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Category: AviationManuals press
AviationManuals Grows Following Record First Quarter Results
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Flight Planning Codes Demystified [+ Free Guide]
A flight plan is a critical part of a flight and it is essential to ensure that it’s properly prepared. Unfortunately,mistakes are often made when completing them, due to lack of knowledge or confusion about regulations. It’s important to ensure your flight plans are going to ATC with the right codes to help you avoid clearance changes and delays. Errors on sample flight plans are also a frequent reason why Letters of Authorization are either delayed or not approved.
Our experts have compiled a free Flight Planning Guide with equipment checklists for operators and their planning providers to make sure their flight plan meets ATC’s and the FAA’s expectations.
Download Your Free Guide with Checklists
Flight planning codes for LOA approval
When applying for a Letter of Authorization (LOA), there is a lot of paperwork to prepare and the FAA wants to make sure everything is in order. For applications for LOAs A056, Data Link Communications (CPDLC/ADS-C), and B036, Oceanic and Remote Operations (RNP-10/RNP-4/RNP-2), a sample flight plan is required.
Since you’re requesting Data Link and PBN authorization for the aircraft, the FAA will specifically be checking whether the flight planning codes listed in ICAO Items 10 and 18 are correct for the aircraft capabilities.
Unfortunately, there are often errors in this section, which end up causing delays in the approval of LOAs. While flight planning codes may seem like just a bunch of letters and numbers on paper, errors can have real consequences when received by ATC, such as inadvertent flight penalties or the inability to receive an in-flight clearance. Operators and planning providers must share the responsibility in correctly filing flight planning codes.
Your flight planning code checklist
We’ve put together a list of important form items operators can run through to check the most common Flight Plan Form errors.
For the full list of codes you need to consider, download the Flight Planning Guide.
Item 10
List the navigation and communication equipment and capabilities of your aircraft.
Item 10a
- Review your data link codes (J codes).
These codes will include “J1” through “J7”
Most DLC-capable aircraft are capable of VDL M2. If your aircraft is VDL M2 capable then you need to have the “J4” code listed.
There has been some confusion regarding this code and TSO C-160/160a compliance. TSO compliance relates to determining domestic enroute capability which affects Item 18, but does not affect this item. - Determine if you should include the “P2” code.
If the aircraft is PBCS capable, “P2” should be included. If the aircraft is not PBCS capable, do not include this code. (Note that if your aircraft has Honeywell FMSs that have not yet been updated with a proper latency timer fix, then you should NOT include “P2.”) - Check if you will list a COM/, NAV/, or DAT/ entry in item 18.
If you will be listing an entry in item 18, then add a “Z” code here.
You will always list an entry in item 18 and need a “Z” code if your aircraft is data link capable.
Item 10b
- Ensure the transponder code is correct.
For example, if the aircraft has 1090 MHz ADS-B installed, which is very common, one of the “extended squitter” codes should be used. The most common code is L, but your aircraft may differ.
Item 18
List additional technical equipment codes to clearly communicate your aircraft capabilities. There are a lot of codes and a specific order, so errors in this section are frequent. Depending on your flight planning provider and their system, you may only have to do this once, when you set up your aircraft profile.
- Check the code sequence.
Keep the codes in the preferred sequence as indicated in the FAA’s flight planning brochure to prevent truncation of your flight plan resulting in an incomplete flight plan. - Ensure applicable RNP-4 codes are listed.
If the aircraft is RNP-4 capable, the PBN/ entry must include L1, in addition to “A1” for RNP-10. - All data link equipped aircraft must include a DAT/ entry.
Aircraft capable of US domestic en route CPDLC, without any known “push-to-load” message errors, will typically use the code DAT/1FANSE2PDC.
Aircraft capable of US domestic en route CPDLC, with known “push-to-load” message errors, will typically use the code DAT/1FANSER2PDC.
Aircraft not capable of US domestic en route CPDLC, but FANS equipped, will typically use DAT/1FANS2PDC. - Make sure the SUR/ entry is correct.
If ADS-B is installed, it should be SUR/260A or SUR/260B, depending on the equipment.
If the aircraft is PBCS capable/authorized, make sure to add “RSP180” to this entry.
If the aircraft is not PBCS capable/authorized, do not enter an RSP code. - Make sure there are REG/, SEL/, CODE/, and OPR/ entries.
These are all operator/aircraft specific and reflect the aircraft registration, aircraft SELCAL code, aircraft hexadecimal Mode S code, and the operator’s name, respectively.
Item 19
Include items specific to survival equipment and information for search and rescue teams. This section of the form usually isn’t transmitted to air traffic control, but the FAA considers it mandatory for LOA approval.
