LOAs - What are they and who needs them.

What is a Letter of Authorization (LOA)?

A Letter of Authorization (LOA) is an official document issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or other relevant aviation authority that grants an operator permission to conduct specific flight operations or utilize particular equipment. LOAs are commonly required for operations that exceed standard regulatory allowances, such as advanced navigation capabilities, use of special airspace, or safety exemptions.

LOAs serve as formal approvals that validate an operator’s ability to safely and effectively conduct specialized operations within regulatory frameworks. These authorizations are typically issued to commercial operators, private pilots, corporate flight departments, and even government agencies, depending on the type of authorization needed.

Who Needs an LOA?

  ·         Part 91 Corporate Flight Departments: Businesses operating private jets requiring authorization for navigation capabilities, equipment use, or special airspace access.

·         Private Pilots: Individuals seeking authorization for operations that require enhanced capabilities, such as RVSM or RNP approaches.

How do LOAs Work?

• Application and Review: The operator submits a request to the relevant aviation authority, demonstrating their readiness and compliance with operational and safety standards.
  

• Approval Process: The authority reviews the documentation, verifies aircraft and crew capabilities, and ensures regulatory compliance before approving the LOA.
  

• Operational Use: Once approved, operators can conduct the authorized activities while adhering to the terms and conditions specified in the LOA.
  

• Compliance Monitoring: Aviation authorities may conduct periodic audits or inspections to ensure ongoing compliance with LOA requirements.
  

• Renewal and Amendments: Some LOAs require periodic renewal or updates to reflect changes in regulations, operational procedures, or equipment upgrades.

How do I Obtain an LOA?

1. Determine the Required LOA – Operators should review their operational needs and consult relevant regulations to identify the appropriate LOA(s).

2. Prepare the Application – This includes submitting detailed documentation demonstrating compliance with FAA or applicable authority requirements, such as training records, operational procedures, and aircraft capabilities.

3. Submit to the FAA (or Relevant Authority) – The completed application is sent to the Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) or appropriate aviation authority.

4. Review and Approval – The authority reviews the submission, may request additional information, and, if all requirements are met, approvess the LOA.

5. Compliance and Renewal – Once issued, LOAs must be maintained by adhering to the appropriate operational and equipment standards. Some LOAs require periodic renewal or revalidation.

LOA vs. Other Regulatory Approvals

LOAs are often confused with other regulatory approvals, such as:

• Operations Specifications (OpSpecs): Issued to air carriers and commercial operators detailing mandatory operational requirements.

• Waivers: Temporary exemptions from specific regulations.

• Exemptions: Permanent regulatory relief granted under specific circumstances.

Unlike waivers or exemptions, LOAs typically authorize operations within existing regulations, rather than bypassing them.