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The FAA has issued new guidance for Part 135 operators, reminding operators of the requirements and authorizations to use important aeronautical data like airport runway analysis products.
In the FAA-issued Information for Operators 23009, the agency shared that routine surveillance had revealed some Part 135 operators are not using proper authorization or lack the proper knowledge, training and checking on the use of some airport runway obstacle analysis products and one-engine-inoperative departure routing/procedures in place. Part 135 operators of large transport and commuter category planes are required to ensure net takeoff flight path obstacle clearance after an engine failure on takeoff. This can be done through the use of airport runway obstacle analysis products but requires sufficient training and checking on the application. Operators must also establish checklists and procedures to address engine failure in a multi-engine aircraft, including failure during takeoff. The InFO states that training and procedures, including manuals, should address the safe use of these software products and how they can impact a pilot's pre-takeoff briefing and flight deck setup.RELATED STORIES:FAA issues update on 5G interference guidanceNew FAA guidance updates aircraft approach category for instrument approach
Co-chair of the NBAA Part 135 Subcommittee, Ben van Niekerk of GrandView Aviation, welcomed the InFO. Van Niekerk said the new guidance will be an important reminder to operators and crew to align with federal regulations as well as promotion of the application of standards in professional aviators' daily operations.
"Some pilots do not know how to use airport aeronautical data correctly, which could cause procedural errors and possibly result in a controlled flight into terrain, especially during an engine failure during takeoff, but also during routine operations," van Niekerk said. "The new InFO is an important proactive step by the FAA to minimize the risk of such avoidable accidents."
The FAA will update its guidance on practices, regulations, techniques and safety measures as needed. Situations that are ongoing or frequently changing, like 5G interference with aircraft, will be updated as more information and research is developed and confirmed. Other concerns, like the frequently fatal circling approach, which the FAA updated its guidance on in January.
Van Niekerk went on to say that the aviation community should be pursuing other efforts to educate pilots on the proper use of airport aeronautical data. He said the FAA recently updated its guidance for inspectors, acting as an additional resource for operators. With its latest update, the FAA recommends operators, training centers, instructors and individual pilots or crews review the expanded guidance and ensure that training manuals and curriculum address the safety needs and requirements, as well as ensure all members involved fully understand how to use airport data and the other tools or products.