Finally, although not related to flight planning codes, we have seen the FAA taking notice of the fuel information as well. Here are a few key items to check:
Fuel
Equal Time Point (ETP)
- Ensure these calculations are included in the flight plan
The equal time point is a point along the route from which it takes the same amount of time to return to the departure point as it would to continue to the destination.
Fuel Block: This is a detailed breakdown of fuel usage.
- Ensure fuel listed meets requirements.
ICAO specifies seven different fuel blocks that are to be present on the flight plan. - Check that your naming conventions are correct.
Keep in mind that there are different naming conventions. For best results, it is recommended that you keep your fuel block as closely matched to ICAO’s terminology as possible.
If you name your reserve fuel “reserve” or “RESV”, rename it to “contingency”, or “CONT”. - Check your back up fuel.
Authorities want to see how you plan on using your fuel and if there is enough fuel planned in the event you would need to fly to an alternate airport.- Be sure to add 30 minutes of holding/final reserve fuel.
- Be sure to add 5% contingency fuel (5% of the trip fuel).
Don’t forget to download our free Flight Planning Guide
Looking for more detail on each of these items? Our International Operations and Procedures Manual has expanded information with charts explaining each code in the appendices.
Contact us for any LOA support, and check out our free LOA Guide for more information.
AviationManuals Reports Operators Used Lull in Flying to Improve Operations
Company Sees First Half Demand Rise Amid Flight Restrictions
Washington, D.C., July 27, 2020 – Washington-based AviationManuals, the world’s leading provider of digital manual development services and Safety Management System (SMS) software for business aviation, reported strong demand in the first half of 2020. The demand was the result of flight departments taking advantage of reduced flight schedules due to the COVID-19 pandemic to improve their operations by implementing SMS software and improving or developing operations manuals.
“We have had surprisingly robust demand in 2020, especially considering the negative effects the pandemic has had on business aviation activity overall,” said AviationManuals CEO Mark Baier. “Operators showed a lot of initiative and foresight using the additional time they had available to review and improve the way they operate,” he added.
As the pandemic continues to spread, operators are recognizing the need for better support tools to help manage the new and unique impacts of COVID-19. Several AviationManuals’ product categories including Health Travel Preparedness, Organizational Changes and Metrics Reporting have all seen increases in demand over recent months.
“Our advisors have been remarkably busy helping flight departments and FBOs, particularly with ARC SMS software and emergency response plans. Many operators also took the time to develop and update their flight operations and maintenance manuals,” Baier added.
Compared to 2019, the first half of 2020 saw considerably increased business requirements for digital flight department tools as companies continue to seek to improve the way they operate. The first half expansion followed exceptionally strong growth last year as companies continued to improve the way they operate.
New Products and Complimentary Pandemic Resources
The market strength in the first six months of 2020 allowed the company to grow its team and improve its offerings with new Risk Assessment Tool features, a new Maintenance Manual, as well as an enhanced ERP. AviationManuals’ growing team also allowed it to support the industry by providing complimentary resources for flight, ground, and FBO operations through a series of complimentary whitepapers and guides. The aim was to help operators deal with this pandemic as well as future unforeseen crises.
Clients Operate 4,500 Aircraft Around the World
With a client base that operates more than 4,500 aircraft worldwide, more than 60 Fortune 100 companies use AviationManuals’ services. Based in the Washington, D.C. area, the company provides digital operations manuals with update services, as well as SMS software and iPad apps for fixed-wing, rotary-wing, drone operators, and FBOs worldwide. Founded in 1996, the company has produced thousands of manuals.
Products and services include SMS Software, Flight/Company/General Operations Manuals, International Operations/Procedures Manuals, Minimum Equipment Lists (MELs), Emergency Response Plans (ERPs), FBO Manuals and Internal Audit Programs, as well as Letters of Authorization (LOA) support for RVSM, Data Link (CPDLC / ADS-C), PBN (RNP-10 / -4, NAT HLA, B-/P-RNAV, and RNP-1), Enhanced Flight Vision Systems (EFVS), and EFBs.
AviationManuals is a member of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), International Business Aviation Council (IBAC), and the National Air Transportation Association (NATA). For more info go to https://aviationmanuals.com/.
Photo Credit: Alamy Stock Photos
AviationManuals Expands Offerings with New FBO Manual
Helps Managers and Staff to Improve Professionalism, Standards and Safety Management of their FBO Facilities
Washington, D.C., September 10, 2019 – AviationManuals, the world’s leading provider of aviation manual development services and Safety Management System (SMS) software for business aviation, announced today that it has expanded its Manuals portfolio with a new Fixed Base Operations (FBO) Manual, designed to help managers and staff improve the professionalism, standards and safety of their FBO operations.
