III, Communications Systems. Standardizes communications systems.

4. Volume IV, Surveillance Radar and Collision Avoidance Systems.

Standardizes surveillance radar and collision avoidance.

5. Volume V, Aeronautical Radio Frequency Spectrum Utilization. Standardizes aeronautical radio spectrum utilization.

2.2.11 Annex 11, Air Traffic Services. Includes information on establishing and operating air traffic control (ATC), flight information, and alerting services.

2.2.12 Annex 12, Search and Rescue. Provides information on organization and operation of facilities and services necessary for Search and Rescue (SAR).

2.2.13 Annex 13, Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation. Provides for uniformity in notifying, investigating, and reporting on aircraft accidents.

2.2.14 Annex 14, Aerodromes:

1. Volume I, Aerodrome Design and Operations. Contains specifications for the design and equipment of aerodromes.

2. Volume II, Heliports. Contains specifications for the design and equipment of heliports.

2.2.15 Annex 15, Aeronautical Information Services. Includes methods for collecting and disseminating aeronautical information required for flight operations.

2.2.16 Annex 16, Environmental Protection:

1. Volume I, Aircraft Noise. Contains specifications for aircraft noise certification, noise monitoring, and noise exposure units for land-use planning.

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2. Volume II, Aircraft Engine Emissions. Contains specifications for aircraft engine emissions.

3. Volume III, Aeroplane CO2 Emissions.

2.2.17 Annex 17, Security. Specifies methods for safeguarding international civil aviation against unlawful acts of interference.

2.2.18 Annex 18, The Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air. Contains specifications for labeling, packing, and shipping dangerous cargo.

2.2.19 Annex 19, Safety Management. Describes Safety Management System (SMS) development, regulatory framework, and supporting guidance.

2.3 Applicability of U.S. and International Regulations.

2.3.1 Regulatory Obligations. You must adhere to U.S. regulations, ICAO SARPs, and the “flight and maneuver” regulations of the countries you overfly or in which you land. The Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) from each country is an important source of information and reference. The U.S. AIP, for example, includes a detailed description of where U.S. aviation regulations differ from ICAO SARPs and procedures. You will see similar listings of “differences” in other State AIPs.

2.3.1.1 You should be especially familiar with ICAO Annex 2 and whichever part of ICAO Annex 6 applies to your operation.

2.3.1.2 Title 14 CFR part 91, § 91.703 stipulates that you are bound by ICAO Annex 2 if you operate your U.S.-registered aircraft outside the United States.

2.3.1.3 In all cases, § 91.703 requires that you follow the rules of the countries that you overfly and those in which you intend to land. If the part of 14 CFR under which you operate conflicts with the rules of the country you are operating over/in, you must follow the rules of that country.

2.3.1.4 According to 14 CFR part 121, § 121.11 and part 135, § 135.3(a)(2), for operations under each respective part, when operating within a foreign country, you must comply with the air traffic rules of the country concerned and any local airport rules that may be in force. You must also follow all rules of that part that are more restrictive than the rules of the foreign country in which you are operating, as long as you can do so without violating the rules of that country.

2.3.2 Differing Airspace Requirements. It is quite possible to transit regions with significantly different procedures in one long-range flight. Therefore, you should familiarize yourself with the equipment and procedural requirements to file and fly in each segment of foreign airspace in which you intend to operate by referencing, for example, the appropriate State’s AIP.

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2.4 ICAO Guidance Documents and Reference Material. Find the following ICAO documents at the ICAO store at https://store.icao.int.

2.4.1 Guidance Documents. We developed much of the material in this AC from these foundational documents: ICAO Annexes, other ICAO guidance documents, related sections of 14 CFR, and other FAA guidance material.

2.4.2 The Convention on International Civil Aviation. We single out the following articles of ICAO Document 7300/9, Convention on International Civil Aviation, because of their importance in regulating international aviation. If you operate in oceanic and remote continental airspace, you should thoroughly understand them.

• Article 1, Sovereignty.

• Article 12, Rules of the Air.

• Article 29, Documents Carried in Aircraft.

2.4.3 ICAO Recommended Guidance Documents. Similar to our ACs, ICAO’s Recommended Guidance Documents provide guidance and information intended to facilitate the uniform application of SARPs contained in the 19 Annexes to ICAO Document 7300/9.

Therefore, you should familiarize yourself with the following documents (current editions) prior to undertaking operations in oceanic and remote continental airspace.

Note: Ensure you understand the primacy relationship between the various ICAO documents. For example, ICAO Annex 2 details loss of communications procedures, which it points out you are expected to follow unless amended by regional agreement. In this case, you would then consult ICAO Document 7030 to review the loss of communications guidance for a specific geographical area.

FAA principal inspectors (PI) and Special Areas of Operation (SAO) specialists can help you understand the relationship between various ICAO documents.

2.4.3.1 ICAO Document 4444, Procedures for Air Navigation Services—Air Traffic Management. These procedures complement the SARPs contained in ICAO Annex 2 and Annex 11 and specify, in greater detail than in the SARPs, the actual procedures Air Traffic Service (ATS) units apply when providing various services to air traffic.

