Operational Approval
Section 02: Regulatory Vocabulary
Definition
An approval issued by the aviation authority that authorizes a specific operator or certificate holder to conduct certain types of operations or use specific equipment capabilities. Operational approvals address the 'who may operate' and 'under what conditions' questions, as opposed to airworthiness approvals which address the 'is the product safe by design' question. Examples include ETOPS authorization, RVSM approval, Cat II/III approach authorization, and LVO (Low Visibility Operations) approval.
Where This Shows Up
An operational approval typically requires the operator to demonstrate crew training, procedures, maintenance program provisions, and MEL/CDL considerations specific to the operation being approved. Operational approvals are issued by Flight Standards (FAA) or the national authority (EASA member states).
Primary Sources
Related Terms
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