FAA Aircraft

DOT.

Secretary:

Identifier: DOT-1

Call-Sign: Transport-1

Deputy Secretary:

Identifier: DOT-2

Call-Sign: Transport-2

FAA.

Administrator:

Identifier: FAA-1

Call-Sign: Safeair-1

Deputy Administrator:

Identifier: FAA-2

Call-Sign: Safeair-2

FAA aircraft engaged in flight inspection of navigation aids must be provided priority handling by ATC facilities in accordance with FAA Order JO 7110.65, paragraph 2–1–4, Operational Priority. Flight Program Operations (AJF)/flight inspectors are expected to coordinate with the facility prior to conducting flight inspections. Occasionally, due to unplanned/special flight inspection requirements, flight inspectors may attempt to conserve flight hours and accomplish additional opportune flight checks with minimal advance coordination.

Unless otherwise agreed to, direct contact must be maintained between the flight inspection pilot and the ATC facility to provide for an exchange of information regarding the intention of the pilot and the known traffic in the facility's area of responsibility.

Many flight inspection missions are accomplished using automatic recording equipment, and an uninterrupted flight is necessary for the successful accomplishment of the flight. Maximum cooperation will help AJF accomplish its mission within their limited aircraft resources. Facilities must immediately notify the pilot‐in‐command (PIC), or the AJF Operations Control Center (OCC) located at the Joint Air Traffic Operations Command (JATOC) if they are unable to accommodate flight inspection missions.

Air Traffic Districts must distribute information regarding flight inspection mission operations to affected facilities in a timely manner.

Facilities must review published schedules and maneuvers to be performed utilizing the Flight Inspection Activity Map (https://fiog.faa.gov/foms/itinerary/scheduledWorkMap), when available.

The ATM must ensure the Operations Supervisor (OS), or Controller‐in‐Charge (CIC) reviews the requested FLC operation. Airport flight inspection/certification of navigational aids and flight procedures are the only category required to be briefed.

The OS/CIC must brief controllers prior to assuming a control position affected by the flight inspection aircraft. The briefing must include the associated flight procedures/maneuvers depicted on the Flight Inspection Activity Map, when available.

Completed briefings of airport flight inspection/certification of navigational aids and flight procedures must be documented on FAA Form 7230-4, Daily Record of Facility Operation.

The ATM must make it a priority to monitor and be periodically present for any FLC operations during their duty hours.

FLC aircraft that request to perform an unplanned procedure should be approved to proceed if:

The requested operation would not adversely affect air traffic operations.

The FLC aircraft would not/does not request priority handling.

High altitude flight inspection operations are generally conducted on IFR flight plans; “VFR-on-top” will not be requested except when weather conditions are ideal and excessive delays would result from operating at an assigned flight level.

The pilot must contact the STMCIC of the appropriate facility for coordination prior to flight when special handling is required for the successful completion of the flight check.

Aircraft participating in FAA research and development test activities are sometimes required to deviate from standard procedures to accomplish the mission. These aircraft should be provided maximum assistance by control facilities subject to other traffic. Direct radio contact should be maintained between the aircraft and the control facility to provide for an exchange of information regarding the pilot's intention and known traffic.

Upon request by the pilot, the air traffic manager of the controlling facility may authorize the use of special flight procedures to be used by aircraft participating in FAA research and development activities. Control personnel must be thoroughly briefed on the procedure prior to the flight.