Operations Group

The Operations Group is responsible for policy and regulatory development related to the general aviation (GA) operational aspects of part 91 (except for air traffic and aircraft maintenance rules) as pertaining to amateur-built/recreational/personal operations aircraft, aerobatic practice areas and aviation events (including airshows, balloon events, air races, parachute demonstrations, aerobatic contests, and fly-overs), civil operations of surplus military aircraft, and operations under 14 CFR parts 103 and 105.

Additional policy and regulatory development responsibilities include aerial work and public aircraft operations (PAO), UAS policy and processing under part 107, private and commercial (non-air carrier) flights conducted in piston and turbine aircraft by individuals and companies under parts 91 and 125, fractional ownership program managers under part 91K, helicopter external load operators under part 133, and agricultural aircraft operators under part 137.

The group:

• Ensures the initiation of appropriate corrective actions concerning the FAA's regulations, policies, procedures, standards, and operating practices as a result of reviewing investigations and hearings for applicable GA accidents, incidents, and violations.
• Analyzes applicable NTSB Safety Recommendations and prepares required responses on its findings following an accident investigation.
• Responds to applicable FAA Safety Recommendations from field offices and takes proper action.
• Advises the Associate Administrator for Aviation Safety (AVS), Flight Standards Service, and General Aviation & Commercial Division management on matters pertaining to the National Aviation Event Program and aviation events. In addition to advisement responsibilities, the group is responsible for establishing rules, technical guidance, policies, and approvals on national air show matters, aviation events, and aerobatic practice areas.
• Drafts and reviews applicable chapters of the current edition of Order 8900.1 for parts 91 (except for air traffic and aircraft maintenance rules), 103, and 105.
• Drafts and reviews applicable chapters of Order 8900.1 for operations under part 91, including subpart K, PAO, and parts 107, 125, 133, and 137 (except for air traffic and aircraft maintenance rules).
• Coordinates with Mission Support Services (AJV) within the Air Traffic Control Organization (ATO) as necessary regarding risk mitigation for part 101 operations.
• Liaises with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Department of Justice (DOJ), and other agencies on applicable security issues.
• Provides guidance and regulatory support for issues related to vintage aircraft, public aircraft operations, and amateur-built (including light-sport aircraft (LSA)).
• Manages the development of amateur-built aircraft operations policy.
• Maintains continuing liaison with Regulatory Support Division, and industry and FAA segments involved with amateur-built aircraft operational standardization issues.
• Develops policy and regulations for the operations of experimental aircraft, to include former military aircraft and amateur-built aircraft.
• Participates on the Flight Operations Evaluation Board (FOEB) and Flight Standardization Board (FSB).
• Manages the development of light sport operations policy.
• Develops and carries out division policy pertaining to Minimum Equipment Lists (MELs) of part 91 operators.
• Evaluates and participates in development of classroom and flight training for GA Operations Inspectors.
• Develops and carries out rotorcraft policy, including agricultural and external-load operations policy.
• Develops and implements policy concerning aerial work operations, such as banner towing and motion picture operations.
• Develops and implements North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) guidance and policy for FAA field offices.
• Coordinates with other FAA divisions (as applicable) to develop and implement general aviation policy related to NextGen, Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), performance-based authorizations, and emerging technologies such as Night Vision Imaging Systems (NVIS) and night vision goggles (NVG).
• Develops and implements policy related to Air Operator Organization Designation Authorizations (AO ODA).
• Maintains continuing liaison with Aircraft Maintenance Division, the Aircraft Certification Service Production and Airworthiness Division, and industry and FAA segments involved with experimental aircraft operational standardization issues.

Programs

• National Aviation Events Program

Regulatory Areas of Responsibility

• Part 91 Operations
• Part 91K Operations
• Part 101 Operations
• Part 103 Operations
• Part 105 Operations
• Part 107 Operations
• Part 125 Operations

Phone: (202) 267-1100