Extended Overwater Operations With a Single Long-Range Communication System (LRCS) and a Single Long-Range Navigation System (LRNS)

This action revises the Federal Aviation Regulations for certain overwater operations for air carriers, commercial operators, and general aviation operators of large and of turbine-powered multiengine airplanes. It defines and clarifies requirements for using long-range navigation systems (LRNS) and long-range communication systems (LRCS) and sets forth criteria for navigation and communication equipment for certain overwater operations. Under this rule, air carriers and commercial operators are authorized to use a single LRCS and a single LRNS for extended overwater routes detailed in their operations specifications. Affected general aviation operators, who already are authorized to use a single LRCS when they have two very high frequency (VHF) communication systems, are authorized to use a single LRNS in overwater operations in the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean Sea, and part of the western Atlantic Ocean. This rule gives the FAA greater flexibility in responding to advances in aviation technology and changes in the operational environment and allows operators to conduct extended overwater operations without carrying unnecessary communication and navigation equipment.