Notice to our software users:

As of December 7, 2007 a new order has been implemented by the FAA, Order 8260.54A. This order supersedes FAA Orders 8260.38A (Civil Utilization of Global Positioning System), 8260.48 (Area Navigation Approach Construction Criteria), 8260.51 (US Standard for Required Navigation Performance (RNP) Instrument Approach Procedure Construction).

What this means to you:

The FAA Order 8260.54A specifies new criteria for obstacle clearance evaluation of area navigation (RNAV) approach procedures served by instrument landing systems. The entire shape of the procedure has a new design and is narrower than the previous surface.

If you have run into an RNAV procedure while conducting your obstacle evaluation analysis you will notice we have updated your software with the new shape. Recently we have run into an issue that some FAA branches may still be applying the old Order 8260.38A in their obstruction analysis. It is our recommendation to be aware of this change and make sure the new order is being applied to your location if located in an RNAV procedure.

Another recommendation would be to reevaluate your obstacles that were restricted in height by the RNAV prior to December 7, 2007. Your sites may no longer be affected by the surface which will allow for increased heights.

If you have been restricted or denied your requested heights by the previously larger RNAV trapezoid, we can evaluate the location of your sites for you and negotiate with the FAA on your behalf for increased height approval. Please visit our online estimate form to submit your sites.

Below is an example to the effect that this new change can make on your sites.

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