C E R T A L E R T

==================================================================
ADVISORY  *  CAUTIONARY  *  NON-DIRECTIVE

AIRPORT SAFETY AND OPERATIONS DIVISION  AAS-300
==================================================================

DATE:		28 SEPTEMBER 2001                                                              NO. 01-03

TO:		AIRPORT CERTIFICATION PROGRAM INSPECTORS

TOPIC:	MAGNETIC VARIATION AND RUNWAY DESIGNATIONS
_____________________________________________________________________

This Certalert updates information contained in Certalert 90-05, issued 20 March 1990.  FAA's AVN office periodically conducts evaluations of magnetic variation and assigns the values that are to be used in designating runways.  

FAA Order 8260.19C (change 2), Flight Procedures and Airspace, contains information regarding this subject.  Chapter 2, Section 5, paragraph 217 (Page 31ff.) specifically addresses magnetic variation.   This Order can be found at 
http://terps.faa.gov/420di.htm.  The entire section is worth reading for a comprehensive understanding of magnetic variation, its changes, and the impacts on airports, navaids, flight procedures, et al., and the use of the Notam System by airports when remarking will not be accomplished immediately. 

For further information, contact the ACSI for your airport.

__________ _O/S____________________                               _28 September 2001 
    Benedict D. Castellano, Manager                                                       Date
Airport Safety and Operations Division

DISTRIBUTION:  CERTALERT Distribution List