RTI International is a trade name of Research Triangle Institute 

3000 N. Atlantic Avenue • Cocoa Beach, Florida 32931-5029 

Contract No. DTFA01-01-D-03007 

RTI Report No. RTI/ 08087/007/3.2-Vol5F 

11/18/2004

Reusable Launch Vehicle Operations 

and Maintenance Guideline Inputs and 

Technical Evaluation Report: 

Approval - Volume 5 

 

Final Report 

Prepared for 

Department of Transportation 

Federal Aviation Administration 

Associate Administrator for Commercial Space Transportation 

AST-200 Licensing and Safety Division 

800 Independence Avenue, SW 

Washington, DC 20591

Center for Aerospace Technology
 

NOTICE 

This document is disseminated under the sponsorship of the U.S. Department of 

Transportation in the interest of information exchange. The United States 

Government assumes no liability for the contents or use thereof. The United 

States Government does not endorse products or manufacturers. Trade or 

manufacturers’ names may appear herein solely when they are considered 

essential to the objective of the report. This document does not contain any 

proprietary information. Consult the FAA Associate Administrator for Commercial 

Space Transportation (FAA/AST) as to the appropriateness of use of any parts of 

this document on a specific project. 
 

Reusable Launch Vehicle Operations and Maintenance Guideline Inputs and 

Technical Evaluation Report: 

Approval - Volume 5 

 

Final Report 

Prepared by 

J. Timothy Middendorf 

Janice Mendonca 

Of 

Research Triangle Institute 

Center for Aerospace Technology-Florida Office 

Department of Transportation 

Federal Aviation Administration 

Associate Administrator for Commercial Space Transportation 

AST-200 Licensing and Safety Division 

800 Independence Avenue, SW 

Washington, DC 20591
 

Revision History

Release Author Date Changes Incorporated 

Draft RTI 11/5/04 Draft Release to FAA 

Final RTI 11/18/04 Final Release to FAA/AST 

 
RTI/08087/007/3.2-Vol5F i 11/18/2004 

Table of Contents 

Table of Contents ................................................................................................i

List of Figures.....................................................................................................ii

List of Tables.......................................................................................................ii

Executive Summary...........................................................................................iii

1.0 Introduction ..............................................................................................1

1.1 Purpose..................................................................................................1

1.2 Background ............................................................................................1

1.3 Scope .....................................................................................................3

1.4 Relationship to RLV Licensing................................................................4

1.5 Subsystem and Functional Context........................................................5

2.0 Approval Decomposition.........................................................................8

3.0 General Approval Guideline Recommendations...................................9

4.0 Develop Approval Process....................................................................11

4.1 General Discussion ..............................................................................11

4.2 Guideline Input Considerations ............................................................11

4.3 Guideline Recommendations ...............................................................12

5.0 Approve Personnel ................................................................................13

5.1 General Discussion ..............................................................................14

5.2 Guideline Input Considerations ............................................................16

5.3 Guideline Recommendations ...............................................................18

6.0 Approve Facilities/Equipment/Materials/Procedures..........................20

6.1 General Discussion ..............................................................................25

6.2 Guideline Input Considerations ............................................................26

6.3 Guideline Recommendations ...............................................................29

7.0 Record & Report ....................................................................................30

7.1 General Discussion ..............................................................................30

7.2 Guideline Input Considerations ............................................................30

7.3 Guideline Recommendations ...............................................................32

Appendix A: Acronyms/Terminology..............................................................33

Appendix B: RLV Guideline Input Suggestion Form .....................................43

Appendix C: Traceability of Approval Function Decomposition ..................45

Endnotes ...........................................................................................................49
RTI/08087/007/3.2-Vol5F ii 11/18/2004 

List of Figures

Figure 1 RLV Context Diagram.............................................................................5

Figure 2 RLV O&M Context ..................................................................................6

Figure 3 Guidance Document Process .................................................................7

Figure 4 Approval Functional Decomposition .......................................................8

Figure 5 Current Approval Functional Decomposition ........................................45

Figure 6 Previous Approval Functional Decomposition ......................................46

List of Tables 

Table 1 Develop Approval Definitions.................................................................11

Table 2 Approve Personnel Definitions...............................................................13

Table 3 Approve FEMP Definitions.....................................................................20

Table 4 Record and Report Sub-function Definitions..........................................30

Table 5 Approve Sub-Function Traceability........................................................47
Reusable Launch Vehicle Operations and Maintenance Executive Summary 

Guideline Inputs and Technical Evaluation Report 

Approval-Volume 5 

RTI/08087/007/3.2-Vol5F iii 11/18/2004 

Executive Summary 

Development of commercial Reusable Launch Vehicles (RLVs) continues to be 

of great interest to many private companies. The appeal rests in an RLV’s ability 

to be reused allowing multiple uses taking people and equipment to and from 

space (e.g., cargo and “tourism”) and amortize development costs over the life of 

the operational vehicle. Commercial RLV companies plan to use both existing 

and new technologies in the design/development of a launch system. RLV 

Operations and Maintenance (O&M) of new launch systems have the potential to 

affect public safety; therefore, the Federal Aviation Administration’s Office of 

Commercial Space Transportation (FAA/AST) is in the process of developing 

guidelines for RLV O&M activities. These guidelines may be used to evaluate an 

RLV developer’s/operator’s license application. 

This Guideline Input and Technical Evaluation Report is intended to capture an 

initial set of Guideline Inputs (GIs) and Guideline Input Considerations (GICs) 

specific to the various functions associated with RLV approval for any RLV 

concept, large or small, orbital or suborbital. This volume is the fifth of five such 

volumes; the first volume addressed RLV Subsystems; the second, RLV 

Operations; the third, RLV Maintenance; and the fourth volume, RLV Training 

functions. 

A total of four functions within the approval domain have been identified for 

development of approval guideline inputs. Each of these functions relate to a 

unique set of sub-functions for RLV approval. The focus and intent of this task, 

Order (0002), has been to capture potential public safety risks that should be 

considered relative to RLV approval. In order to ensure these guidelines have 

been considered by the RLV developer/operator, RTI proposes that a series of 

manuals be required as part of the final license application: Operations, 

Maintenance, Training, and Approval. These manuals would allow an RLV 

developer/operator to specify how they intend to address FAA/AST O&M 

Guidelines and the current requirements contained in the RLV Mission License 

Rule in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) (14 CFR Part 431). In this way, 

the RLV developer or operator has the ability to stipulate which of these 

guidelines are relevant to their vehicle design and ensure that public safety 

considerations associated with RLV O&M tasks, such as those in this Approval 

volume, have been fully addressed. 

In summary, the Guideline Inputs in this volume, and in the other four Guideline 

Input volumes, are intended to contribute to a common set of criteria by which 

the FAA and the RLV Industry can assess public safety aspects of RLV O&M 

processes. As the industry matures, it is expected that additional guidelines will 

be developed. These Guideline Input volumes are considered to be living 

documents that will be developed as the RLV industry matures. 
Reusable Launch Vehicle Operations and Maintenance Executive Summary 

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Reusable Launch Vehicle Operations and Maintenance Introduction 

Guideline Inputs and Technical Evaluation Report 

Approval-Volume 5 

RTI/08087/007/3.2-Vol5F 1 11/18/2004 

1.0 Introduction 

Reusable Launch Vehicles (RLVs) will require guidelines and regulatory 

language to be developed for new approaches in both Operations and 

Maintenance (O&M). These approaches may have a direct effect on public safety 

where RLVs are being operated and maintained. This Guideline Input and 

Technical Evaluation Report is intended to capture an initial set of Guideline 

Inputs (GIs) and Guideline Input Considerations (GICs) centered around the 

various functions associated with RLV approval, for any RLV concept, large or 

small, orbital or suborbital. This volume is the fifth of five such volumes: the first 

volume addresses RLV Subsystems; the second, RLV Operations; third, RLV 

Maintenance; and the fourth volume addresses RLV Training Functions. The 

inputs identified in this volume, and in the other four Guideline Input volumes, 

contribute to a common set of criteria by which the FAA and the RLV industry 

can assess public safety aspects of RLV O&M processes. As the RLV industry 

matures, it is expected that additional guidelines will be developed; making these 

living documents that will evolve as the RLV industry evolves. 

1.1 Purpose 

The purpose of this document is to provide basic Guideline Inputs and 

Considerations for RLV approval based on top-level “pertinent” RLV approval 

functions. The intent is for these Guideline Inputs and Considerations to be 

general enough to be applicable for any RLV concept. In this context, “pertinent” 

approval is considered any activity associated with RLV approval process 

development, actual approval tasks for personnel, facilities, equipment, material, 

and procedures, and reporting & recording that has a potential public safety 

impact. The functions identified here encompass activities associated with a 

variety of Concept of Operations (CONOPS) being proposed by the industry. 

1.2 Background 

These Guideline Inputs are the result of a focused effort by Federal Aviation 

Administration’s Office of Commercial Space Transportation (FAA/AST) to 

facilitate a common understanding between both regulator and industry on what 

is expected from RLV Operators in order to ensure public safety. The creation of 

these Guideline Inputs was prompted by the response to an FAA/AST 

presentation of an RLV O&M White Paper to the Commercial Space 

Transportation Advisory Committee (COMSTAC) in October of 19991

. 

Industry feedback to that paper, along with FAA-directed research activities, led 

to the initiation of an information-only Rulemaking Project Record (RPR) intended 

to establish formal rules for RLV O&M. These Guideline Inputs represent an 

interim step toward a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) for RLV O&M and 

are intended to serve as a means by which those items requiring formalization as 

a rule can be identified and validated both by the FAA and by industry. However, 

it should be recognized that an NPRM would only be developed after the RLV 

industry is sufficiently mature. 
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RTI used the Systems Functions and Procedural Items identified during previous 

FAA tasking2

 as a starting point. It was determined that a general model was 

needed to place the Systems Functions and Procedural Items in context. These 

have been further developed in a subsequent tasking and now in this Order 

(0002). A context diagram, Figure 1 in Section 1.5, was developed to provide this 

contextual framework, as well as provide a means of marrying the O&M topdown analysis, being completed by RTI, with the bottom-up analysis, being 

accomplished internally within the FAA. 

1.2.1 Statement of Understanding 

A Statement of Understanding (SOU) between the FAA and the RTI Team has 

been developed to govern each of the RLV O&M tasks. The following text 

presents the SOU developed for this effort: 

“The RTI Team will continue to support FAA/AST-100 in the development of 

RLV O&M guidelines and technical evaluation criteria. 

This task will build on the work accomplished in the RLV O&M Top-Down 

Analyses performed under DO2 and DO3 and complement the RLV O&M 

Guidelines developed under DO4 of the reference contract. In particular, the 

RTI Team will develop material to aid FAA/AST-100 identify the O&M 

technical evaluation criteria and performance standards for safety-critical RLV 

maintenance, training, and approval functions. In performing the specified 

work, particular attention will be made to any unique features, including 

proven and unproven RLV O&M activities, and their correlation to any historic 

lessons-learned in the Space Shuttle, airline and RLV research community. 

Under Order 0002, RTI will deliver the final guideline input volumes: 

Maintenance - Volume 3, Training – Volume 4, and Approval - Volume 5. 

The following summarizes specific topics that will be addressed: 

1. Guideline inputs and rationale: 

The major RLV O&M subsystem and function safety items, as they pertain 

to the subject volumes, will be developed into guideline inputs along with 

the supporting rationale. These will be presented in the format approved 

by FAA/AST under DO4. 

2. Further refinement of the Subsystem and Functional Decomposition: 

A number of modifications to the current Functional Decomposition 

diagrams have been identified including the need to add Functions for 

Contingency Operations, Vehicle Configuration Management, and 

Simulation Requirements .The Functional Decomposition diagrams will be 

modified to reflect the functional refinements, as required. 

3. Continued data collection from the aviation and space domains: 

Continue to extract information from traditional aviation, the Space Shuttle, 

and other RLV programs in support of the guideline and technical 

evaluation criteria development.” 
Reusable Launch Vehicle Operations and Maintenance Introduction 

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1.3 Scope 

The following Guideline Inputs are intended for use by the RLV Industry and the 

FAA’s Office of Commercial Space Transportation in the preparation and 

evaluation of commercial RLV license applications and O&M plans. The scope of 

these Guideline Inputs is bounded by the jurisdictional authority provided to the 

FAA by Congress 112 STAT. 2848 (Public Law 105-303-Oct. 28, 1998). 

Additionally, these Guideline Inputs do not affect or amend the content of the 

licensing rules, but rather are designed to help the FAA and RLV Industry jointly 

ensure the rules are both followed and applied in a consistent manner. 

1.3.1 Guideline Input Philosophy 

These Guideline Inputs have been developed to serve as a repository for 

best/recommended practices. It is expected that a portion of these practices will 

ultimately be formalized in a federal regulation that will govern the commercial 

RLV Industry. Some inputs may be revisited as newer technologies are 

developed and better procedures emerge as the industry matures. 

A wide variety of sources were reviewed and analyzed to develop the content of 

these Guideline Inputs. Primary consideration was given to lessons-learned 

drawn from the aviation and space community. In some cases, these lessons are 

explicit and are clearly technology-independent public safety issues and thus 

could be written as a requirement. In these cases, Guideline Inputs (GIs) have 

been developed and the term “shall” is used. These GIs are numbered 

sequentially with a Approval Function prefix (e.g., the first Develop Approval 

Process Guideline Input is numbered Dev App Process GI-1.) It is reasonable to 

assume that these items will be included in any subsequent rule development 

governing RLV O&M. 

In many cases, however, the lesson or issue being evaluated is less clearly 

defined and sufficient experience or research is not available to validate the 

lesson or issue. Others are technology dependent and only apply to a narrow set 

of RLV concepts. For these cases, Guideline Input Considerations (GICs) have 

been developed and the term “should” is used. These GICs are numbered 

sequentially with a Approval Function prefix (e.g., the first Dev Approval Process 

Guideline Input Consideration is numbered Dev App Process GIC-1.) While 

these are candidates for inclusion in any subsequent rulemaking, it is reasonable 

to assume that further work may be required. 