“For over 20 years we have been a convenient and effective resource for helping aircraft operators improve their operations through the development of high-quality manuals. We are now channeling that extensive experience for FBOs,” said AviationManuals CEO Mark Baier. “We will make things easy for FBOs that simply do not have the resources to research, write, and maintain manuals themselves.”
Key operational requirements covered by the FBO Manual include:
- Internal Policies and Procedures
- Safety Management System
- Environmental and Occupational Health/Safety Guidance
- Facility Operations
- Ramp Operations
- Emergency Operations
- Training Requirements
- Ground Support Equipment Maintenance Control Procedures
- Security Procedures
“Our FBO Manual is particularly helpful for operations with multiple bases and/or multiple shifts. The manual can help standardize FBO operations so that customers receive the same experience no matter who is on duty or what location they fly in or out of,” added Baier. “For small- to mid-sized companies, our FBO Manual can help with everything from procedural standardization to the onboarding of new employees.”
For more information on FBO safety operations, contact AviationManuals.
About AviationManuals
AviationManuals, based in the Washington, D.C. area, provides operations manuals to fixed and rotary wing operators, drone operators, technicians, and FBOs worldwide. Founded in 1996, the company has produced thousands of manuals. AviationManuals’ sister company ARC, offers an affordable web and iPad based modular solution to submit, store, and analyze SMS data. For more information on ARC, visit arcsky.com.
Products and services include Flight/Company Operations Manuals, FBO Manuals, International Operations and Procedures Manuals, Minimum Equipment Lists, Emergency Response Plans, and Internal Audit Programs, as well as Letters of Authorization (LOA) support for RVSM, Data Link (CPDLC / ADS-C), and EFBs. AviationManuals is a member of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) and a part of its Leadership Council, International Business Aviation Council (IBAC), the National Air Transportation Association (NATA) and Flight Safety Foundation. For more information on AviationManuals, go to aviationmanuals.com.
AviationManuals Unveils EFVS Compliance Package Ensuring Pilots Safer Landings During Challenging Conditions
Bundled service provides pilots and flight departments with a comprehensive manual and a completed LOA application so they are flight-ready and able to use their EFVS instruments
Washington, D.C., April 30, 2019 – AviationManuals, the world’s leading provider of aircraft manual development services and Safety Management System (SMS) software for business aviation, unveiled a new Enhanced Flight Vision System (EFVS) package specifically designed to streamline the materials required by business aviation crews and flight departments for EFVS use. AviationManuals is providing a comprehensive manual that includes touchdown and rollout procedures, as well as LOA application support services—making the development of the procedures manual and application for low visibility landings approvals much easier.
The EFVS technology installed on most midsize and large business jets, provides a critical second set of eyes onboard allowing pilots to fly and land at airports with extremely poor visibility. EFVS is an added layer of safety that can be used to help mitigate risk during inclement conditions such as haze, smog, smoke and fog.
“For a pilot, this means they can land in a greater variety of weather conditions, minimizing delays or risks of being rerouted. Our EFVS package can be delivered in as little as a week and quickly and efficiently provides pilots the manual and supporting equipment documents needed for approval of their LOA application,” said AviationManuals CEO Mark Baier.
EFVS Operators Will Want This Package
AviationManuals’ EFVS Compliance Package makes operations and approval much easier since it includes:
- EFVS Operations Manual focused on two parameters: landing to 100 ft above the TDZE (touchdown zone) and touchdown and rollout
- LOA* application process up to submission
- Preparation of the associated FAA documentation, including a cover letter and all required supporting documents in accordance with FAA guidance
- Organization of the documentation into a streamlined package, with each supporting document clearly labeled.
*Though not required for US-domestic travel, an EFVS LOA is often required internationally, especially for flights in the EU.
About AviationManuals
AviationManuals, based in the Washington, D.C. area, provides operations manuals and SMS software to fixed and rotary wing operators, drone operators, technicians, and FBOs worldwide. Founded in 1996, the company has produced thousands of manuals and supports more than half of IS-BAO registered operators. AviationManuals’ current focus is on Mobile Safety Management Systems through easy-to-use modules and apps.
Products and services include its ARC © SMS software and corresponding iPad app for its online subscribers, Flight/Company Operations Manuals, International Operations and Procedures Manuals, Minimum Equipment Lists, Emergency Response Plans, and Internal Audit Programs, as well as Letters of Authorization (LOA) support for RVSM, Data Link (CPDLC / ADS-C), and EFBs. AviationManuals is a member of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) and a part of its Leadership Council, International Business Aviation Council (IBAC), the National Air Transportation Association (NATA) and Flight Safety Foundation. For more information go to aviationmanuals.com.