2.4.3.2 ICAO Document 7030, Regional Supplementary Procedures (SUPPS).

For each ICAO region, Document 7030 provides detailed procedures designed to meet those needs of specific areas that are not covered in the worldwide provisions contained in the Annexes and Procedures for Air Navigation Services (PANS) documents. The SUPPS complement the statement of requirements for facilities and services contained in the Air Navigation Plan publications.

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2.4.3.3 ICAO Document 8168, Procedures for Air Navigation Services—Aircraft Operations, Volume I, Flight Procedures. Document 8168, Volume I, describes operational procedures for flight operations personnel. It also outlines the various parameters upon which the safety criteria in Volume II, Construction of Visual and Instrumental Flight Procedures, are based in order to illustrate the need for all operational personnel to adhere strictly to the published procedures in order to maintain an acceptable level of safety in operations.

2.4.3.4 ICAO Document 9574, Manual on a 300m (1,000 ft) Vertical Separation Minimum Between FL 290 and FL 410 Inclusive. Document 9574 provides States’ regional planning groups with a basis for the revision of documents, procedures, and programs to enable the maintenance of a 300m (1,000 ft) vertical separation minimum between flight level (FL) 290 and FL 410 inclusive, in accordance with the criteria and requirements developed by ICAO. It provides guidance to State aviation authorities on those measures necessary to ensure that the criteria and requirements are met within their area of responsibility, as well as background information for operators to assist in the development of operating manuals and flightcrew procedures.

2.4.3.5 ICAO Document 9613, Performance-based Navigation (PBN) Manual.

This manual provides practical guidance to States, air navigation service providers (ANSP), and airspace users on how to implement Area Navigation (RNAV) and Required Navigation Performance (RNP) applications, and how to ensure that the performance requirements are appropriate for the planned application.

2.4.3.6 ICAO Document 9869, Performance-Based Communication and Surveillance (PBCS) Manual. This guidance material explains the concepts of Required Communication Performance (RCP) and Required Surveillance Performance (RSP), identifies RCP and RSP requirements applicable to the provision and use of ATS, and provides a basis for the application of RCP and RSP in a specified airspace.

2.4.3.7 ICAO Document 10037, Global Operational Data Link (GOLD) Manual.

The GOLD Manual addresses data link service provision, operator readiness, controller and flightcrew procedures, performance-based specifications, and post-implementation monitoring and analysis. GOLD provides guidance and information concerning data link operations and is intended to facilitate the uniform application of ICAO SARPs contained in ICAO Annex 2, Annex 10, and Annex 11; the provisions in ICAO Document 4444; and, when necessary, ICAO Document 7030.

2.4.3.8 ICAO Document 10038, Satellite Voice Guidance Material. This document is intended to maximize the operational benefits of Satellite Voice (SATVOICE) implementations by promoting seamless and interoperable SATVOICE operations throughout the world. The document provides

2-5 guidance and information concerning SATVOICE communications for aeronautical use and is intended to facilitate the uniform application of ICAO SARPs contained in ICAO Annex 2, the provisions in ICAO Document 4444, and, when necessary, ICAO Document 7030.

2.4.3.9 ICAO NAT Document 007, North Atlantic Operations and Airspace Manual. This document provides information for aircraft operating agencies, pilots, and dispatchers planning and conducting operations in or above the North Atlantic High Level Airspace (NAT HLA) (formerly known as Minimum Navigation Performance Specifications Airspace (MNPSA), effective February 2016). It also offers guidance to the State regulators responsible for the approval/certification/licensing of such aircraft operators, pilots, or dispatchers.

Note: General Aviation (GA) operators flying below NAT HLA should pay particular attention to Chapter 17, Flight Operations Below the NAT HLA, of this document. Information in the North Atlantic International General Aviation Operations Manual (NAT IGA) was incorporated into ICAO NAT Document 007 in 2013. Much of the information previously included in the NAT IGA has been updated and included here. The NAT IGA is no longer maintained as a separate document.

2.4.4 Other References:

1. Applicable FAA Domestic/International Notices to Airmen (NOTAM).

2. U.S. AIP and applicable foreign AIPs. Refer to the current AIP for any States whose airspace you intend to operate in/through. The AIP is the State’s official publication that defines and describes the airspace, aeronautical facilities, services, and national rules and practices pertaining to air traffic, particularly if they differ from ICAO SARPs (so-called “differences” are listed in AIPs).

3. Regulations of the foreign countries over which you intend to fly.

4. The customs procedures, cultural considerations, entry and overflight procedures, and health and safety precautions for each country in which you intend to land.

5. The oceanic and remote section of the FAA’s Flight Operations Group web page, found at http://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/ avs/offices/afx/afs/afs400/afs410/oceanic_remote.

2.5 Authorization to Operate in SAOs. SAOs are areas with unique characteristics that require you to use special equipment, procedures, and/or techniques to safely conduct your flight operations. In some SAOs, the ATC system supports an increased airspace capacity by reducing required separation between aircraft. This reduction in separation requires improved levels of performance and in some cases more stringent procedures.

