Posted for "Jack Cowell" <jackcowell@optonline.net>:

June 1, 2007

Contact: Chris Dancy
301-695-2159
chris.dancy@aopa.org

AFTER AOPA POINTS OUT PROBLEM, FAA QUICKLY TIES UP GPS LOOSE ENDS; ISSUES
CLARIFICATION ON USING IFR GPS UNITS

Frederick, MD - The FAA today began to tie up a number of loose ends
created when it revised policies that instruct pilots on how to use GPS
units when flying under instrument flight rules. In a letter to the FAA,
AOPA had drawn the agency's attention to the consequences of the combined
changes to the Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM), an Advisory Circular
on terminal and en route area navigation (RNAV) operations (AC 90-100A), and
an associated list of compliant GPS units.

"The bottom line is pilots can continue using their IFR GPS units like
before," said Randy Kenagy, AOPA's senior director of strategic planning.

In a letter to AOPA on Friday, the FAA confirmed pilots' ability to use
appropriate GPS units (TSO-C129/129a) in lieu of an automatic direction
finder (ADF) or distance measuring equipment (DME) – 1930s and 1950s
technology, respectively. A recent change to the AIM had raised questions
about pilots' authorization to make the GPS substitution.

"This is an important step that ensures pilots' ability to use IFR GPS,"
Kenagy said. "In addition to allowing them to use GPS in lieu of ADF and
DME, it lets them continue using T-routes." T-routes, or Tango routes, allow
properly equipped general aviation aircraft to safely transition through
some of the busiest airspace in the nation, and access some remote areas
where no other ground-based navigation equipment exists.

"The FAA's letter provides some much-needed relief to pilots who've
installed expensive GPS units in their aircraft," said Kenagy. "It makes
clear that the current operational approvals will be in place for a long
time to come.

"But the letter makes clear that as system evolves to RNAV and required
navigational performance (RNP), certain older units will not be allowed to
be used for RNAV standard instrument departure and arrival routes (SIDs and
STARs). AOPA will work with the FAA to ensure that members are not penalized
for not having RNAV SID/STAR-capable equipment."
AOPA and its more-than-412,000 members are committed to modernizing
America's air traffic control system – the safest and most efficient in the
world – while preserving the world's most vibrant general aviation
community.

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