Please note that there are many additional safety issues that an RLV Operator 

should consider for the safety of trainers and students; FAA/AST is only currently 

charged with public safety concerns. Further, no delineation of when and how 

rules would be applied is made in these considerations. Some guidelines may be 

considered during the licensing stage while others may be considered as 

repeated launches are executed for the same RLV under a launch license. 
Reusable Launch Vehicle Operations and Maintenance Introduction 

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Within the following sections, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration 

(OSHA) is highlighted in many of the Inter/Intra Agency Considerations 

subsections. Although OSHA is concerned with worker safety and not the 

general public, the authors of this document believe that jurisdictional issues 

need to be addressed for cases where a worker safety situation escalates into a 

public safety concern. 

1.3.2 Suggestion Form 

It should be noted that these Guideline Inputs are expected to evolve as the 

industry matures and additional data becomes available, either from research or 

through actual flight activity. The reader is encouraged to share their experiences 

and knowledge through use of the Suggestion Form in Appendix B: RLV 

Guideline Input Suggestion Form. It is the FAA’s intent to periodically review 

these Guideline Inputs to ensure they are current, particularly with respect to 

issues that are technology dependent or unique RLV concepts appear. 

1.4 Relationship to RLV Licensing 

The impetus for this effort was to provide a common set of criteria related to 

O&M that could be used by FAA/AST to evaluate RLV operator license 

applications. While approval may be considered less important than operations 

and maintenance from a public safety perspective; it is the mechanism by which 

safe operations and maintenance are conducted. The Guideline Inputs and the 

related Guideline Input Considerations contained in this volume are focused on 

RLV approval with particular emphasis placed on issues unique to the function 

being addressed. Failure to follow these guidelines could pose a potential risk to 

the public. RLV developers/operators are expected to explain how each 

Guideline is satisfied for their particular vehicle design. 

In a previous tasking, the RTI team proposed a formal set of readiness reviews, 

one for operations and one for maintenance. In addition, the concepts of 

Instructions for Continued Flight-worthiness (ICF) and an Operations or Flight 

Manual were introduced. The reviews were intended to be focused activities 

within the context of the overall mission readiness review required by the RLV 

licensing rule. 

As research continued, RTI proposed the need for an Operations Plan, an 

Operations Manual, a Maintenance Plan and a Maintenance Manual to further 

clarify the RLV developer/operator’s approach as it applies to public safety. 

Similarly, RTI advocates that the RLV developer/operator should provide Training 

and Approval Plans/Manuals. The Approval Manual identifies how the RLV 

Operator will implement the pertinent requirements and guidance that are 

documented in the RLV developer/operator’s Approval Plan. The Approval Plan 

is considered by RTI to be similar in scope and breadth to the Operations and 

Maintenance Program Plans. Note that the Approval Manual can be packaged as 

part of the Operations Manual, the Maintenance Manual, a combined document, 

or as an individual document. This is at the discretion of the RLV 
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developer/operator, provided that the data is clearly identified. The four 

documents (Operations Manual, Maintenance Manual, Training Manual, and 

Approval Manual), taken together, will give individual RLV developers/operators 

a venue to communicate how they will address FAA Guidelines. At the same 

time, the use of a common set of manuals will help FAA/AST evaluate the 

appropriateness and completeness of the provided data in a uniform manner. 

1.5 Subsystem and Functional Context 

Functional Guideline Inputs have been developed for those activities associated 

with operations and maintenance, as well as the related areas of training and 

approval. Figure 1 illustrates how these four areas relate to one another and 

where they fit into the broader scope of RLV licensing, approvals, and RLV 

development. It should be noted that this effort considers only the items to the 

right of the vertical line in Figure 1. This relationship is highlighted in Figure 2. 

Figure 1 RLV Context Diagram 

Proposed FAR 4xx(s)

Demonstrate

Flight-worthiness

Train 

Fly 

(Operations) 

Proposed FAR 491

 Design/Production impacts:

Operations

 Design/Production impacts:

Maintenance

Operating Approval

Maintain 

(Maintenance) 

Proposed FAR 443

Flight Ground

Approve 

(Personnel/Facilities/

Equipment/Material/

Procedures)

Proposed FAR 4xx(s)

Design Prototype Design Safety

Approval

Launch/ Reentry

License

FAR 431

Produce 

Production

Process

Approval

Develop 

Business 

Plan 

Identify 

Market 

Continued 

Flight-worthiness

 Accident/Incident Lessons Learned
Reusable Launch Vehicle Operations and Maintenance Introduction 

Guideline Inputs and Technical Evaluation Report 

Approval-Volume 5 

RTI/08087/007/3.2-Vol5F 6 11/18/2004 

Figure 2 RLV O&M Context 

It should also be noted that this top-down analysis is being supplemented by a 

bottom-up analysis effort being conducted by FAA/AST. The two efforts taken 

together are intended to serve as the basis for guidance development in the area 

of RLV O&M, see Figure 3. 

Proposed FAR 4xx(s)

Train

Fly

(Operations)

Proposed FAR 491

Operating Approval

Maintain

(Maintenance)

Proposed FAR 443

Flight Ground

Approve

(Personnel/Facilities/

Equipment/Material/

Procedures)

Launch/Reentry 

License 

FAR 431

Continued Flight-worthiness
Reusable Launch Vehicle Operations and Maintenance Introduction 

Guideline Inputs and Technical Evaluation Report 

Approval-Volume 5 

RTI/08087/007/3.2-Vol5F 7 11/18/2004 

Figure 3 Guidance Document Process 

As shown in Figure 3, the ultimate product of this activity is expected to be one or 

more guidance documents from the FAA. The FAA has realized that given the 

current level of maturity within the commercial RLV industry, the best approach to 

take in the near-term is the production of guidelines that can be employed by 

both the FAA and industry to evaluate proposed RLV’s O&M activities effect on 

public safety. With this in mind, the top-down analysis has been organized 

around a “divide and conquer” approach where individual subsystems and 

functions are examined for their potential contribution to public safety. 

The following sections describe each top-level function and major sub-functions; 

provide definitions for each function and sub-function; and provides a brief 

treatment of the major public-safety considerations for each function. It should be 

noted that the functions depicted and discussed are presented in terms of an 

action, hence the term “function”. 

Bottoms-Up Analysis

FAA Guidance

Products

Orders

Advisory Circulars

Rules

Guidelines

FAA/

AST

Training/Approval

(Part 465 )

Maintenance

(Part 443)

Operations

(Parts 465 & 491)

Integrate

Updates

Vol 5 

Guideline

Inputs

Vol 4 

Guideline

Inputs

Updates

Vol 3 

Guideline

Inputs

Updates

Vol 2 

Guideline

Inputs

Updates

Vol 1 

Guideline

Inputs

Updates

Top-Down Analysis

RTI/ 

FAAC

Proposed FAR 4xx(s)

Demonstrate

Flightworthiness

Train

Fly (Operations)

Proposed FAR 491

Design/Production impacts: Operations

Design/Production impacts: Maintenance

Operating Approval

Maintain (Maintenance)

Proposed FAR 443

Flight Ground

Approve (Personnel/Facilities/

Equipment/Material/

Procedures)

Proposed FAR 4xx(s)

Design Prototype Design Safety

Approval

Launch/Reentry License

FAR 431

Produce

Production

Process

Approval

Develop

Business Plan

Identify

Market

Continued Flightworthiness

CONTEXT

Approval

Training

Maintenance

Operations

Subsystems

Training Administer Knowledge Test

Administer Practical Test

Develop Training

Perform Training

Test

Report & Record

Develop Curriculum

Develop Materials

Develop Currency Requirements

Develop Simulators

Develop Facilities

Train Subsystems

Train Functions

Train Ground Ops

Train Flight Ops

Train Maintenance

Train Flight Crew

Train Maintainers/ Technicians

Train Other Personnel

Train Maintainers/ Technicians

Train Flight Crew

Train Other Personnel

Personnel Training

Approval

Approve Ground Ops Personnel

Approve Flight Ops Personnel

Approve Maintenance Personnel

Approve Ground Crew

Approve Other Personnel

Approve Maintainers/ Technicians

Approve Flight Crew

Approve Other Personnel Personnel Approval

Facilities/ Equip/ Material/ Procedures Approval

Approve Fac/Equip/Mat/ Procs Acceptance

Approve Operations Fac/ Equip/Mat/Procs

Approve Maintenance Fac/Equip/Mat/ Procs

Approve Training Fac/Equip/Mat

Approve Curriculum

Approve Materials

Approve Training Currency Requirements

Approve Training Simulators

Approve Training Facilities Approval Approve Other Personnel (Personnel/ Facilities/ Equipment/ Material/ Procedures)

Approve Ops Materials

Approve Ops Equipment

Approve Ops Facilities

Approve Maint Materials

Approve Maint Equipment

Approve Maint Facilities

Develop /Approve Acceptance Scenarios Develop /Approve AcceptanceMaterials

Apply Proficiency Standards

Develop /Approve Acceptance Equip/ Simulators Develop /Approve Acceptance Facilities

Approve Maint Procedures

Approve Ops Procedures

Approve Training Procs

Approve Acceptance Procedures

SubSystems Propulsion

Communications

Nav/Guidance

Flight Control

TPS

Software

Structures

Hydraulics

Pneumatics

Payload/People Systems

Crew Systems

Flight Safety System

Environmental Systems

Surveillance System

Propellant Management System

Health Monitor & Data Recorders

Land/Recovery Systems

Facilities

Ground Support Equipment

Operations

Approval

Training

Maintenance

Operations

(Operations)

Operations

Launch

Fly

Flight Operations

Perform Ground Operations

Prepare Ground

Operations

Recover

Land

Plan Flight

Monitor Vehicle Health

Assess Over-Flight Risk

Analyze Impact Limit Lines

Perform COLA & COMBO

Interact with ATC/STC/ Coast Guard

Plan Trajectory

Transport

Integrate Vehicle

Handle Hazard Material

Protect Personnel

Manage Propellant

Hazard Material Handling

Monitor Vehicle Health

Payload/Passenger Egress

Transport

Communicate

Personnel Protection

Manage Propellant

Monitor Vehicle Health

Manage Flight

Liftoff

Manage Environment

Interact with ATC/STC

Communicate

Monitor Vehicle Health

Manage Flight

Cmd& Ctrl Flight Safety

Manage Environment

Interact with ATC/STC Communicate

Monitor Vehicle Health

Manage Flight

Cmd& Ctrl Flight Safety Manage Flight

Interact with ATC/STC

Communicate

Operate GSE/Facilties

De-Orbit/ Re-enter

Control Flight

Track Vehicle

Surveil Flight Environment

Propel

Monitor Vehicle Health

Manage Flight

Cmd& Ctrl Flight Safety

Manage Environment

Interact with ATC/STC Communicate

Control Flight

Track Vehicle

Propel

Surveil Flight Environment

Stage

Control Flight

Track Vehicle

Surveil Flight Environment

Maintenance

Maintain

System

(Maintenance) Perform Turn Around Maintenance

Perform Part/Subsystem Life-Cycle Replacement

Correct Deficiencies

Perform Post Flight Inspections

Perform Un-Scheduled

Maintenance

Diagnose

Inspect

Repair

Alter

Report

Diagnose

Inspect

Repair

Alter

Report

Perform Pre-Flight Inspection

Perform Interval Dri ven

Maintenance

Perform

Scheduled Maintenance

Return to Service

Return to Service

Bottoms-Up Analysis

FAA Guidance

Products

Orders

Advisory Circulars

Rules

Guidelines

FAA/

AST

Training/Approval

(Part 465 )

Maintenance

(Part 443)

Operations

(Parts 465 & 491)

Integrate

Updates

Vol 5 

Guideline

Inputs

Vol 4 

Guideline

Inputs

Updates

Vol 3 

Guideline

Inputs

Updates

Vol 2 

Guideline

Inputs

Updates

Vol 1 

Guideline

Inputs

Updates

Top-Down Analysis

RTI/ 

FAAC

Proposed FAR 4xx(s)

Demonstrate

Flightworthiness

Train

Fly (Operations)

Proposed FAR 491

Design/Production impacts: Operations

Design/Production impacts: Maintenance

Operating Approval

Maintain (Maintenance)

Proposed FAR 443

Flight Ground

Approve (Personnel/Facilities/

Equipment/Material/

Procedures)

Proposed FAR 4xx(s)

Design Prototype Design Safety

Approval

Launch/Reentry License

FAR 431

Produce

Production

Process

Approval

Develop

Business Plan

Identify

Market

Continued Flightworthiness

CONTEXT

Proposed FAR 4xx(s)

Demonstrate

Flightworthiness

Train

Fly (Operations)

Proposed FAR 491

Design/Production impacts: Operations

Design/Production impacts: Maintenance

Operating Approval

Maintain (Maintenance)

Proposed FAR 443

Flight Ground

Approve (Personnel/Facilities/

Equipment/Material/

Procedures)

Proposed FAR 4xx(s)

Design Prototype Design Safety

Approval

Launch/Reentry License

FAR 431

Produce

Production

Process

Approval

Develop

Business Plan

Identify

Market

Continued Flightworthiness

Proposed FAR 4xx(s)

Demonstrate

Flightworthiness

Train

Fly (Operations)

Proposed FAR 491

Design/Production impacts: Operations

Design/Production impacts: Maintenance

Operating Approval

Maintain (Maintenance)

Proposed FAR 443

Flight Ground

Approve (Personnel/Facilities/

Equipment/Material/

Procedures)

Proposed FAR 4xx(s)

Design Prototype Design Safety

Approval

Launch/Reentry License

FAR 431

Produce

Production

Process

Approval

Develop

Business Plan

Identify

Market

Continued Flightworthiness

Proposed FAR 4xx(s)

Demonstrate

Flightworthiness

Train

Fly (Operations)

