REFERENCE:
FAA AC 90-100A and FAA Aeronautical Information Manual 

SUMMARY:
The aviation media has been reporting GPSs may not meet the “new” requirements for IFR flight. This is not correct. 

There is confusion regarding RNAV-approved systems and a March change to the FAA’s Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM). 

MAJOR HIGHLIGHTS: 
What we know (or have been told): 

• FAA AC 90-100A is a revision to AC 90-100, originally published in 2005. 

• The aircraft/RNAV systems approved in AC 90-100A, “Compliant Systems,” dated May 8, 2007, is fundamentally the same as the compliant systems listed in AC90-100, “Compliant Systems,” dated March 6, 2007. 

• The basic criteria for VFR and IFR use of GPS as a supplemental means of navigation as described in the “Aeronautical Information Manual” are unchanged. 

• The primary issue is the loss of the apparent loss of the use of GPS in lieu of ADF and/or DME. 

• In the FAA’s “Aeronautical Information Manual” (AIM) prior to March 2007, paragraph 1-1-19(f) addressed the “Use of GPS in lieu of ADF and DME.” Change “2” to the AIM, which became effective March 15, 2007, deleted paragraph 1-1-19(f). 

• Although paragraph 1-1-19(f) was deleted, which provided use and limitation information, AIM Table 1-1-6 still authorizes GPS in lieu of ADF and/or DME for GPS equipment approved for IFR en route and terminal, IFR oceanic/remote, or IFR en route, terminal and approach.

 In recent conversations with FAA headquarters, this oversight should be corrected in the next 10 days.

 AEA COMMENTARY: 
AEA commends AOPA and the work of Randy Kenegy in bringing this issue to light. 

The Association is disappointed with the Agency’s communications on this issue but is pleased with the one-on-one discussions to help to clarify the situation. The AEA also is pleased at the quick response promised by the Agency to rectify the ADF/DME issue. 

For More Information Contact:
Ric Peri, vice president of government & industry affairs for the AEA, by e-mail: ricp@aea.net; phone: 202-589-1144; or fax: 202-220-3104.