Definition & Meaning
The AC 00-70, officially known as the Flightcrew Member Certificate Verification Plan, is an Advisory Circular issued by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This circular provides comprehensive guidelines for fractional ownership program managers and air carriers under specific regulations to establish procedures for temporary verification of flightcrew members' certificates. This verification becomes necessary when the original documents are lost, stolen, or destroyed.
Key Aspects
- Primary Purpose: Enables air carriers to create a backup plan for verifying essential flightcrew credentials.
- Target Audience: Primarily concerns fractional ownership program managers and regulated air carriers.
How to Use the AC 00-70
Understanding and utilizing the AC 00-70 involves a detailed examination of its guidelines to formulate an effective certificate verification plan. Here are the critical steps:
Steps to Implement
- Review Requirements: Thoroughly examine the circular's requirements for creating a contingency plan for certificate verification.
- Design Verification Process: Develop a process that aligns with FAA standards to ensure temporary and accurate verification.
- Approval Process: Submit the designed plan to the FAA for approval, ensuring that all stipulated guidelines are met.
Practical Application
- Temporary Documents: Issue valid temporary documents during the application of this plan, maintaining compliance with FAA rules.
- Identifying Legitimate Holders: Incorporate procedures to verify the identity of certificate holders during the verification process.
Steps to Complete the AC 00-70
Completing the requirements set forth in AC 00-70 involves several structured steps to ensure compliance and effectiveness.
Detailed Process
- Initiate a Plan: Begin by drafting a detailed plan that specifies how your organization will handle certificate verification.
- Gather Necessary Information: Collect all required information about the flightcrew members and their certification status.
- Implement Identification Procedures: Establish clear identification procedures to verify the authenticity of any temporary document.
Approval and Finalization
- Submit for Approval: Present the plan to FAA authorities for validation.
- Periodic Review: Continuously assess the effectiveness of your established plan and make necessary adjustments.
Important Terms Related to AC 00-70
Understanding specific terminology is crucial for effectively navigating and implementing AC 00-70.
Glossary of Terms
- Fractional Ownership Program: A structured system where multiple owners share the cost and usage of an aircraft.
- Certificate Verification: Process ensuring valid recognition of a flightcrew member's credentials.
- Temporary Documentation: Provisional certificates issued in lieu of original documents.
Usage Context
- These terms are vital within the context of air carrier operations and help in ensuring the legality and efficiency of flights.
Key Elements of the AC 00-70
The circular contains several critical elements designed to streamline the verification process:
Core Components
- Verification Plan Guidelines: Detailed descriptions of how to establish a compliant verification process.
- Operational Limitations: Outlines the restrictions applicable when using temporary verification documents.
Implementation Details
- Compliance Requirements: Specific criteria that must be met for the issuance of temporary certificates.
- Validity Periods: Defines how long a temporary certificate verification remains effective.
Who Typically Uses the AC 00-70
AC 00-70 is a specialized document utilized by various aviation stakeholders to maintain operational continuity.
Core Users
- Program Managers: Specifically, those responsible for managing fractional ownership arrangements.
- Air Carrier Operators: Organizations that require a formal process to verify flightcrew member certificates.
Usage Scenario
- Typically engaged when a flight crew member's certificate is inaccessible due to loss or theft, ensuring the continuity of operations without regulatory infractions.
Legal Use of the AC 00-70
Adhering to the guidelines set by AC 00-70 ensures compliance and expands operational capabilities within legally permissible boundaries.
Legal Framework
- ESIGN Act Compliance: Ensures electronic verifications are legally binding.
- Operational Oversight: Offers a framework to follow FAA guidelines more effectively, avoiding potential legal complications.
Compliance Importance
- Safety and Security: Reinforces the need for documented verification as a measure of maintaining safety and security in flight operations.
Application Process & Approval Time
The procedure for applying the guidelines in AC 00-70 and receiving approval involves specific steps and considerations.
Standard Procedures
- Drafting and Submission: Initially draft your verification plan and submit it for approval.
- Evaluation by FAA: Wait for the FAA to evaluate your submission, which includes a review of all aspects to ensure completeness.
Timeline
- Typical Approval Duration: While timelines can vary, allow adequate time for the FAA's thorough review process. Expect several weeks for a complete evaluation and feedback, depending on complexity.
By providing a comprehensive framework for temporary certificate verification, AC 00-70 enables air carriers to maintain compliance and efficiently respond to unforeseen documentation issues while ensuring continued safety and regulatory alignment.