Proposed FAR 491

Design/Production impacts: Operations

Design/Production impacts: Maintenance

Operating Approval

Maintain (Maintenance)

Proposed FAR 443

Flight Ground

Approve (Personnel/Facilities/

Equipment/Material/

Procedures)

Proposed FAR 4xx(s)

Design Prototype Design Safety

Approval

Launch/Reentry License

FAR 431

Produce

Production

Process

Approval

Develop

Business Plan

Identify

Market

Continued Flightworthiness

CONTEXT

Approval

Training

Maintenance

Operations

Subsystems

Training Administer Knowledge Test

Administer Practical Test

Develop Training

Perform Training

Test

Report & Record

Develop Curriculum

Develop Materials

Develop Currency Requirements

Develop Simulators

Develop Facilities

Train Subsystems

Train Functions

Train Ground Ops

Train Flight Ops

Train Maintenance

Train Flight Crew

Train Maintainers/ Technicians

Train Other Personnel

Train Maintainers/ Technicians

Train Flight Crew

Train Other Personnel

Personnel Training Training Administer Knowledge Test

Administer Practical Test

Develop Training

Perform Training

Test

Report & Record

Develop Curriculum

Develop Materials

Develop Currency Requirements

Develop Simulators

Develop Facilities

Train Subsystems

Train Functions

Train Ground Ops

Train Flight Ops

Train Maintenance

Train Flight Crew

Train Maintainers/ Technicians

Train Other Personnel

Train Maintainers/ Technicians

Train Flight Crew

Train Other Personnel

Personnel Training

Administer Knowledge Test

Administer Practical Test

Develop Training

Perform Training

Test

Report & Record

Develop Curriculum

Develop Materials

Develop Currency Requirements

Develop Simulators

Develop Facilities

Train Subsystems

Train Functions

Train Ground Ops

Train Flight Ops

Train Maintenance

Train Flight Crew

Train Maintainers/ Technicians

Train Other Personnel

Train Maintainers/ Technicians

Train Flight Crew

Train Other Personnel

Personnel Training

Administer Knowledge Test

Administer Practical Test

Develop Training

Perform Training

Test

Report & Record

Develop Curriculum

Develop Materials

Develop Currency Requirements

Develop Simulators

Develop Facilities

Train Subsystems

Train Functions

Train Ground Ops

Train Flight Ops

Train Maintenance

Train Flight Crew

Train Maintainers/ Technicians

Train Other Personnel

Train Maintainers/ Technicians

Train Flight Crew

Train Other Personnel

Personnel Training

Approval

Approve Ground Ops Personnel

Approve Flight Ops Personnel

Approve Maintenance Personnel

Approve Ground Crew

Approve Other Personnel

Approve Maintainers/ Technicians

Approve Flight Crew

Approve Other Personnel Personnel Approval

Facilities/ Equip/ Material/ Procedures Approval

Approve Fac/Equip/Mat/ Procs Acceptance

Approve Operations Fac/ Equip/Mat/Procs

Approve Maintenance Fac/Equip/Mat/ Procs

Approve Training Fac/Equip/Mat

Approve Curriculum

Approve Materials

Approve Training Currency Requirements

Approve Training Simulators

Approve Training Facilities Approval Approve Other Personnel (Personnel/ Facilities/ Equipment/ Material/ Procedures)

Approve Ops Materials

Approve Ops Equipment

Approve Ops Facilities

Approve Maint Materials

Approve Maint Equipment

Approve Maint Facilities

Develop /Approve Acceptance Scenarios Develop /Approve AcceptanceMaterials

Apply Proficiency Standards

Develop /Approve Acceptance Equip/ Simulators Develop /Approve Acceptance Facilities

Approve Maint Procedures

Approve Ops Procedures

Approve Training Procs

Approve Acceptance Procedures

Approval

Approve Ground Ops Personnel

Approve Flight Ops Personnel

Approve Maintenance Personnel

Approve Ground Crew

Approve Other Personnel

Approve Maintainers/ Technicians

Approve Flight Crew

Approve Other Personnel Personnel Approval

Facilities/ Equip/ Material/ Procedures Approval

Approve Fac/Equip/Mat/ Procs Acceptance

Approve Operations Fac/ Equip/Mat/Procs

Approve Maintenance Fac/Equip/Mat/ Procs

Approve Training Fac/Equip/Mat

Approve Curriculum

Approve Materials

Approve Training Currency Requirements

Approve Training Simulators

Approve Training Facilities Approval Approve Other Personnel (Personnel/ Facilities/ Equipment/ Material/ Procedures)

Approve Ops Materials

Approve Ops Equipment

Approve Ops Facilities

Approve Maint Materials

Approve Maint Equipment

Approve Maint Facilities

Develop /Approve Acceptance Scenarios Develop /Approve AcceptanceMaterials

Apply Proficiency Standards

Develop /Approve Acceptance Equip/ Simulators Develop /Approve Acceptance Facilities

Approve Maint Procedures

Approve Ops Procedures

Approve Training Procs

Approve Acceptance Procedures

Approve Ground Ops Personnel

Approve Flight Ops Personnel

Approve Maintenance Personnel

Approve Ground Crew

Approve Other Personnel

Approve Maintainers/ Technicians

Approve Flight Crew

Approve Other Personnel Personnel Approval

Facilities/ Equip/ Material/ Procedures Approval

Approve Fac/Equip/Mat/ Procs Acceptance

Approve Operations Fac/ Equip/Mat/Procs

Approve Maintenance Fac/Equip/Mat/ Procs

Approve Training Fac/Equip/Mat

Approve Curriculum

Approve Materials

Approve Training Currency Requirements

Approve Training Simulators

Approve Training Facilities Approval Approve Other Personnel (Personnel/ Facilities/ Equipment/ Material/ Procedures)

Approve Ops Materials

Approve Ops Equipment

Approve Ops Facilities

Approve Maint Materials

Approve Maint Equipment

Approve Maint Facilities

Develop /Approve Acceptance Scenarios Develop /Approve AcceptanceMaterials

Apply Proficiency Standards

Develop /Approve Acceptance Equip/ Simulators Develop /Approve Acceptance Facilities

Approve Maint Procedures

Approve Ops Procedures

Approve Training Procs

Approve Acceptance Procedures

Approve Ground Ops Personnel

Approve Flight Ops Personnel

Approve Maintenance Personnel

Approve Ground Crew

Approve Other Personnel

Approve Maintainers/ Technicians

Approve Flight Crew

Approve Other Personnel Personnel Approval

Facilities/ Equip/ Material/ Procedures Approval

Approve Fac/Equip/Mat/ Procs Acceptance

Approve Operations Fac/ Equip/Mat/Procs

Approve Maintenance Fac/Equip/Mat/ Procs

Approve Training Fac/Equip/Mat

Approve Curriculum

Approve Materials

Approve Training Currency Requirements

Approve Training Simulators

Approve Training Facilities Approval Approve Other Personnel (Personnel/ Facilities/ Equipment/ Material/ Procedures)

Approve Ops Materials

Approve Ops Equipment

Approve Ops Facilities

Approve Maint Materials

Approve Maint Equipment

Approve Maint Facilities

Develop /Approve Acceptance Scenarios Develop /Approve AcceptanceMaterials

Apply Proficiency Standards

Develop /Approve Acceptance Equip/ Simulators Develop /Approve Acceptance Facilities

Approve Maint Procedures

Approve Ops Procedures

Approve Training Procs

Approve Acceptance Procedures

SubSystems Propulsion

Communications

Nav/Guidance

Flight Control

TPS

Software

Structures

Hydraulics

Pneumatics

Payload/People Systems

Crew Systems

Flight Safety System

Environmental Systems

Surveillance System

Propellant Management System

Health Monitor & Data Recorders

Land/Recovery Systems

Facilities

Ground Support Equipment

Operations

Approval

Training

Maintenance

SubSystems Propulsion

Communications

Nav/Guidance

Flight Control

TPS

Software

Structures

Hydraulics

Pneumatics

Payload/People Systems

Crew Systems

Flight Safety System

Environmental Systems

Surveillance System

Propellant Management System

Health Monitor & Data Recorders

Land/Recovery Systems

Facilities

Ground Support Equipment

Operations

Approval

Training

Maintenance

Propulsion

Communications

Nav/Guidance

Flight Control

TPS

Software

Structures

Hydraulics

Pneumatics

Payload/People Systems

Crew Systems

Flight Safety System

Environmental Systems

Surveillance System

Propellant Management System

Health Monitor & Data Recorders

Land/Recovery Systems

Facilities

Ground Support Equipment

Operations

Approval

Training

Maintenance

Propulsion

Communications

Nav/Guidance

Flight Control

TPS

Software

Structures

Hydraulics

Pneumatics

Payload/People Systems

Crew Systems

Flight Safety System

Environmental Systems

Surveillance System

Propellant Management System

Health Monitor & Data Recorders

Land/Recovery Systems

Facilities

Ground Support Equipment

Operations

Approval

Training

Maintenance

Operations

(Operations)

Operations

Launch

Fly

Flight Operations

Perform Ground Operations

Prepare Ground

Operations

Recover

Land

Plan Flight

Monitor Vehicle Health

Assess Over-Flight Risk

Analyze Impact Limit Lines

Perform COLA & COMBO

Interact with ATC/STC/ Coast Guard

Plan Trajectory

Transport

Integrate Vehicle

Handle Hazard Material

Protect Personnel

Manage Propellant

Hazard Material Handling

Monitor Vehicle Health

Payload/Passenger Egress

Transport

Communicate

Personnel Protection

Manage Propellant

Monitor Vehicle Health

Manage Flight

Liftoff

Manage Environment

Interact with ATC/STC

Communicate

Monitor Vehicle Health

Manage Flight

Cmd& Ctrl Flight Safety

Manage Environment

Interact with ATC/STC Communicate

Monitor Vehicle Health

Manage Flight

Cmd& Ctrl Flight Safety Manage Flight

Interact with ATC/STC

Communicate

Operate GSE/Facilties

De-Orbit/ Re-enter

Control Flight

Track Vehicle

Surveil Flight Environment

Propel

Monitor Vehicle Health

Manage Flight

Cmd& Ctrl Flight Safety

Manage Environment

Interact with ATC/STC Communicate

Control Flight

Track Vehicle

Propel

Surveil Flight Environment

Stage

Control Flight

Track Vehicle

Surveil Flight Environment

Operations

(Operations)

Operations

Launch

Fly

Flight Operations

Perform Ground Operations

Prepare Ground

Operations

Recover

Land

Plan Flight

Monitor Vehicle Health

Assess Over-Flight Risk

Analyze Impact Limit Lines

Perform COLA & COMBO

Interact with ATC/STC/ Coast Guard

Plan Trajectory

Transport

Integrate Vehicle

Handle Hazard Material

Protect Personnel

Manage Propellant

Hazard Material Handling

Monitor Vehicle Health

Payload/Passenger Egress

Transport

Communicate

Personnel Protection

Manage Propellant

Monitor Vehicle Health

Manage Flight

Liftoff

Manage Environment

Interact with ATC/STC

Communicate

Monitor Vehicle Health

Manage Flight

Cmd& Ctrl Flight Safety

Manage Environment

Interact with ATC/STC Communicate

Monitor Vehicle Health

Manage Flight

Cmd& Ctrl Flight Safety Manage Flight

Interact with ATC/STC

Communicate

Operate GSE/Facilties

De-Orbit/ Re-enter

Control Flight

Track Vehicle

Surveil Flight Environment

Propel

Monitor Vehicle Health

Manage Flight

Cmd& Ctrl Flight Safety

Manage Environment

Interact with ATC/STC Communicate

Control Flight

Track Vehicle

Propel

Surveil Flight Environment

Stage

Control Flight

Track Vehicle

Surveil Flight Environment

(Operations)

Operations

Launch

Fly

Flight Operations

Perform Ground Operations

Prepare Ground

Operations

Recover

Land

Plan Flight

Monitor Vehicle Health

Assess Over-Flight Risk

Analyze Impact Limit Lines

Perform COLA & COMBO

Interact with ATC/STC/ Coast Guard

Plan Trajectory

Transport

Integrate Vehicle

Handle Hazard Material

Protect Personnel

Manage Propellant

Hazard Material Handling

Monitor Vehicle Health

Payload/Passenger Egress

Transport

Communicate

Personnel Protection

Manage Propellant

Monitor Vehicle Health

Manage Flight

Liftoff

Manage Environment

Interact with ATC/STC

Communicate

Monitor Vehicle Health

Manage Flight

Cmd& Ctrl Flight Safety

Manage Environment

Interact with ATC/STC Communicate

Monitor Vehicle Health

Manage Flight

Cmd& Ctrl Flight Safety Manage Flight

Interact with ATC/STC

Communicate

Operate GSE/Facilties

De-Orbit/ Re-enter

Control Flight

Track Vehicle

Surveil Flight Environment

Propel

Monitor Vehicle Health

Manage Flight

Cmd& Ctrl Flight Safety

Manage Environment

Interact with ATC/STC Communicate

Control Flight

Track Vehicle

Propel

Surveil Flight Environment

Stage

Control Flight

Track Vehicle

Surveil Flight Environment

(Operations)

Operations

Launch

Fly

Flight Operations

Perform Ground Operations

Prepare Ground

Operations

Recover

Land

Plan Flight

Monitor Vehicle Health

Assess Over-Flight Risk

Analyze Impact Limit Lines

Perform COLA & COMBO

Interact with ATC/STC/ Coast Guard

Plan Trajectory

Transport

Integrate Vehicle

Handle Hazard Material

Protect Personnel

Manage Propellant

Hazard Material Handling

Monitor Vehicle Health

Payload/Passenger Egress

Transport

Communicate

Personnel Protection

Manage Propellant

Monitor Vehicle Health

Manage Flight

Liftoff

Manage Environment

Interact with ATC/STC

Communicate

Monitor Vehicle Health

Manage Flight

Cmd& Ctrl Flight Safety

Manage Environment

Interact with ATC/STC Communicate

Monitor Vehicle Health

Manage Flight

Cmd& Ctrl Flight Safety Manage Flight

Interact with ATC/STC

Communicate

Operate GSE/Facilties

De-Orbit/ Re-enter

Control Flight

Track Vehicle

Surveil Flight Environment

Propel

(Operations)

