This order prescribes standardized methods for designing and evaluating Performance Based
Navigation (PBN) instrument flight procedures (IFPs) in the United States and its territories.
Performance Based Navigation (PBN) describes an aircraft’s capability to navigate using
performance standards and is comprised of Area Navigation (RNAV) and Required Navigation
Performance (RNP). RNAV enables aircraft to fly on any desired flight path within the coverage
of ground or space based navigation aids, the limits of the capability of the self-contained
systems, or a combination of both capabilities. RNP is RNAV with the addition of onboard
performance monitoring and alerting capability. A defining characteristic of RNP operations is
the ability of the aircraft navigation system to monitor the navigation performance it achieves
and inform the crew if the requirement is not met during an operation. The performance
requirements of PBN are conveyed to the users through navigation specifications.
This order is to be used by all personnel responsible for the preparation, approval, and
promulgation of PBN IFPs.

This order provides guidance to all FAA personnel for the administration and accomplishment of
the FAA Flight Procedures and Airspace Program.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) assigned ARAC a new task to develop recommendations to enable the safe use of hydrogen in civil aviation. This notice informs the public of the new ARAC activity and solicits membership for the new Hydrogen Aviation Working Group (HAWG).

Nominations must be submitted electronically (by e-mail) to Dr. Catalin Fotache at Catalin.G.Fotache@faa.gov. The subject line should state “Hydrogen Aviation Working Group Nomination.” The FAA must receive all requests by February 14, 2025, at 4:00pm Eastern Time. The ARAC and the FAA will review the requests and advise you whether or not your request is approved.

In response to Section 320 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 (Public Law (Pub. L.) 118-63), FAA assigned ARAC a new task to update analysis and recommendations provided by the Rotorcraft Occupant Protection Working Group (ROPWG) in 2018 and provide recommendations to encourage helicopter owners and operators to expedite the installation of crash resistant fuel systems (CRFS) in the aircraft of such owners and operators regardless of original certification and manufacture date. These safety systems are intended to reduce fatal accidents in the rotorcraft fleet. This notice informs the public of the new ARAC activity and solicits membership for the new Rotorcraft Occupant Protection Working Group.

Nominations must be submitted electronically (by email) to Martin R. Crane at Martin.R.Crane@faa.gov. The subject line should state “Rotorcraft Occupant Protection Working Group Nomination.” The FAA must receive all requests by Friday, January 10, at 5:00 pm Eastern Time]. The FAA will review the nominations and advise nominees whether or not their request is approved.

The FAA assigned ARAC a new task for transport category airplane designs. The task is to provide recommendations regarding new or updated standards and guidance material for transport airplane performance and handling characteristics. This notice informs the public of the new ARAC activity for the Flight Test Harmonization Working Group.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) assigned ARAC a new task to enhance the processes for authorizing aircraft for service in commuter and on-demand operations. Certificate holders operating in accordance with Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) part 135 must perform an aircraft conformity inspection prior to entering an aircraft into service. This notice informs the public of the new ARAC activity and solicits membership for the new Part 135 Aircraft Conformity Working Group (Part 135 ACWG).

Nominations must be submitted electronically (by E-mail) to Ken Thomas at kenneth.c.thomas@faa.gov. The subject line should state “Part 135 Aircraft Conformity Working Group Nomination.” The FAA must receive all requests by 5:00 pm Eastern Time, on Friday, January 17, 2025. The FAA will review the requests and advise you whether your request is approved.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) assigned ARAC a new task to address the knowledge and skill differences between military aircraft maintenance versus civilian aircraft maintenance for the purpose of recommending airman certification standards and testing requirements. This notice informs the public of the new ARAC activity for the Airman Certification Standards (ACS) Working Group.