AIM Text
- General
Approval and use of precision approach systems other than ILS and GLS require the issuance of special instrument approach procedures.
- Special Instrument Approach Procedure
- Special instrument approach procedures must be issued to the aircraft operator if pilot training, aircraft equipment, and/or aircraft performance is different than published procedures. Special instrument approach procedures are not distributed for general public use. These procedures are issued to an aircraft operator when the conditions for operations approval are satisfied.
- General aviation operators requesting approval for special procedures should contact the local Flight Standards District Office to obtain a letter of authorization. Air carrier operators requesting approval for use of special procedures should contact their Certificate Holding District Office for authorization through their Operations Specification.
Source: FAA Aeronautical Information Manual · current edition · paragraph 1-1-20.
The short answer
This AIM section is FAA advisory guidance explaining that precision approach systems other than ILS and GLS require special instrument approach procedures. These special procedures are issued to an aircraft operator when pilot training, equipment, or aircraft performance differs from published procedures, and they are not distributed for general public use. It supports the approach-authorization framework under 14 CFR 91.175 and Part 97.
Research Notes
Common Questions
What is a special instrument approach procedure?
A special instrument approach procedure must be issued to the aircraft operator if pilot training, aircraft equipment, or aircraft performance is different than published procedures. Special instrument approach procedures are not distributed for general public use and are issued to an operator when the conditions for operations approval are satisfied.
How does a general aviation operator get approval for a special procedure?
General aviation operators requesting approval for special procedures should contact the local Flight Standards District Office to obtain a letter of authorization. Air carrier operators should contact their Certificate Holding District Office for authorization through their Operations Specification.
When are precision approach systems other than ILS and GLS allowed?
Approval and use of precision approach systems other than ILS and GLS require the issuance of special instrument approach procedures. These procedures are issued to an aircraft operator only when the conditions for operations approval are satisfied.