Operations

Launch

Fly

Flight Operations

Perform Ground Operations

Prepare Ground

Operations

Recover

Land

Plan Flight

Monitor Vehicle Health

Assess Over-Flight Risk

Analyze Impact Limit Lines

Perform COLA & COMBO

Interact with ATC/STC/ Coast Guard

Plan Trajectory

Transport

Integrate Vehicle

Handle Hazard Material

Protect Personnel

Manage Propellant

Hazard Material Handling

Monitor Vehicle Health

Payload/Passenger Egress

Transport

Communicate

Personnel Protection

Manage Propellant

Monitor Vehicle Health

Manage Flight

Liftoff

Manage Environment

Interact with ATC/STC

Communicate

Monitor Vehicle Health

Manage Flight

Cmd& Ctrl Flight Safety

Manage Environment

Interact with ATC/STC Communicate

Monitor Vehicle Health

Manage Flight

Cmd& Ctrl Flight Safety Manage Flight

Interact with ATC/STC

Communicate

Operate GSE/Facilties

De-Orbit/ Re-enter

Control Flight

Track Vehicle

Surveil Flight Environment

Propel

Monitor Vehicle Health

Manage Flight

Cmd& Ctrl Flight Safety

Manage Environment

Interact with ATC/STC Communicate

Control Flight

Track Vehicle

Propel

Surveil Flight Environment

Stage

Control Flight

Track Vehicle

Surveil Flight Environment

Maintenance

Maintain

System

(Maintenance) Perform Turn Around Maintenance

Perform Part/Subsystem Life-Cycle Replacement

Correct Deficiencies

Perform Post Flight Inspections

Perform Un-Scheduled

Maintenance

Diagnose

Inspect

Repair

Alter

Report

Diagnose

Inspect

Repair

Alter

Report

Perform Pre-Flight Inspection

Perform Interval Dri ven

Maintenance

Perform

Scheduled Maintenance

Return to Service

Return to Service

Maintenance

Maintain

System

(Maintenance) Perform Turn Around Maintenance

Perform Part/Subsystem Life-Cycle Replacement

Correct Deficiencies

Perform Post Flight Inspections

Perform Un-Scheduled

Maintenance

Diagnose

Inspect

Repair

Alter

Report

Diagnose

Inspect

Repair

Alter

Report

Perform Pre-Flight Inspection

Perform Interval Dri ven

Maintenance

Perform

Scheduled Maintenance

Return to Service

Return to Service

Maintain

System

(Maintenance) Perform Turn Around Maintenance

Perform Part/Subsystem Life-Cycle Replacement

Correct Deficiencies

Perform Post Flight Inspections

Perform Un-Scheduled

Maintenance

Diagnose

Inspect

Repair

Alter

Report

Diagnose

Inspect

Repair

Alter

Report

Perform Pre-Flight Inspection

Perform Interval Dri ven

Maintenance

Perform

Scheduled Maintenance

Return to Service

Return to Service

Maintain

System

(Maintenance) Perform Turn Around Maintenance

Perform Part/Subsystem Life-Cycle Replacement

Correct Deficiencies

Perform Post Flight Inspections

Perform Un-Scheduled

Maintenance

Diagnose

Inspect

Repair

Alter

Report

Diagnose

Inspect

Repair

Alter

Report

Perform Pre-Flight Inspection

Perform Interval Dri ven

Maintenance

Perform

Scheduled Maintenance

Return to Service

Return to Service

RTI 

Team 
Reusable Launch Vehicle Operations and Maintenance Approval Decomposition 

Guideline Inputs and Technical Evaluation Report 

Approval-Volume 5 

RTI/08087/007/3.2-Vol5F 8 11/18/2004 

2.0 Approval Decomposition 

Figure 4 displays the current RLV Approval functional decomposition. The 

Approve function is broken into four major sub-functions: Develop Approval 

Process, Approve Personnel, Approve Facilities/Equipment/Material/Procedures 

(FEMP), and Record & Report. It is envisioned that the RLV Operator’s Approval 

Plan will document the approval strategy for an operator’s individual RLV 

program vehicle type, see Section 3.0. 

 Figure 4 Approval Functional Decomposition 

The results of the CFR reviews, as well as the data collected during previous 

efforts, were used as a starting point for deriving these functions. RTI then 

collected and analyzed several references to further characterize approval. 

Previous work presented the first functional decomposition of RLV Approval 

Functions. These approval functions and sub-functions have been further 

analyzed and refined in this task. While many functions remain the same, there 

are several new sub-functions and a reorganization of sub-functions has 

occurred. See Appendix C: Traceability of Approval Function Decomposition for 

function and sub-function traceability from the previous Approval Decomposition 

to the current Approval Decomposition. 

Approve Ground Ops Personnel

Approve Flight Ops Personnel

Approve Maintainers/Technicians

Approve Ground Crew

Approve Other Personnel

Approve Flight Crew

Approve Other Personnel

Approve

Personnel

Approve

Facilities/

Equip/

Material/

Procedures

Approve Operations Fac/Equip/

Mat/Procedures

Approve Maintenance

Fac/Equip/Mat/Procedures

Approve Training & Qualification

(T&Q) Fac/Equip/Mat/Procedures

Approve T&Q Curriculum

Approve T&Q Materials

Approve T&Q Currency

Requirements

Approve T&Q Simulators

Approve T&Q Facilities

Approve

(Personnel/

Facilities/

Equipment/

Material/

Procedures)

Approve Ops Materials

Approve Ops Equipment

Approve Ops Facilities

Approve Maint Materials

Approve Maint Equipment

Approve Maint Facilities

Approve Maint Procedures

Approve Ops Procedures

Approve Training Procedures

Approve Ground Flight Controller

Approve Ground Flight Controller

LEGEND

 Indicates a change from previous RTI Decomposition.

 Indicates a link to another Function Volume. text

Approve Trainers

Record &

Report See Licensing Authority

Develop

 Approval

Process
Reusable Launch Vehicle Operations and Maintenance General Approval Guideline Recommendations 

Guideline Inputs and Technical Evaluation Report 

Approval-Volume 5 

RTI/08087/007/3.2-Vol5F 9 11/18/2004 

3.0 General Approval Guideline Recommendations 

The following Guideline Inputs (GIs) were developed to reflect those tasks or 

procedures that are general in nature and apply to the Approve Function. 

General App GI - 1. RLV Operator Approval Plan 

Guideline Input 

RLV Operators shall develop an Approval Plan for each vehicle type. 

Rationale 

The Approval Plan is comparable to the RLV Operator’s Concept of Operations 

Document and Maintenance Program Plan. In order to account for the 

differences in RLV design and operations, each RLV Operator must provide an 

Approval Plan that describes the operator’s intent and/or assumptions relative to 

their compliance with FAA/AST’s guidelines. This plan will include general 

strategies associated with developing approval processes and reporting & 

recording. This will include approval tasks associated with ground operations, 

flight operations, maintenance, and training. 

Although the Approval Plan will be implemented through a procedural Approval 

Manual, the Approval Plan’s value to the FAA lies in the additional clarity of 

purpose it will provide. 

Specifically, the Approval Plan will highlight to the FAA general assumptions and 

intent that may affect public safety; and it will provide the FAA with necessary 

insight into the following items of interest: 

1. General public safety assurance and environmental hazard mitigation 

2. Approval accreditation 

3. Personnel approval requirements 

a. schedule of recurring approval 

b. “type-specific” approval 

Periodic update to account for new tasks required to be approved based 

on design changes or lessons-learned

5. Frequency and type of initial and recurring approval tasks 
Reusable Launch Vehicle Operations and Maintenance General Approval Guideline Recommendations 

Guideline Inputs and Technical Evaluation Report 

Approval-Volume 5 

RTI/08087/007/3.2-Vol5F 10 11/18/2004 

General App GI - 2. Approval Manual 

Guideline Input 

RLV Operators shall develop an FAA/AST-approved vehicle-specific Approval 

Manual. 

Rationale 

Since many RLV concepts include ground-breaking/novel technologies, there is 

minimal commonality between current industry approval procedures and those 

required for specific RLV approval procedures. This lack of commonality hinders 

the development of common technology-specific approval guidelines; therefore, 

each RLV Operator must develop a vehicle-specific Approval Manual and 

provide it to FAA/AST for acceptance. 

This manual will provide the approval specifications and procedures associated 

with the specific RLV type and its GSE/facilities. It will also meet FAA/AST’s 

approval guidelines for conducting the approval process for personnel, facilities, 

equipment, materials, and procedures. 

Minimally, the following items will be included in the Approval Manual: 

1. Safety critical RLV and GSE/Facilities sub-systems, operations, and 

maintenance approval procedures for knowledge and performance 

2. Hazardous material types and handling procedures during approval 

3. Personnel/training approval implementation will include: 

a. knowledge evaluation 

b. performance evaluation 

c. associated personnel/operator requirements 

d. aeromedical compliance 

4. Approval documentation process to include record/report and feedback of 

lessons-learned 
Reusable Launch Vehicle Operations and Maintenance Develop Approval Process 

Guideline Inputs and Technical Evaluation Report 

Approval-Volume 5 

RTI/08087/007/3.2-Vol5F 11 11/18/2004 

4.0 Develop Approval Process 

The following sub-functions were developed to reflect those tasks or procedures 

that apply to the Develop Approval Process activities. Table 1 highlights the 

general definitions for Develop Approval Process Sub-functions. 

Table 1 Develop Approval Definitions 

Develop [Approve (Personnel/Fac/Equip/Mat/Procs) 	



Approval 

Process 

Development of the approval process is defined as development of tasks and 

procedures to conduct approval for personnel; Operations, Maintenance, and 

Training & Qualification (T&Q) facilities/equipment/materials/procedures; and to 

record and report approval/non-approval status.

4.1 General Discussion 

Development of the approval process includes an assessment of capability in 

core job functions and skills that were taught during training. An assessment of 

safety implications of certain job functions and the corresponding training to 

mitigate risks found in the curriculum and materials must be evaluated for 

approval. 

4.2 Guideline Input Considerations 

The following Guideline Input Considerations (GICs) have been identified for the 

Develop Approval Sub-function: 

Dev Appr GIC - 1. The capability should exist to allow FAA/AST to waive 

Aeromedical Requirements. 

Dev Appr GIC - 2. The capability should exist to allow FAA/AST to waive 

approval currency requirements. 

4.2.1 Inter/Intra Agency Considerations 

There was no Develop Approval Sub-function inter/intra agency considerations 

identified. 
Reusable Launch Vehicle Operations and Maintenance Develop Approval Process 

Guideline Inputs and Technical Evaluation Report 

Approval-Volume 5 

RTI/08087/007/3.2-Vol5F 12 11/18/2004 

4.3 Guideline Recommendations 

Dev Appr GI - 1. FEMP Fidelity During Approval 

Guideline Input 

Personnel being approved shall be evaluated using facilities, equipment, 

materials, and procedures (FEMP) that provide a realistic operations and 

maintenance environment. 

Rationale 

Due to the unique nature of each RLV concept, the approval of personnel may be 

conducted in an operator/developer facility in order to provide the most fidelity to 

real-world operations and maintenance. Thus, an approval of the environment 

may go hand-in-hand with the personnel approval process in order to ensure 

public safety aspects are fully addressed. 

Fidelity of the approval environment, FEMP, should match as closely as possible 

to the real-world environment. This will enable the personnel to be assessed 

accurately and minimize the distraction and complications during an approval 

process. The fidelity in the environment will have a positive effect on job 

performance in accuracy and speed of performance. This mitigates possible 

confusion, improves reaction times in assessing anomalies, and decreases the 

possibility of an incident or accident. 
Reusable Launch Vehicle Operations and Maintenance Approve Personnel 

Guideline Inputs and Technical Evaluation Report 

Approval-Volume 5 

RTI/08087/007/3.2-Vol5F 13 11/18/2004 

5.0 Approve Personnel 

The following sub-functions were developed to reflect those tasks or procedures 

applicable to RLV Approve Personnel sub-function. Table 2 outlines the general 

definitions for the Approve Personnel Sub-functions. 

Table 2 Approve Personnel Definitions 

[Approve (Personnel/Fac/Equip/Mat/Procs) 


The Approve Personnel Sub-function is defined as the approval of various personnel 

involved in RLV O&M (i.e. ground operations personnel, flight operations personnel, 

maintainers/technicians, and trainers). This sub-function is strongly connected to the 

Training Function. Note that the term “Approval” is used here to denote the required 

formal FAA approval. Some approval aspects may be processed during licensing of 

an RLV. 

[Approve (Personnel/Fac/Equip/Mat/Procs)  
  

Personnel]

Approval of Ground Operations Personnel is defined as the process to 

ensure that the personnel are adequately trained. Knowledge and skill 

level of individual personnel are assessed using records from 

knowledge tests and practical tests. This shall be a quantitatively 

verifiable means subject to approval by FAA/AST. 

[Approve (Personnel/Fac/Equip/Mat/Procs)  

Personnel   
 d Flight 

Controller]

Approve 

Ground 

Flight 

Controller The Approve Ground Flight Controller sub-function is 

defined as the approval of personnel who are trained 

to perform specific flight operation tasks that are 

performed on the ground. 

[Approve (Personnel/Fac/Equip/Mat/Procs)  

Personnel 
 
 Approve 

Ground 

Crew Approve Ground Crew is the approval of RLV 

personnel who support Ground Operations. During 

Ground Operations these personnel are involved in 

the ground movement of the vehicle (to include 

ground traffic control), proper handling of the vehicle 

and the payload, and proper precautions for any 

associated HAZMAT. 