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To fly in airspace considered an SAO, you need to obtain an operational authorization from the Administrator in the form of an operations specification (OpSpec), a management specification (MSpec), or a Letter of Authorization (LOA), depending on what part of 14 CFR governs your operations.

1. If you operate under 14 CFR part 121, 125, or 135, you require OpSpecs.

2. GA operators under parts 91 and 125 (including part 125 Letter of Deviation Authority (A125 LODA) holders) may require LOAs.

3. If you are a fractional ownership operator under part 91 subpart K (part 91K), you require MSpecs.

4. You can find a list of common oceanic and remote and SAO-specific OpSpecs/MSpecs/LOAs in Appendix B, Special Areas of Operation and OpSpec/MSpec/LOA. SAO specialists will have the most up-to-date information regarding airspace or capabilities requirements requiring approval.

5. The North Atlantic (NAT) Resource Guide for United States Operators, West Atlantic Route System, Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Resource Guide for U.S. Operators, and Pacific Resource Guide for U.S. Operators include detailed charts that provide cross references for various oceanic OpSpecs/MSpecs/LOAs and associated guidance documents.

2.6 Authorization Process Relative to SAO. We have developed a five-phase process for you to gain approval for a desired operation. The responsible Flight Standards (FS) office can provide you with the details pertinent to each phase and your specific requirements.

2.6.1 Phase 1. You determine a need for authorization and contact the FAA.

2.6.2 Phase 2. You formally submit a proposal for FAA evaluation.

2.6.3 Phase 3. We evaluate the request and determine what level of demonstration is required.

We may conduct the demonstration within the responsible FS office, at your site of operations, or at both facilities.

2.6.4 Phase 4. We observe and evaluate a demonstration of your ability to perform in accordance with your proposal. This is an operational evaluation. If you don’t pass, we will notify you at this time.

Note: Flight or line observations are not required for GA LOA applications. For GA operators, we evaluate your application and normally conduct an in-person knowledge validation (tabletop exercise and/or static airplane demonstration).

2.6.5 Phase 5. If you pass the evaluation, we approve your proposal. We will grant approval by issuing an OpSpec/MSpec/LOA.

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2.7 Web-Based Operations Safety System (WebOPSS).

2.7.1 WebOPSS Access. WebOPSS is the FAA’s regulatory document management system for issuing OpSpecs, MSpecs, and LOAs to air operators as indicated in 14 CFR. Authorized aviation industry personnel can apply for access to WebOPSS through their PIs.

WebOPSS access allows industry personnel to view and propose changes to their authorizations, which can expedite applications.

2.7.2 WebOPSS Training. You will require training prior to receiving WebOPSS access. You can accomplish the training either through an FAA inspector or by taking the WebOPSS formal training course through the FAA’s Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center

(MMAC).

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10/4/16 AC 91-70B

CHAPTER 3. PILOT QUALIFICATION AND TRAINING GUIDANCE FOR

INTERNATIONAL, OCEANIC, AND REMOTE CONTINENTAL AIRSPACE

OPERATIONS

3.1 Operator/Pilot-in-Command (PIC) Responsibilities—International Operations.

3.1.1 Operator Responsibilities. In Annex 6, ICAO makes the following stipulations for flights outside the jurisdiction of Member States:

1. An operator will ensure that all employees, when abroad, know that they must comply with the laws, regulations, and procedures of those States where they conduct operations.

2. An operator will ensure that all pilots are familiar with the laws, regulations, and procedures pertinent to the performance of their duties prescribed for the areas traversed, the airports used, and the related air navigation facilities.

3. The operator will ensure that other members of the flightcrew are familiar with these laws, regulations, and procedures that are pertinent to the performance of their respective duties in the operation of the aircraft.

3.1.2 PIC Responsibilities. As a PIC conducting flight operations in international airspace, you must:

1. Comply with the relevant laws, regulations, and procedures of the United States.

2. Assume responsibility for the operation and safety of the aircraft and for the safety of all persons aboard your aircraft during flight time.

3. Notify the appropriate Air Traffic Service (ATS) unit, as soon as circumstances permit, of actions you took in an emergency which necessitated immediate action and involved a violation of local regulations or procedures.

Ensure they understand that you took this action under your emergency authority as PIC. You must also submit a report on any such violation to the appropriate authority of that State, if required.

4. Notify the nearest appropriate authority, by the quickest means available, in the event of an accident or incident involving the airplane which results in the serious injury or death of any person, or results in substantial damage to the airplane or property.

3.2 Training Requirements for Oceanic and Remote Continental Airspace Operations.

3.2.1 Commercial Operator Training. Operators (other than GA operators) conducting flights in oceanic and remote continental airspace are required to have training approved by the Administrator. Your training programs will receive approval in conjunction with your company’s certification and prior to our issuance of OpSpecs or MSpecs.

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3.2.2 GA Training. If you are a GA pilot desiring to fly in oceanic and remote continental airspace, you may need operational approval via an LOA (see…