[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 226 (Friday, November 24, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 67951-67952]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 06-9245]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration


RNP SAAAR Approval Consultant Opportunities

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice and request for applications.

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SUMMARY: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced today

[[Page 67952]]

that it is seeking to identify qualified industry consultants to assist 
14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91, 121, 125, 129, 135 
applicants as they pursue approval to conduct ``Required Navigation 
Performance Special Aircraft and Aircrew Authorization Required'' (RNP 
SAAAR) approaches. Provisions for gaining those approvals are contained 
within FAA Advisory Circular 90-101, ``Approval Guidance for RNP 
Procedures with SAAAR.'' Applicants who meet certain qualifications 
will be permitted to enter into an agreement with the FAA to be listed 
as RNP SAAAR Approval Consultants.

DATES: Formal letter of application must be received on or before 
December 31, 2006.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Vincent Chirasello, Federal 
Aviation Administration, AFS-400 Flight Technologies and Procedures 
Division, 470 L'Enfant Plaza, Suite 4102, Washington, DC 20024, (202) 
385-4586.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: RNP SAAAR procedures provide an opportunity 
to improve safety, efficiency and capacity. Safety is improved when RNP 
approaches replace visual or non-precision approaches, and efficiency 
is improved through more repeatable and optimum flight paths. Capacity 
can be improved by de-conflicting traffic during instrument conditions. 
RNP SAAAR procedures provide an unprecedented flexibility in 
construction of approach procedures. RNP SAAAR procedures build upon 
the performance based National Airspace System (NAS) concept. The 
performance requirements to conduct an approach are defined, and 
aircraft are qualified against these performance requirements. RNP 
approaches include unique characteristics that require special aircraft 
and aircrew capabilities and authorization similar to Category (CAT) 
II/III ILS operations.
    The AC 90-101 RNP SAAAR approval process is complex and the success 
of the process depends on the quality of the application. Although the 
FAA is committed to providing approval services, a reduced budget and 
increase in attrition leaves fewer resources available to assist new 
entrants in the approval process. In an effort to address this new RNP 
SAAAR entrant need, the FAA will develop and maintain a list of 
qualified AC 90-101 RNP SAAAR Approval Consultants to assist in the 
approval process. This process will benefit the general public by 
helping expedite new entrant applications.
    (a) Eligibility Requirements: To be identified as an FAA-qualified 
RNP SAAAR Approval Consultant, the following qualifications must be 
met:
    (1) Have understanding of AC 90-101, as revised, to include the 
individual appendices. This includes a thorough understanding of the 
approval process.
    (2) At least 2 years experience working with RNP SAAAR or 
equivalent procedures.?>
    (3) Upon selection for the program, successfully complete an RNP 
SAAAR Approval Process Seminar.
    (4) Have operations and airworthiness personnel qualified through 
training, experience, and expertise in 14 CFR part 91, 121, 125, 129 
and/or 135 operations, or equivalent experience.
    (b) Required Documentation: An applicant to become RNP SAAAR 
Approval Consultant must submit a formal letter of request in addition 
to the following documents:
    (1) Statement substantiating that the RNP SAAAR Approval Consultant 
applicant meets eligibility requirements as stated in item 1 above.
    (2) Supplemental statement including the names, signatures, and 
titles of those persons who will perform the authorized functions, and 
substantiating that they meet the eligibility requirements.
    (3) RNP SAAAR Approval Consultant Operations Manual.
    (4) References.
    (5) Certification that, to the best of its knowledge and belief, 
the persons serving as management of the organization have not been 
convicted of, or had a civil or administrative finding rendered 
against, them for: commission of fraud, embezzlement, theft, forgery, 
bribery, falsification or destruction of records, making false 
statements, or receiving stolen property.
    (c) How to Apply: An RNP SAAAR Consultant applicant must submit all 
required documents for consideration before being identified as an FAA-
qualified RNP SAAAR Approval Consultant to: Mr. Vincent Chirasello, 
Federal Aviation Administration, AFS-400 Flight Technologies and 
Procedures Division, 470 L'Enfant Plaza, Suite 4102, Washington, DC 
20024.
    (d) Application Process: Upon receipt of the application, AFS-400, 
will:
    (1) Ensure the RNP SAAAR Approval Consultant application package 
contains all the required documents as listed in item 2 above.
    (2) Evaluate documents for accuracy.
    (3) Ensure the RNP SAAAR consultant application package contains 
all the eligibility requirements as listed in item 1 above.
    (4) Contact the applicant's personal references.
    (5) Conduct a personal interview with the applicant; including 
those persons within organizations, if any, who will perform authorized 
functions.

    Auhority: The FAA is authorized to enter into this Agreement by 
49 U.S.C. 106(1), (6) and (m).

    Issued in Washington, DC on November 9, 2006.
John M. Allen,
Director, Flight Standards Service.
[FR Doc. 06-9245 Filed 11-22-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-M