[Approve (Personnel/Fac/Equip/Mat/Procs)  

Personnel   
 Approve Other 

Personnel]

Approve 

Ground Ops 

Personnel 

Approve 

Other 

Personnel Approve Other Personnel is defined as the approval 

of personnel other than ground flight controller and 

ground crew (e.g. RLV operations director). These 

may include trainers and approval personnel. 

[Approve (Personnel/Fac/Equip/Mat/Procs)  
  

Personnel 


The Approve Flight Operations Personnel sub-function is defined as 

approval of ground flight controller, flight crew, and other personnel 

that are involved in flight operations of the RLV. 

[Approve (Personnel/Fac/Equip/Mat/Procs)  

Personnel   
  

Personnel 

Approve 

Personnel 

Approve 

Flight Ops 

Personnel

Approve 

Ground 

Flight 

Controller The Approve Ground Flight Controller sub-function 

within flight operations is defined as the approval of 

personnel on the ground controlling the flight of the 

RLV who either augment the flight crew or who have 

sole flight control of an RLV (e.g. unmanned). 
Reusable Launch Vehicle Operations and Maintenance Approve Personnel 

Guideline Inputs and Technical Evaluation Report 

Approval-Volume 5 

RTI/08087/007/3.2-Vol5F 14 11/18/2004 

[Approve (Personnel/Fac/Equip/Mat/Procs)  

Personnel   
  

Personnel 

Approve 

Flight Crew 

The Approve Flight Crew sub-function consists of the 

approval of personnel on-board and in control of the 

RLV during flight. Flight Crew includes RLV pilot and 

other RLV flight support positions. [Approve (Personnel/Fac/Equip/Mat/Procs)  

Personnel   
  

Personnel 


Approve 

Other 

Personnel The Approve Other Personnel (Flight Operations) subfunction consists of the approval of personnel other 

than ground flight controller and flight crew. These 

may include trainers and approval personnel.

[Approve (Personnel/Fac/Equip/Mat/Procs)  Personnel 

Maintainers/Technicians) Approve 

Maintainers/ 

Technicians The Approve Maintainers/Technicians sub-function includes the 

approval tasks of those personnel who perform maintenance, repair, 

and servicing of the RLV during ground operations using appropriate 

GSE/facilities.

Approve [Approve (Personnel/Fac/Equip/Mat/Procs)  	

Trainers The Approve Trainers sub-function is defined as the set of tasks for 

the approval of trainers to ensure that these personnel have the 

knowledge and skill set to train the O&M activities. 

5.1 General Discussion 

Approve Ground Operations Personnel 

Ground operations include all vehicle preparation and movement prior to takeoff/launch and all post-flight activity following touchdown. Additionally, this 

function involves the operation of ground support equipment and facilities. 

Ground operations also include replenishing of consumables such as propellants 

in preparation for the flight. 

Ground operations may vary from RLV concept to RLV concept depending on 

the design and flight profile. The training and approval are expected to be tailored 

to the knowledge and skills needed to perform the jobs as defined by the RLV 

operator. Ground operations personnel include Ground Flight Controllers, 

Ground Crew, and other personnel as defined by the concept of operations 

(CONOPS) for a specific RLV. Where ground operations may involve handling of 

HAZMAT or dangerous chemicals, whether it is for the RLV or for a particular 

payload, the ground personnel are expected to have the knowledge and skill 

necessary for safe handling of such materials. When personnel are found to be 

inadequately trained for the job (an indication may be the job performance 

evaluation by the RLV operator and/or incidents/accidents), the personnel should 

be required to perform additional training and approval activities. When specifics 

of the job description, methods or tools change, personnel should be required to 

attend supplemental training and be reevaluated for approval. Records are 

expected to be kept for each individual regarding training, retraining, and 

evaluation/approval. All of which will be subject to FAA/AST inspection. 
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In aviation, FAA inspectors are trained by the FAA in approval activities as well 

as the knowledge required for such inspections. Training for aviation FAA 

inspectors does not change very frequently given the maturity of technology. For 

FAA/AST personnel involved in RLV approval activities, any training/curricula 

developed at present should be revisited frequently for coverage of new 

technology as well as use of new technology in this field. Triggers for revisiting 

training/curricula should be the introduction of new technology; changes in 

operations or maintenance activities; and incidents or accidents. Given the fastpaced growth of technology and the varied technologies used in RLVs, such 

training for inspectors could be intense and ongoing. 

Approve Flight Operations Personnel 

RLVs have varied take-off, launch, flight, and landing profiles that affect the job 

function of flight operations personnel. Each RLV operator should be responsible 

for adequately training the flight operations personnel with specific knowledge 

and skill sets needed for the operation of that RLV. The ground flight controller, 

who is familiar with flight profiles, may have to interface with the controller team 

in collaborative decision making of spaceport operations. This approval function 

should ensure that personnel involved in flight operations have been adequately 

trained and evaluated. In cases of job function change, new technology 

introduction, or new regulations, supplemental training may be needed. When 

incidents/accidents occur due to inadequate training or inadequate learning, 

retraining or remedial training may need to be applied. All of the reports and 

records regarding personnel skills and training, including test results, should be 

open for inspection by the FAA. 

FAA inspectors performing these approvals must be knowledgeable about the 

flight profiles, job functions, and training requirements for the subject RLV. Such 

knowledge for all of the RLVs may constitute a sizeable effort for the FAA to keep 

their inspectors current and well trained in various technologies. Further, there 

may be an interface between the FAA ATC and other external entities with the 

flight operations personnel. RLV Flight Operations personnel should be familiar 

with Collaborative Decision Making (CDM) process already used within the FAA. 

It is important that personnel involved in all of these interfaces are 

knowledgeable in the specific RLV operations and performance. This approval 

function does not cover these interface functions. 

Approve Maintainers/Technicians 

RLVs have varied concepts and designs, which implies that the maintenance of a 

specific RLV may depend upon a specific knowledge set, skill set, and use of 

certain tools and techniques. Although such techniques may be transferable 

between different RLVs, retraining of maintenance personnel for a specific RLV 

is to be expected. Maintenance personnel are expected to be trained in their job 

functions and in the knowledge of specific subsystems as well as interrelated 

subsystems. This training includes initial training, supplemental training, recurrent 

training and remedial training. Knowledge and skill sets are ensured using tests 
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or other quantitative evaluation method subject to FAA/AST approval and 

inspection. These test records and reports of class attendance (training duration) 

are subject to FAA/AST approval inspections. No one set of approval rules 

applies to all of the RLVs in terms of specifics on knowledge and skill set. 

The FAA inspectors responsible for these approvals must be knowledgeable 

about the specific RLV systems and proper maintenance techniques. For 

example, the structure used for an RLV may be a composite, which requires 

special techniques for repair and fatigue discovery. The FAA/AST inspectors are 

expected to stay current in the technologies used in these RLVs to be capable of 

detecting unsafe practices. 

5.2 Guideline Input Considerations 

The following Guideline Input Considerations (GICs) have been identified for the 

Approve Personnel Sub-function: 

Appr Personnel GIC - 1. Approval activities should impose or check the 

appropriateness of skill levels. There may be 

incidents/accidents that may result in public 

safety issues if this is not done. 

Appr Personnel GIC - 2. The Approval function should detect 

inadequately trained personnel. RLV 

maintenance may not be properly performed and 

may result in incidents/accidents that may 

jeopardize public safety. Improperly maintained 

vehicles may cause uncontrolled vehicles, 

vehicle breakup, or dispensing of hazardous 

materials into the atmosphere. 

Appr Personnel GIC - 3. Proper handling and disposal of hazardous 

materials should follow EPA guidelines and 

OSHA guidelines. 

Appr Personnel GIC - 4. Proper securing of payload should be 

accomplished following instructions from the 

owner of that payload. 

5.2.1 Inter/Intra Agency Considerations 

The following Perform Approval Sub-function inter/intra agency considerations 

were identified: 

1. The approval of hazardous material handling may be a concern to OSHA 

and/or EPA. OSHA /AFOSH guidelines to insure worker safety on federal 

and nonfederal ranges should be followed. 

2. DOT coordination should occur with appropriate rail, air, and roadway 

transportation offices for safe practices and regulations associated with 

the transportation of hazardous materials on public routes. 
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3. Federal Communication Commission (FCC) coordination should occur for 

all frequency assignments used in RLV operations, particularly those 

employed in emergencies. 

4. The Department of Defense Explosive Safety Board (ESB) should be 

consulted to provide a source of lessons learned for FAA/AST for 

conducting RLV safety evaluations, storage of propellants, and chemical 

agents.3

5. National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) coordination should be required 

for procedure development to ensure that fire safety and mitigation 

procedures are in place for launch/takeoff preparations. 

6. Particular payloads may require coordination, security, and technical 

evaluation from external agencies to the FAA such as Department of 

Defense (DoD), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration 

(NASA), and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for those 

payloads which employ nuclear power. 

7. Internal to the FAA several divisions may be called upon. These include 

the Regulatory Support Division (FAA/AFS) for such items as training and 

testing and FAA Flight Standards (FAA/ASI) for RLV flight standards. 
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5.3 Guideline Recommendations 

Appr Personnel GI - 1. Technician/Mechanic Approval 

Guideline Input 

Technicians and mechanics shall be approved based on training/skill/experience 

criteria outlined in the Approval Plan. 

Rationale 

Specific experience and/or training are required for mechanics /technicians 

working on RLVs, particularly safety critical systems. Given the immature state of 

the RLV industry, it may be that approval is initially based on the experience level 

of the personnel versus a formal training/evaluation. 
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Appr Personnel GI - 2. Ground Flight Controller Approval 

Guideline Input 

The Ground Flight Controller shall be approved based on both RLV flight control 

tasks and ATM NAS responsibilities. 

Rationale 

This requirement is to both insure proper RLV operations and to insure 

incorporation as a part of the ATS Collaborative Decision Making (CDM) team. 

Inspections will be based upon guidelines developed by FAA/AST that will be 

minimum performance criteria for approval. 
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6.0 Approve Facilities/Equipment/Materials/Procedures 

The following sub-functions were developed to reflect those tasks or procedures 

that are applicable to RLV Facilities/Equipment/Materials/Procedures (FEMP) 

activities. Table 3 highlights the general definitions for these Sub-functions. 

Table 3 Approve FEMP Definitions 

[Approve (Personnel/FEMP) FEMP]

Facilities/Equip/Material/Procedures Approval Function is defined as the 

development and application of approval criteria, by the FAA, for facilities, 

equipment, materials, and procedures. In the current context it is the 

facilities, equipment, materials, and procedures used for operations, 

maintenance, training, and approval activities.

[Approve (Personnel/FEMP) 
 Approve Training 

& Qualification (T&Q) FEMP]

 The Approve T&Q FEMP sub-function is defined as 

the approval of facilities, equipment, material and 

procedures used in training. This includes training of 

operators, maintainers, testers, and approval 

personnel. Further, this includes initial, recurrent, 

supplemental, and remedial types of training. 

Components of approval include currency, curriculum, 

materials, simulations, facilities, and procedures. The 

intent behind this approval is to ensure personnel are 

trained sufficiently for the job they are expected to 

perform with minimal risk of safety implications. An 

important part of this process is to review the records 

and reports including results from both knowledge 

tests and practical tests.

[Approve (Personnel/ FEMP)  

FEMP Approve Training & Qualification 

(T&Q) FEMP Approve T&Q Currency 

Requirements]

Approve T&Q 

Currency 

Requirements 

The Approve Training Currency 

Requirements sub-function is the 

approval of training currency 

requirements. This relates to 

recurrent training, its motivation is 

to maintain proficiency and is 

required at a defined time interval 

[Approve (Personnel/ FEMP  

FEMP Approve Training & Qualification 

(T&Q) FEMP Approve T&Q Curriculum]

Approve 

Facilities/ 

Equipment/ 

Materials/ 

Procedures 

(FEMP) 

Approve 

Training & 

Qualification 

(T&Q) FEMP 

Approve T&Q 

Curriculum

The Approve Curriculum subfunction is defined as the approval 

of the set of courses that will be 

used to train ground flight 

controllers, ground and flight crew, 

maintainers/technicians, and 

trainers. Many of these personnel 

may be specially trained for 

specific duties such as a special 

type of propulsion system or a 

specific composite material. 
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[Approve (Personnel/ FEMP)  

FEMP Approve Training & Qualification 

(T&Q) FEMP Approve T&Q Materials]

Approve T&Q 

Materials

The Approve Materials subfunction is the process of approval 

of materials used in operations, 

maintenance, training, and 

approval such as class 

instructions, references, records, 

reports, tests, and examinations. 

These materials may be specific to 

an RLV and specific to job 

functions such as ground flight 

controller, flight crew, 

maintainers/technicians and other 

personnel. Other personnel may 

include trainers and approval 

personnel. These materials are 

also expected to be specific to 

initial training, supplemental 

training, retraining, and remedial 

training. For example, 

supplemental training may be 

limited to only new tools, 

technology or techniques. 

Retraining may be based on the 

frequency of usage of certain tools 

and techniques. Remedial training 

may be individualized. Materials 

used for these purposes would be 

tailored to the type of training. 

[Approve (Personnel/ FEMP)  

FEMP Approve Training & Qualification 

(T&Q) FEMP Approve T&Q Simulators]

 

Approve T&Q 

Simulators

The Approve Training Simulators 

sub-function is the process of 

approval of models, tools, or other 

means of representation of reality 

used in training. The intent is to 

give a realistic representation and 

experience to a student while not 

subjecting the student to real world 

situations where the risk of 

inexperience may lead to cost of 

life and property. A student pilot 

may practice in a simulation and 

train for situations without 

subjecting humans or the actual 

vehicle to risk of accidents. 

Simulators are required to model 

reality in cases where skills 

learned using the simulator is 

safety-related. This shall be 

subject to FAA/AST inspection. 
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[Approve (Personnel/ FEMP)  

FEMP Approve Training & Qualification 

(T&Q) FEMP Approve T&Q Facilities]

Approve T&Q 

Facilities

The Approve Training Facilities 

sub-function is defined as the 

approval of facilities used in 

training of operators, maintainers, 

trainers, and approval personnel. 

