Expanded landing authority can change the potential usefulness of an aircraft investment. FAA's December 13, 2016 final rule permits eligible Enhanced Flight Vision System operations to continue below the earlier 100-foot boundary through touchdown and rollout on certain straight-in instrument approaches. Its stated goal includes better airport access when visibility is limiting, not a guaranteed increase in operator revenue. [2016-28714][2013-13454]

The commercial constraint is that capability must come with qualification. Aircraft used for touchdown and rollout face additional airworthiness requirements, and pilot preparation remains necessary. A market reading therefore has to consider equipment and training together. Merely owning a vision system does not establish eligibility, and the rule does not demonstrate a payback period, fare reduction or competitive advantage. [2016-28714][2013-13454]

The June 11, 2013 proposal had contemplated training, recent experience and proficiency requirements. Those were proposed obligations, not operative requirements created by the proposal. The final discussion rejects the proposed substitution of proficiency checks for initial ground and flight training or supplemental EFVS training. That change illustrates why a business case based on proposed implementation options could misstate the adopted route. [2016-28714][2013-13454]

The original general effective date is March 13, 2017, with specified amendments following on March 13, 2018. A staged authorization is not immediate capacity. These connected FAA documents explain a mechanism and its constraints; they are not independent market evidence. Whether the resulting capability would justify an investment depends on facts these sources do not supply. Access is a policy objective here, while realized utilization and returns remain unproven. [2016-28714][2013-13454]

Source documents

  1. Revisions to Operational Requirements for the Use of Enhanced Flight Vision Systems (EFVS) and to Pilot Compartment View Requirements for Vision Systemshttps://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2016-12-13/html/2016-28714.htm
  2. Revisions to Operational Requirements for the Use of Enhanced Flight Vision Systems (EFVS) and to Pilot Compartment View Requirements for Vision Systemshttps://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2013-06-11/html/2013-13454.htm