Streamlined LOA Process

Welcome back to Jump Seat. Last year, we wrote an article detailing how to navigate the process of obtaining Letters of Authorization, or LOAs. LOAs for Part 91, or “OpSpecs” for Part 135/121, are special authorizations permitting US operators the use of select aircraft systems and flight procedures. LOAs ensure operators are trained and aircraft are properly equipped. As a result, they are tied to the aircraft and the operator. 

Since our last article on LOAs, the FAA has launched a program that is focused on delivering a streamlined version of the existing process. Keep reading for more information about the new applications and how ARINCDirect can help. 

The Concept 

With the new concept that has just been approved and released by the FAA, qualifying operators will be able to benefit from expedited LOA approvals through a new application process. The hallmark of this new program is the inclusion of pre-approved compliance statements that serve to prove that operators have provided evidence of aircraft capabilities, training compliance, and procedural compliance. These Statements of Compliance, or “SOCs”, are as follows:

• Aircraft Statement of Capability (ASOC) 
• The ASOC provides evidence of aircraft capabilities.  
• An applicant obtains an ASOC from the aircraft manufacturer.  
• Training Statement of Compliance (TSOC) 
• The TSOC provides evidence of flight training and international procedures training compliance.  
• An applicant obtains a TSOC from the company contracted by the operator for training. 
• Procedural Statement of Compliance (PSOC) 
• The PSOC provides evidence of procedures compliance.  
• An applicant obtains a PSOC from the provider that develops and maintains their international procedures (IOPM). 

In addition to including a couple of documents, such as a Sample Flight Plan and evidence that the operator has signed up for the FANS-CRA Error Reporting system, a big benefit to applicants is that they will be able to submit their requests as many as 60 days prior and up to 60 days after the expected delivery date of the new aircraft. This new process will allow operators to obtain required LOAs by the time they start flying. These ten available LOAs included in the new program are shown below: 

Source: Federal Aviation Administration 

Next Steps 

This streamlined process is expected to become available to all operators this summer. At that point, operators will coordinate with their aircraft manufacturer and their training and manual providers to gather statements for the LOAs they wish to obtain. The FAA Compliance Guide will then be completed and submitted to the local FSDO for approval. Manufacturers and training providers are still in the process of approving their ASOCs and TSOCs for the various types; however, this should near completion by the last quarter of this year.  

There are only a handful of providers that can assist in obtaining a Procedures Statement of Compliance (PSOC). The first provider to be approved, AviationManuals, collaborated with the FAA, manufacturers, and industry stakeholders to shape this new program, and obtained FAA approval for their PSOC last year. For their subscribed customers, they offer manual and LOA services when bringing on new aircraft. They can share the knowledge and guidance they have acquired through working with over 80% of the selected test applicants.

In the Meantime 

Our team of flight coordinators is experienced in creating sample flight plans for operators to use in their LOA packages. We can suggest typical routes and codes that should be added to the flight plan based on the LOAs you are applying for and make sure all relevant documents are included in the flight plan package. To work with a Flight Coordinator about a sample flight plan, email [email protected]. 

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