Training facilities are expected to 

promote a healthy environment for 

learning in addition to promoting 

good work habits, and avoidance 

of injuries. Adequate light, 

ventilation, and neatly arranged 

tools with enough room for each 

student are expected in the 

training facilities. 

[Approve (Personnel/ FEMP)  

FEMP Approve Training & Qualification 

(T&Q) FEMP Approve Training 

Procedures]

Approve 

Training 

Procedures 

The Approve Training Procedures 

sub-function is defined as the 

approval of procedures used for 

training. These procedures may be 

different for initial, recurrent, 

supplemental, and remedial 

training. These procedures may 

also be different for various RLVs 

depending upon the instructor, 

RLV operator’s approach to meet 

a minimum level of safety 

expected by FAA/AST, and 

technology used in a specific RLV. 

[Approve (Personnel/FEMP) Approve 

Facilities/Equip/Mat/Procs 	FEMP]

The Approve Operations FEMP sub-function is defined 

as the set of tasks for the approval of FEMP used in 

operations. Operations facilities include mission 

control facilities and those that house the GSE. 

Materials used may be reports/ records of 

qualifications for the personnel or instructions for 

equipment & facilities. The procedures for operations 

should include checking for both standard operating 

procedures and emergency/ contingency procedures 

for ground and flight operations.

[Approve (Personnel/ FEMP) 

FEMP 	 FEMP

Approve Ops Materials]

Approve 

Operations 

FEMP 

Approve Ops 

Materials 

The Approve Operations Materials 

sub-function is defined as the 

tasks for the approval of materials 

used in operations. Materials used 

may be reports & records of 

qualifications for the personnel or 

instructions for equipment & 

facilities. 
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[Approve (Personnel/ FEMP)  

FEMP 	 FEMP 




Approve Ops 

Equipment

The Approve Operations 

Equipment sub-function is defined 

as the set of tasks for the approval 

of equipment used in ground/flight 

operations of the RLV. Such 

equipment includes those used for 

mission control and for ground 

operations. 

[Approve (Personnel/ FEMP)  

FEMP 	 FEMP 

acilities]

Approve Ops 

Facilities

Approve Operations Facilities subfunction is the set of tasks for the 

approval of facilities used for 

ground and flight operations. 

Operations facilities include 

mission control facilities and 

facilities that house the GSE. 

[Approve (Personnel/ FEMP)  

FEMP 	 FEMP 





Approve Ops 

Procedures

The Approve Operations 

Procedures sub-function is the set 

of tasks for the approval of 

procedures used in operations. 

These procedures may include 

standard operating procedures 

used by the various ground and 

flight operations personnel. The 

approval is to check if the 

procedures are complete and 

correct, and to verify a seamless 

integration of procedures from a 

systems perspective to assure 

safe operation of RLV. 

[Approve (Personnel/FEMP)  FEMP 

Maintenance FEMP] Approve 

Maintenance 

FEMP The Approve Maintenance FEMP sub-function is 

defined as the set of tasks for the approval of facilities, 

equipment, materials and procedures used in 

maintenance. Maintenance facilities include repair 

shops, fabrication facilities, and test centers. 

Equipment includes those used for repair, 

replacement, and calibration. Materials used may be 

reports and records of qualifications for the personnel, 

instructions for equipment, and facilities. The 

procedures for maintenance may include standard 

operating procedures for supporting turn-around and 

ground operations in both scheduled and unscheduled 

maintenance functions. 
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[Approve (Personnel/ FEMP)  

FEMP 	 FEMP 

			


Approve Maint 

Materials

The Approve Maintenance 

Materials sub-function is the set of 

tasks for the approval of materials 

used in maintenance. Materials 

used may be reports and records 

of qualifications for the personnel, 

instructions for equipment, and 

facilities. 

[Approve (Personnel/ FEMP)  

FEMP 	 FEMP 

	


Approve Maint 

Equipment

The Approve Maintenance 

Equipment sub-function is the set 

of tasks for the function of 

approving equipment used during 

maintenance. Such equipment 

includes those used for repair, 

replace and calibration. 

[Approve (Personnel/ FEMP)  

FEMP 	 FEMP 

		


Approve Maint 

Facilities

The Approve Maintenance 

Facilities sub-function is defined 

as the set of tasks for the subfunctions of approving facilities 

used for maintenance. 

Maintenance facilities include 

repair shops, fabrication facilities, 

and test centers. 

[Approve (Personnel/ FEMP)  

FEMP 	 FEMP 

	



 

Approve Maint 

Procedures

The Approve Maintenance 

Procedures sub-function is defined 

as the set of tasks for approving 

procedures used in maintenance. 

The approval of maintenance 

procedures may consist of 

checking standard operating 

procedures for supporting turnaround and ground operations in 

both scheduled and unscheduled 

maintenance functions. The 

procedures for maintenance may 

require the maintenance 

inspections to follow an 

RLV/Facility specific core checklist 

developed by the operator subject 

to FAA/AST inspection. 
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6.1 General Discussion 

Approve Training & Qualification (T&Q) FEMP 

Currently in aviation the FAA does not require that all schools be approved. For 

unapproved schools, the FAA may require a slightly longer duration of training. 

The FAA provides standards for minimum requirements for certain aspects of 

training such as curricula, currency, record keeping, etc. However, the FAA 

encourages operators to be innovative and creative in the training approach. 

Standards are imposed for knowledge tests and practical tests. For RLVs, since 

technology is varied between RLVs, and since the pace of technology is so fast, 

it may be important to not impose a standardized set of requirements for all 

RLVs. Rather, the FAA/AST should require specific performance criteria. An RLV 

operator should propose what these training requirements should be for that 

specific RLV to meet such performance criteria. Additionally, FAA/AST should 

ensure that the RLV operator is following these requirements by inspection. 

Approve Operations FEMP 

Operational procedures must clearly indicate roles, responsibilities, and direct 

accountability, of the various personnel conducting the RLV operation functions. 

Facilities and equipment used for accomplishing these procedures must be in 

good operating condition. If certain equipment is not operable, alternative 

procedures must be approved by FAA/AST and must be readily available. There 

must be records kept to document personnel qualifications, job descriptions, and 

instructions for operating the equipment and facilities. The RLV operator’s 

procedure must complement the operational CONOPS for the NAS in sharing the 

spaceport/landing site as well as sharing the airspace with civilian aircraft, 

military aircraft, and other RLVs. These shared spaceport, landing sites, and 

airspace may require handoff procedures between RLV operators, FAA/AST 

operators, military operators, and FAA (national and international) operator 

teams. Approval in this context includes these handoff procedures. There may be 

sharing in the use of ground infrastructure such as communications and 

navigational guides, which should also be considered in the individual RLV 

operations. Even the phraseology used currently in Air Traffic Management 

(ATM) may or may not be suitable or adequate for RLVs. New sets of 

phraseology may need to be developed and approved by FAA/AST for use in 

RLV operations (eg. The use of Aerospace Traffic Management (ATM)). Training 

for flight operators and ground operators may involve training in the use of this 

common phraseology for all RLVs. RLVs are varied in concepts, flight 

characteristics, flight profiles, maneuverability, and susceptibility to environmental 

issues (e.g. high winds, wake vortex, etc.). These properties of an RLV must be 

made known to the RLV, military, and air traffic controllers to allow for better 

tactical and strategic planning. Operations must also consider contingencies 

such as alternate spaceports or landing sites, response to incidents/accidents, 

protection or courses of least harm from incidents/accidents, emergency 

preparedness of spaceport officials, etc. Operations procedures must consider 

the workload issues and the number of operators present for accomplishing a 

given job. Vehicle specific considerations include operational decisions of 
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whether the vehicle will be permitted to take-off or launch or land, even if certain 

subsystems are not considered to be operational. 

Approve Maintenance FEMP 

Approval of facilities and equipment should ensure working conditions to conduct 

and perform the necessary maintenance activities (e.g. clean-room, minimum or 

maximum temperatures for curing, etc.). It must be emphasized that some of the 

equipment and chemicals may need special storing conditions and working 

conditions. Equipment used should be appropriate for the job. Equipment should 

also be checked at regular intervals for calibration as appropriate. Records 

should be kept for personnel qualifications as well as maintenance schedules; 

unscheduled maintenance; incidents/accidents resulting from inadequate 

maintenance; or mistakes made in maintenance. FAA/AST approval personnel 

may use non-destructive inspection methods in order to check suspected 

defects. Since RLVs use varying technologies, no one maintenance schedule 

may be appropriate to all RLVs. Maintenance schedules are expected to be 

proposed by the RLV operator as early as possible in the pre-application 

process. This schedule should be based on an analysis of reliability of 

components and the expected life of subsystems. In routine inspections, it may 

be found that the schedules need to be modified. Maintenance procedures 

should be clearly documented and the maintainers/technicians should be 

proficient in these procedures. Maintenance procedures should take adequate 

precaution for handling of toxic materials. 

6.2 Guideline Input Considerations 

The following Guideline Input Considerations (GICs) have been identified for the 

Approve FEMP Sub-function: 

Appr FEMP GIC - 1. Testing of trainers and approvers should include testing 

for their particular RLV specialization (job) as well as 

testing as instructors or approvers. 

Appr FEMP GIC - 2. Maximum tolerable safety risk and potential liability 

issues should be considered, because such situations 

may lead to incidents and accidents. If the approval 

process is flawed or if the tools used for approval are 

not appropriate, RLV O&M may be approved with 

unknown residual safety risks. 

Appr FEMP GIC - 3. Operations include intensely cooperative actions not 

only on the part of ground operations personnel and 

flight operations personnel but also on the part of FAA 

and other RLV operations personnel while using 

common resources such as airspace and 

spaceport/airport. Operational procedures should fully 

consider the protocol (i.e. hand offs, clear indication of 

entering an ’air/space traffic sector’, decision to abort 

take-off or landing, etc.) as well as the means (i.e. 
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phraseology, frequency, etc.) for this cooperative 

sharing of resources. There may be incidents/accidents 

exposing the public to risk. The approval process 

should include an evaluation of the interoperability in 

these key areas. 

Appr FEMP GIC - 4. When deficiencies that pose safety risks are found in 

operations, there should be a prompt method for 

changing these procedures, training the personnel, 

approving the procedures and implementing the new 

procedures so that risks are mitigated. If such measures 

are not taken there is a higher chance of 

incidents/accidents exposing public to risk. 

Appr FEMP GIC - 5. Maintenance procedures should clearly depict the RLV 

configuration at licensing. Any changes to this 

configuration such as use of different types of 

replacement parts; use of different types of structural 

patch-up; use of different chemicals, etc. should be reapproved by FAA/AST and subject to FAA/AST 

inspection. Any changes to the original configuration 

should be reassessed for safety and continued 

maintenance (possibly new maintenance schedule, new 

types of inspections, etc.). If this assessment is not 

done there may be risks due to these changes, which 

may put the public in jeopardy. 

Appr FEMP GIC - 6. Performance Specifications of FEMP should be 

developed by AST, and should be subject to FAA/AST 

inspection. Due to rapid nature of potential industry 

developments, these specifications may be waived on 

FAA/AST review. 

Appr FEMP GIC - 7. The oversight document for Approve Operations FEMP 

should be the RLV Safety-Critical Equipment List 

(RSEL) currently under development by FAA/AST. 

Compliance should be monitored by FAA/AST. 

6.2.1 Inter/Intra Agency Considerations 

The following Approve FEMP Sub-function inter/intra agency considerations were 

identified: 

1. It is possible that new chemicals and new materials may be introduced to 

support RLVs. DOT, OSHA, and EPA must be involved in formulating safe 

methods of transporting, handling, and using these chemicals. 

Formulation of test questions for these types of new chemicals and 

materials should be performed in cooperation with these agencies. 
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2. Jurisdictional issues within DOT regarding HAZMAT transportation for 

chemicals used for RLV operations and maintenance as well as payloads 

3. The approval of hazardous material handling may be a concern to OSHA 

and/or EPA. OSHA /AFOSH guidelines to insure worker safety on federal 

and nonfederal ranges should be followed. 

4. The EPA should be involved with environmental issues with pollutants, 

disposal of chemicals in the process of operations, maintenance and 

training. 

5. The Department of Defense Explosive Safety Board (ESB) should be 

consulted to provide a source of lessons learned for FAA/AST for 

conducting RLV safety evaluations, storage of propellants, and chemical 

agents.3

6. National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) coordination should be required 

for procedure development to ensure that fire safety and mitigation 

procedures are in place for launch/takeoff preparations. 

7. Particular payloads may require coordination, security, and technical 

evaluation from external agencies to the FAA such as Department of 

Defense (DoD), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration 

(NASA), and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for those 

payloads which employ nuclear power. 

8. Internal to the FAA several divisions may be called upon. These include 

the Flight Standards Service (FAA/AFS) for such items as training and 

testing. Additionally, FAA Air Traffic Control (FAA/AIR) should be 

coordinated for shared airspace issues when an RLV is flying through 

military or civil airspace until such time that there is one aerospace 

system. 
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6.3 Guideline Recommendations 

Appr FEMP GI - 1. Performance Test Safety 

Guideline Input 

Performance testing shall be conducted in accordance with the FAA/AST 

approved RLV Operator Approval Manual. 

Rationale 

Tests should be a realistic representation of what personnel would do on the job. 

If the skill being evaluated requires an environment that may put the public at risk, 

the testing personnel must adhere to the hazardous procedures guidelines 

outlined in the RLV Operator Approval Manual. 
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7.0 Record & Report 

The following sub-functions were developed to reflect those tasks or procedures 

that are applicable to RLV Record and Report activities. Table 4 highlights the 

general definitions for the Record and Report Sub-functions. 

Table 4 Record and Report Sub-function Definitions 

[Train Personnel ! 


The Record and Report Function encompasses the tasks and procedures to record 

approval documentation for each course, facility, simulator, and student. This 

information is used to improve approval quality as well as pass the student on to the 

approval process. 

