Federal AviationAdministrationAirport 20 to 1

Approach Surface &

Restoring Night Minimums

Georgia Airports Association (GAA) 2015 Annual Workshop

Cindy M Hintz Eastern Flight Procedures Team

February 27, 2015

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20:1 Penetrations Background

• Late 1990’s: Criteria developed by Flight Standards (AFS).

• Oct 2012: AFS required immediate NOTAM action to restrict night operations when 20:1 penetrations identified.

• Jan 2014: Refined policy considered “Risk” factors based on the amount of obstacle penetration, allowed the airport manager a 30 day validation period, and allowed for Category A/B and C/D surface areas to be restricted independently. (NOTAMs could restrict the C/D area only if the A/B area was clear of penetrations).

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• AFS has implemented a change to FAA Order 8260.3B, United States Standards for TERPS, Straight-in Visual Area Beginning Width.

Recent Change to 20:1 Dimensions

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Dimension Changes Outlined

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New vs Old 20:1 (Width)• Original 20:1: CAT C/D beginning width 800FT • Revised (20:1 & 34:1): CAT A/B/C/D beginning width 400FT

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TERPS

Offset Evaluation

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How are 20:1 Approach PenetrationsIdentified ?????

•Biennial Review: Terminal instrument procedures reviewed every two years against current criteria. During this review 20:1 penetrations may be identified.

•Routine Amendments: While amending procedures to support airport improvement projects or Air Traffic change requests, current criteria is applied and 20:1 penetrations may be identified.

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When 20:1 Penetrations Identified Notification Process

• Initial Notification: Within 3 business days, a file is forwarded to the airport sponsor requiring validation of each penetration ASAP, but not more than 30 days. The Airport District Office (ADO) is info copied.

• Action required by sponsor: Airport owner/sponsor must provide written validation report to FPT and info copy ADO.

• No Response: If no response received from sponsor within 30 days, the penetrations will be treated as existing and the instrument Approach Procedures (IAPs) will be restricted at night by NOTAM.

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Obstacle Verification• Verification: Airport owner/sponsor must verify the

validity of each penetration as soon as possible but notification must not exceed 30 calendar days.

• 20:1 Determined Invalid: Sponsor determines the obstacle does not exist or it has been removed or reduced in height that no longer penetrates the 20:1 surface. (Documentation Required).

• 20:1 Determined Valid: Sponsor determines the obstacle does exist at the reported location/height.

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Airport Owner/Sponsor Required Response

• If 20:1 penetrations determined INVALID: FPT will notify applicable offices to update airport’s data file(s). NOTAM action will not be taken to restrict or modify Instrument Approach Procedure (IAP).

• If 20 to 1 penetrations determined VALID: – Airport owner/sponsor submits written compliance plan.– Airport owner/sponsor mitigates the penetration through

removal, lighting, reduction in height, or VGSI waiver.– FAA action taken per Risk Assessment Criteria

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Alternate Mitigation Option using Visual Glide Slope Indicator (VGSI):

• Temporary waiver good for 30 days while obtaining Flight Standards Approval.

• VGSI Mitigation Requirements: –Equipment Unrestricted & Clear OCS–Angle of VGSI equal to or less than IAP angle–TCH not more than 15 FT higher than IAP TCH–Visual Descent Point (VDP) not published–Visibility not lower than 1 SM.

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Alternative Mitigation Option using Full-Scale Deflection of ILS/LOC/LPV/LP

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AeroNav Products Automatically Evaluates for this

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Obstacles Mitigated – NOW WHAT???• Trees Removed: Notify FPT of tree removal. Include

Obstacle Identification (ID).

• Trees Trimmed: Notify FPT of completed tree trimming. A stamped and signed survey must be provided to support a new obstacle height. – Obstacle ID with Coordinates– Site Elevation with Accuracy Code (AC)– Revised Tree MSL and AGL Height

• Structures Lighted: Notify FPT if the structure has been lighted (Include the obstacle ID).

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Re-Evaluation of Night Restrictions • Existing Night Restrictions: Contact FPT and ask for a

re-evaluation of your airport to determine if the new surface area provides any relief to your airport.

• NOTAMs: – If there are existing NOTAMs and it’s determined the

20:1 penetrations are no longer applicable or have been removed, the NOTAM can be cancelled

– If restrictions are already charted (NA at Night) and it’s determined the restriction is no longer applicable, it’s possible to regain night operations through a temporary NOTAM followed by a chart amendment.

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Thank you

Questions?

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Contact Info

• Cindy M Hintz• Eastern Flight Procedures Team• 404-305-5956, cindy.m.hintz@faa.gov