[Train Personnel !  "Licensing Authority] 

Record & 

Report 

Licensing 

Authority The Licensing authority (i.e. the FAA) will require the RLV 

Operator to maintain, and provide access to the records 

associated with approval documentation for each course, facility, 

simulator, and student. 

7.1 General Discussion 

RLV approval plans will have criteria that the student will be measured against. 

These include both task/performance based items as well as knowledge based 

items. An individual’s achievements and failures will be recorded to provide a 

complete record of their level of readiness for actual field work. Additionally, the 

RLV Operator may be required to provide records of use and revisions for course 

curriculum, approval facilities, and approval simulators to ensure the approved 

versions of these items are being used in the approval of RLV personnel. 

Reporting entails the endorsement of the approval facility to the approval 

authority that the individual is prepared to be evaluated for licensing, or other 

approval mechanism. 

7.2 Guideline Input Considerations 

The following Guideline Input Considerations (GICs) have been identified for the 

Record and Report Sub-function: 

Record & Report GIC - 1. As the industry matures, approval records should 

be standardized to the greatest extent possible. 

7.2.1 Inter/Intra Agency Considerations 

The following Record and Report Sub-function inter/intra agency considerations 

were identified: 

1. DOT coordination should occur with appropriate rail, air, and roadway 

transportation offices for safe practices and regulations associated with 

the transportation of hazardous materials on public routes. 

2. Federal Communication Commission (FCC) coordination should occur for 

all frequency assignments used in RLV maintenance procedures, 

particularly those employed in emergencies. 
Reusable Launch Vehicle Operations and Maintenance Record & Report 

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3. The Department of Defense Explosive Safety Board (ESB) should be 

consulted to provide a source of lessons learned for FAA/AST for 

conducting RLV safety evaluations, storage of propellants, and chemical 

agents.3

4. National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) coordination should be required 

for procedure development to ensure that fire safety and mitigation 

procedures are in place for maintenance. 
Reusable Launch Vehicle Operations and Maintenance Record & Report 

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RTI/08087/007/3.2-Vol5F 32 11/18/2004 

7.3 Guideline Recommendations 

Record & Report GI - 1. Personnel Approval Completion 

Endorsement 

Guideline Input 

An approved instructor and/or inspector shall log an endorsement in a student’s 

approval record that attests that an individual has been found proficient in the 

criteria and requirements associated with a given position. 

Rationale 

These documents record the results of approval and will include the following 

information: 

1. Name of the individual 

2. Name of the course (if applicable) 

3. Make and model of the approval equipment used 

4. Trainee's prerequisite experience and course time completed 

5. Trainee's performance on each lesson and the name of the instructor 

providing instruction (if applicable) 

6. Date and result of each performance test 

7. Name of the evaluator conducting the test 

8. Endorsement from authorized instructor or inspector 

9. Recurring Approval Records 
Reusable Launch Vehicle Operations and Maintenance Appendix A: Acronyms/Terminology 

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Appendix A: Acronyms/Terminology 
Reusable Launch Vehicle Operations and Maintenance Appendix A: Acronyms/Terminology 

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AAAF Association 

Aéronautique et 

Astronautique de 

France 

A&P Airframe & Powerplant 

A/C Aircraft 

AC Advisory Circular 

AD Airworthiness Directive 

ADIZ Air Defense 

Information Zones 

AETB Alumina Enhanced 

Thermal Barrier 

AFS Aviation Flight 

Standards 

AIAA American Institute of 

Aeronautics and 

Astronautics 

ALARA As Low As Reasonably 

Achievable 

AM Amplitude Modulation 

AMF Astronauts Memorial 

Foundation 

ANPRM Advanced Notice of 

Proposed Rule Making 

ANSI American National 

Standards Institute 

AOA Abort Once Around 

AOG Airplane on Ground 

APU Auxiliary Power Unit 

ARAC Aviation Rulemaking 

Advisory Committee 

ARC Ames Research Center 

ARF Assembly and 

Refurbishment Facility 

ARINC Aeronautical Radio, 

Inc. 

ARP Aerospace 

Recommended 

Practice 

ASEE American Society for 

Engineering Education 

ASICS Application Specific 

Integrated Circuits 

ASME American Society of 

Mechanical Engineers 

ASQ American Society for 

Quality 

AST Office of the Associate 

Administrator for 

Commercial Space 

Transportation 

ASTM American Society for 

Testing and Materials 

ASTWG Advance Spaceport 

Technology Working 

Group 

AWS Aerospace Worthiness 

Standards 

ATA Air Transport 

Association 

ATAC Advanced Technology 

Advisory Committee 

ATC Air Traffic Control 

ATM Air Traffic Management 

ATO Abort to Orbit 

ATOS Air Transport Oversight 

System 

ATS Air Traffic Services 
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ATSRAC Aging Transport 

Systems Rule Making 

Advisory Committee 

AVCS Air Vehicle Control 

Station 

BCSP Board of Certified 

Safety Professionals 

BFE Buyer Furnished 

Equipment 

BITE Built In Test Equipment 

BPSK Bit Phase Shift Keying 

CAA Civil Aviation 

Authorities 

CAM Civil Aeronautics 

Manual 

CAR Code of Aviation 

Regulations 

CASA Civil Aviation Safety 

Authority 

CASS Continuous Analysis 

and Surveillance 

CAST Civil Aviation Safety 

Team 

CBM Condition-Based 

Maintenance 

C-Band Frequency range 

between 3.6 and 4.2 

GHz 

CCAFS Cape Canaveral Air 

Force Station 

CDM Collaborative Decision 

Making 

CDR Critical Design Review 

CEI Contract End Item 

CEO Chief Executive Officer 

CFR Code of Federal 

Regulations 

CIL Critical Items List 

CINCSPACE Commander In Chief, 

Space Command 

CMR Certification 

Maintenance 

Requirements 

CO2 Carbon Dioxide

COFR Certificate of Flight 

Readiness 

COLA Conjunction On Launch 

Assessment or 

Collision Avoidance 

COMBO Computation of Miss 

Between Orbits 

COMSTAC Commercial Space 

Transportation 

Advisory Committee 

CONOPS Concept Of Operations 

CONUS Continental United 

States 

CRM Cockpit Resource 

Management 

CRV Crew Return/Rescue 

Vehicle 

CVR Cockpit Voice recorder 

dB Decibel 

DACUM Developing A 

Curriculum 

DARPA Defense Advanced 

Research Projects 

Agency 

DCC Division of Community 

College 

DCN Document Change 

Notice 

DFRC Dryden Flight 

Research Center 
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DMS Docket Management 

System 

DNPS Delaware North Park 

Services 

DO Delivery Order 

DoD Department of Defense 

DOF Degrees of Freedom 

DOT Department of 

Transportation 

Ec Casualty Expectation 

EIS Environmental Impact 

Statement 

EFI Enterprise Florida, Inc. 

ELV Expendable Launch 

Vehicle 

EMC Electromagnetic 

Compatibility 

EMI Electromagnetic 

Interference 

EOM End Of Mission 

EPA Environmental 

Protection Agency 

ERP Emergency Response 

Procedure 

ESA European Space 

Agency 

ESD Electrostatic Discharge 

ESMC Eastern Space and 

Missile Center 

ET External Tank 

ETMS Enhanced Traffic 

Management System 

ETOPS Extended Twin 

(engines) Operations 

FAA Federal Aviation 

Administration 

FAR Federal Aviation 

Regulation 

FCC Federal 

Communications 

Commission 

FEMP Facilities/ Equipment/ 

Material/ Procedures 

FHA Functional Hazard 

Assessment 

FL Florida 

FM Frequency Modulation 

FMEA Failure Modes and 

Effects Analysis 

FMEA/CIL Failure Modes and 

Effects Analysis/Critical 

Items List 

FMECA Failure Modes, Effects, 

and Criticality Analysis 

FMS Flight Management 

System 

FOCC Flight Operations 

Control Center 

FOQA Flight Operations 

Quality Assurance 

FR Flight Recorder 

FRCS Forward Reaction 

Control System 

FRR Flight Readiness 

Review 

FSDO Flight Standards 

District Office 

FSO Flight Safety Officer 

FSS Flight Safety Systems 

FTA Fault Tree Analysis 

FTD Flight Approval 

Devices 
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FTS Flight Termination 

Systems 

FY Fiscal Year 

G Gravitation 

Acceleration at Sea 

Level 

GLONASS Global Orbiting 

Navigation Satellite 

System 

GNC Guidance, Navigation, 

Control 

GNSS Global Navigation 

Satellite System

GOR Ground Operations 

Review 

GPS Global Positioning 

System 

GRC Glenn Research 

Center 

GSE Ground Support 

Equipment 

GSO Ground Safety Officer 

GSRP Ground Safety Review 

Panel 

GSS Ground Support 

System 

HAZMAT Hazardous Material 

HBAT Handbook Bulletin for 

Air Transportation 

HCF High Cycle Fatigue 

HDTV High Definition 

Television 

HMI Human-Machine 

Interface 

HMF Hypergolic 

Maintenance Facility 

HMR Hazardous Material 

Report 

HRST Highly Reusable Space 

Transportation 

HTHL Horizontal Take Off 

and Landing 

HTVL Horizontal Take Off 

and Vertical Landing 

HW Hardware 

IASA International Aviation 

Safety Assessment 

ICA Instructions for 

Continued 

Airworthiness 

ICAO International Civil 

Aviation Organization 

ICF Instructions for 

Continued Flightworthiness 

ICHM Integrated Control and 

Health Management 

IEC International 

Electrotechnical 

Commission 

IEEE Institute of Electrical 

and Electronic 

Engineers 

IFR Instrument Flight Rules 

ILL Impact Limit Lines 

ILS Instrument Landing 

System 

IMU Inertial Measurement 

Unit 

ISO International 

Organization for 

Standardization 

ISS International Space 

Station 
Reusable Launch Vehicle Operations and Maintenance Appendix A: Acronyms/Terminology 

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ITU International 

Telecommunication 

Union 

IVHM Integrated Vehicle 

Health Monitoring 

IV&V Independent Validation 

and Verification 

JAA Joint Aviation 

Authorities 

JAR1 Joint Airworthiness 

Regulations 

JAR2 Joint Aviation 

Regulations 

JAR-VLA Joint Aviation 

Regulations-Very Light 

Airplanes 

JROC Joint Requirements 

Oversight Council 

JSC Johnson Space Center 

Klb Kilo Pound 

Klbs Kilo Pounds 

KSC Kennedy Space Center 

Ku-Band Frequency Range from 

1.7 to 12.76 GHz 

LA Los Angeles 

LCC Launch Control 

Complex 

LH2 Liquid Hydrogen 

LOA Letter of Agreement 

LEO Low Earth Orbit 

LLC Limited Liability 

Corporation 

LOX Liquid Oxygen 

LRCS Long-Range 

Communication 

System 

LRU Line Replaceable Units 

MAKS Multi-Purpose 

Aerospace System 

MMEL Master Minimum 

Equipment List 

MEL Minimum Equipment 

List 

MLP Mobile Launcher 

Platform 

MMH Monomethyl Hydrazine 

MNPS Minimum Navigation 

Performance 

Specifications Airspace 

MPP Maintenance Program 

Plan 

MRB Maintenance Review 

Board 

MRM Maintenance Resource 

Management 

MRO Maintenance, and 

Repair, Overhaul 

MSFC Marshall Space Flight 

Center 

MSG Maintenance Steering 

Group 

MSI Maintenance 

Significant Items 

MSL Mean Sea Level 

N/A Not Applicable 

NAI National Aerospace 

Initiative 

NAS National Airspace 

System 

NASA National Aeronautics 

and Space 

Administration 
Reusable Launch Vehicle Operations and Maintenance Appendix A: Acronyms/Terminology 

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NASP National Aerospace 

Plane 

NAT North Atlantic 

NDE Non Destructive 

Evaluations 

NIDA NIDA Corporation 

NORAD North American 

Aerospace Defense 

Command 

NOTAM Notice To Airmen 

NOTMAR Notice To Mariners 

NPRM Notice of Proposed 

Rulemaking 

NSP National Simulator 

Program 

NSLD NASA Shuttle Logistics 

Depot 

NSTS National Space 

Transportation System 

NTSC National Television 

System Committee 

O2 Oxygen

O&M Operations and 

Maintenance 

O&S Operations and 

Supportability 

OEI One Engine Inactive 

OEM Original Equipment 

Manufacturer 

OJT On-the-Job Approval 

OMD Operations and 

Maintenance 

Document 

OMDP Orbiter Maintenance 

Down Period 

OMI Operations and 

Maintenance 

Instructions 

OMRS Operations and 

Maintenance 

Requirements 

Specifications 

OMRSD Operations and 

Maintenance 

Requirements 

Specifications 

Document 

OMS Orbital Maneuvering 

System 

OPF Orbital Processing 

Facility 

ORR Orbiter Readiness 

Review 

OSD/AF Office of Scientific 

Development/Air Force 

OSHA Occupational Safety 

and Health 

Administration 

OSI Open Systems 

Interconnect 

Pi Probability of Impact 

PAL Phase Alternation Line 

PCM Pulse Code Modulation 

PiC Pilot in Command 

PLC Programmable Logic 

Controller 

PMA Parts Manufacturer 

Approval 

PMD Propellant 

Management Devices 

PMI Principle Maintenance 

Inspectors or 
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Preventative 

Maintenance 

Inspection 

PoC Point of Contact 

PRACA Problem Reporting and 

Corrective Action 

PRR Payload Readiness 

Review 

PSI Pounds per Square 

Inch 

PSRP Payload Safety Review 

Panel 

Pt. Part 

PVAT Position, Velocity, 

Attitude, Time 

Q-D Quantity Distance 

QD Quick Disconnects 

QoS Quality of Service 

QPSK Quadrature Phase Shift 

Keying 

RCM Reliability Centered 

Maintenance 

RCS Reaction Control 

System 

RF Radio Frequency 

RLV Reusable Launch 

Vehicle 

RMAT RLV Aerospace 

Maintenance 

Technician 

RNAV Area Navigation 

RPM Revenue Passenger 

Mile 

RPR Rulemaking Project 

Record 

RPSF Rotation, Processing & 

Surge Facility 

RSO Range Safety Officer 

RSRM Reusable Solid Rocket 

Motor 

RSS Range Safety System 

RTG Radioisotope 

Thermoelectric 

Generator 

RTI Research Triangle 

Institute 

RTLS Return To Launch Site 

RTS Return To Service 

RTV Room Temperature 

Vulcanizing 

RVT Reusable Vehicle Test 

SAE Society of Automotive 

Engineers 

SATMS Space and Air Traffic 

Management System 

SCAPE Self-Contained 

Atmospheric Protective 

Ensemble 

SDP Safety Data Package 

SDR Service Difficulty 

Report 

SFE Supplier Furnished 

Equipment 

SGS Space Gateway 

Support 

SIAT Shuttle Independent 

Assessment Team 

SLF Shuttle Landing Facility 

SLI Space Launch Initiative 

SME1 Shuttle Main Engine 

SME2 Subject Matter Expert 
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S/N Stock Number 

SNPRM Supplemental Notice of 

Proposed Rule Making 

SOH State of Health 

SOP Standard Operating 

Procedure 

SPST Space Propulsion 

Synergy Team 

SRB Solid Rocket Booster 

SRD Systems Requirements 

Document 

SRM Solid Rocket Motor 

SRSO Senior Range Safety 

Officer 

SSA System Safety 

Assessment 

SSB Single Side Band 

SSME Space Shuttle Main 

Engine 

SSP Space Shuttle Program 

SSTO Single Stage To Orbit 

SSV Space Shuttle Vehicle 

STC Space Traffic Control 

STS Space Transportation 

System 

SUA Special Use Airspace 

SUP Suspected Unapproved 

Parts 

SW Software 

TAL Transoceanic Abort 

Landing 

TBD To Be Determined 

TCAS Traffic Alert and 

Collision Avoidance 

System 

TOGA Takeoff/Go-Around 

TOL Transoceanic Landing 

TPS Thermal Protection 

System 

TSA Transportation Security 

Administration 

TSO Technical Standard 

Order 

TSOA Technical Standard 

Order Authorization 

TSPI Time Space Position 

Information 

TSTO Two Stage To Orbit 

TTS Thrust Termination 

System 

TVC Thrust Vector Control 

UAV Unmanned Aerial 

Vehicle 

US United States 

USAF United States Air Force 

USBI United States 

Boosters, Inc. 

USC United States Code 

VAB Vehicle Assembly 

Building 

VFC/MFC Maximum Speed For 

Stability Characteristics 

VDF/MDF Demonstrated Flight 

Diving Speed 

VFR Visual Flight Rules 

VHF Very High Frequency 

VOD Vehicle Operator 

Dispatcher 

VOR VHF Omnidirectional 

Range (navigation 

system) 
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VSP Vision Spaceport 

Program 

VTHL Vertical Take Off and 

Horizontal Landing 

VTVL Vertical Take Off and 

Landing 

WSMC Western Space and 

Missile Center 

WWI World War 1 

Wx Weather
Reusable Launch Vehicle Operations and Maintenance Appendix B: RLV Guideline Input Suggestion Form 

Guideline Inputs and Technical Evaluation Report 

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Appendix B: RLV Guideline Input Suggestion Form 
Reusable Launch Vehicle Operations and Maintenance Appendix B: RLV Guideline Input Suggestion Form 

Guideline Inputs and Technical Evaluation Report 

Approval-Volume 5

RTI/08087/007/3.2-Vol5F 44 11/18/2004 

RLV Guideline Input Suggestion Form

Name: ___________________________ Company Name: _________________ 

Address: _________________________________________________________ 

City: _______________ State, Postal Code, Country: ____________________ 

Phone: __________________________ Date: ___________________________ 

Email: __________________________________________________________ 

Document: RLV O&M Guideline Inputs – Vol. 5 – Approval 

 Sec: ______ Page: ____ Line: _______ 

[ ] Documentation Error (Format, punctuation, spelling) 

[ ] Content Error 

[ ] Enhancement or Refinement 

Rationale (Describe the error or justification for enhancement): 

_________________________________________________________________ 

_________________________________________________________________ 

_________________________________________________________________ 

Proposed change (Attach marked up text or proposed rewrite): 

_________________________________________________________________ 

_________________________________________________________________ 

_________________________________________________________________ 

Please provide any general comments for improvements of this document: 

_________________________________________________________________ 

_________________________________________________________________ 

_________________________________________________________________ 

_________________________________________________________________ 

Return completed form to: 

FAA/AST-100 

RLV O&M 

800 Independence Ave SW RM 331 

Washington DC 20591 
Reusable Launch Vehicle Operations and Maintenance Appendix C: Traceability of Approval Function Decomposition 

Guideline Inputs and Technical Evaluation Report 

Approval-Volume 5

RTI/08087/007/3.2-Vol5F 45 11/18/2004 

Appendix C: Traceability of Approval Function Decomposition 

Figure 5 reflects the Approval Functional Decomposition as developed for this 

effort. The following figure, Figure 6, reflects the Approval Functional 

Decomposition as developed for a previous tasking effort. The subsequent table, 

Table 5, provides the sub-function level traceability between the two 

decompositions. The current decomposition was developed in preparation of a 

Functional Analysis. 

Figure 5 Current Approval Functional Decomposition 

Approve Ground Ops Personnel

Approve Flight Ops Personnel

Approve Maintainers/Technicians

Approve Ground Crew

Approve Other Personnel

Approve Flight Crew

Approve Other Personnel

Approve

Personnel

Approve

Facilities/

Equip/

Material/

Procedures

Approve Operations Fac/Equip/

Mat/Procedures

Approve Maintenance

Fac/Equip/Mat/Procedures

Approve Training & Qualification

(T&Q) Fac/Equip/Mat/Procedures

Approve T&Q Curriculum

Approve T&Q Materials

Approve T&Q Currency

Requirements

Approve T&Q Simulators

Approve T&Q Facilities

Approve

(Personnel/

Facilities/

Equipment/

Material/

Procedures)

Approve Ops Materials

Approve Ops Equipment

Approve Ops Facilities

Approve Maint Materials

Approve Maint Equipment

Approve Maint Facilities

Approve Maint Procedures

Approve Ops Procedures

Approve Training Procedures

Approve Ground Flight Controller

Approve Ground Flight Controller

LEGEND

 Indicates a change from previous RTI Decomposition.

 Indicates a link to another Function Volume. text

Approve Trainers

Record &

Report See Licensing Authority

Develop

 Approval

Process
Reusable Launch Vehicle Operations and Maintenance Appendix C: Traceability of Approval Function Decomposition 

Guideline Inputs and Technical Evaluation Report 

Approval-Volume 5

RTI/08087/007/3.2-Vol5F 46 11/18/2004 

Figure 6 Previous Approval Functional Decomposition 

Approve Ground

Ops Personnel

Approve Flight

Ops Personnel

Approve

Maintenance

Personnel

Approve Ground Crew

Approve Other

Personnel

Approve Maintainers/

Technicians

Approve Flight Crew

Approve Other

Personnel

Personnel

Approval

Facilities/

Equip/

Material/

Procedures

Approval

Approve

 Fac/Equip/Mat/

Procs

Acceptance

Approve

Operations Fac/

Equip/Mat/Procs

Approve

Maintenance

Fac/Equip/Mat/

Procs

Approve Training

Fac/Equip/Mat/

Procs

Approve Curriculum

Approve Materials

Approve Training Currency

Requirements

Approve Training Simulators

Approve Training Facilities

Approve Other

Personnel

Approval

(Personnel/

Facilities/

Equipment/

Material/

Procedures)

Approve Ops Materials

Approve Ops Equipment

Approve Ops Facilities

Approve Maint Materials

Approve Maint Equipment

Approve Maint Facilities

Develop /Approve

Acceptance Scenarios

Develop /Approve

AcceptanceMaterials

Apply Proficiency Standards

Develop /Approve

Acceptance Equip/

Simulators

Develop /Approve

Acceptance Facilities

Approve Maint Procedures

Approve Ops Procedures

Approve Training Procs

Approve Acceptance

Procedures

Approve Ground Flight

Controller

Approve Ground Flight

Controller

LEGEND

 Indicates a change from previous RTI Decomposition.

 Indicates a link to another Function Volume. text
Reusable Launch Vehicle Operations and Maintenance Appendix C: Traceability of Approval Function Decomposition 

Guideline Inputs and Technical Evaluation Report 

Approval-Volume 5

RTI/08087/007/3.2-Vol5F 47 11/18/2004 

Table 5 Approve Sub-Function Traceability 

Indicates Same from Previous to 

Current 

Indicates Move/Change from 

Previous to Current 

Indicates New Sub-Function Indicates no Previous to Current 

Correlation 

Current Sub-Functions Previous Sub-Functions 

High Level

Function 

Second 

Level 

 SubFunction 

Tertiary 

Sub-Function 

Fourth Level 

Sub-unction 

Change High Level 

Function 

Second 

Level 

SubFunction 

Tertiary 

Sub-Function 

Fourth Level Subunction Change 

Develop 

Approval 

Process 

Renamed 

and Moved 

from 

Secondary 

Level 

Approve Fac/ 

Equip/ Mat/ 

Procs 

Acceptance 

Renamed 

and Moved 

to High 

Level 

Renamed Renamed 

Same Same 

Approve 

Ground Flight 

Controller 

Same Approve 

Ground Flight 

Controller 

Same 

Approve 

Ground Crew 

Same Approve 

Ground Crew 

Same 

Approve 

Ground Ops 

Personnel 

Approve Other 

Personnel 

Same 

Approve 

Ground Ops 

Personnel 

Approve Other 

Personnel 

Same 

Same Same 

Approve 

Ground Flight 

Controller 

Same Approve 

Ground Flight 

Controller 

Same 

Approve Flight 

Crew 

Same Approve Flight 

Crew 

Same 

Approve 

Flight Ops 

Personnel 

Approve Other 

Personnel 

Same 

Approve 

Flight Ops 

Personnel 

Approve Other 

Personnel 

Same 

Approve 

Maintainers/ 

Technicians 

Moved from

Tertiary 

Level 

Rename 

Approve 

Maintainers/ 

Technicians 

Moved to 

Secondary 

Level 

Approve 

Maintenance 

Personnel 

Approve Other 

Personnel 

Removed 

Approve 

Personnel 

Approve 

Trainers 

New 

Approval 

(Personnel/ 

Facilities/ 

Equipment/ 

Material/ 

Procedures)

 

 Rename Rename 

Rename Same 

Approve T&Q 

Currency 

Requirements 

Rename Approve 

Training 

Currency 

Requirements 

Same 

Approve T&Q 

Curriculum 

Rename Approve 

Curriculum 

Same 

Approve T&Q 

Materials 

Rename Approve 

Materials 

Same 

Approve T&Q 

Simulators 

Rename Approve 

Training 

Simulators 

Same 

Approve T&Q 

Facilities 

Rename Approve 

Training 

Facilities 

Same 

Approve 

Training & 

Qualification 

(T&Q) Fac/ 

Equip/ Mat/ 

Procedures 

Approve 

Training 

Procedures 

Rename

Approve 

Training Fac/ 

Equip/ Mat/ 

Procs 

Approve 

Training Procs 

Same 

Approve 

Facilities/ 

Equip/ 

Material/ 

Procedures

Approve Same 

Facilities/ 

Equip/ 

Material/ 

Procedures 

Approval 

Approve Same 
Reusable Launch Vehicle Operations and Maintenance Appendix C: Traceability of Approval Function Decomposition 

Guideline Inputs and Technical Evaluation Report 

Approval-Volume 5

RTI/08087/007/3.2-Vol5F 48 11/18/2004 

Current Sub-Functions Previous Sub-Functions 

High Level

Function 

Second 

Level 

 SubFunction 

Tertiary 

Sub-Function 

Fourth Level 

Sub-unction 

Change High Level 

Function 

Second 

Level 

SubFunction 

Tertiary 

Sub-Function 

Fourth Level Subunction Change 

Approve Ops 

Materials 

Same Approve Ops 

Materials 

Same 

Approve Ops 

Equipment 

Same Approve Ops 

Equipment 

Same 

Approve Ops 

Facilities 

Same Approve Ops 

Facilities 

Same 

Operations 

Fac/ Equip/ 

Mat/ Procs 

Approve Ops 

Procedures 

Same 

Operations 

Fac/ Equip/ 

Mat/ Procs 

Approve Ops 

Procedures 

Same 

Same Same 

Approve Maint 

Materials 

Same Approve Maint 

Materials 

Same 

Approve Maint 

Equipment 

Same Approve Maint 

Equipment 

Same 

Approve Maint 

Facilities 

Same Approve Maint 

Facilities 

Same 

Approve 

Maintenance 

Fac/ Equip/ 

Mat/ Procs 

Approve Maint 

Procedures 

Same 

Approve 

Maintenance 

Fac/ Equip/ 

Mat/ Procs 

Approve Maint 

Procedures 

Same 

Record & New New 

Report See 

Licensing 

Authority 

New 

Record & 

Report See 

Licensing 

Authority 

New 
Reusable Launch Vehicle Operations and Maintenance Endnotes 

Guideline Inputs and Technical Evaluation Report 

Approval – Volume 5 

RTI/08087/007/3.2-Vol5F 49 11/18/2004 

Endnotes 

 

1

 White Paper on Commercial Space Transportation Reusable Launch Vehicle 

Operations and Maintenance, FAA-AST, Chuck Larsen, October 1999 

2

 Reusable Launch Vehicles Operations and Maintenance Top-Down Analysis 

Final Technical Report, RTI, September 30, 2002 (RTI Report No. 08087.002F) 

3

 Department of Defense Explosive Safety Board, General Information-Functions, 

http://www.ddesb.pentagon.mil/function.html