Passengers may hear expanded low-visibility landing authority as a promise of fewer disruptions. FAA's final rule published December 13, 2016 supports a narrower conclusion: eligible operators can use an Enhanced Flight Vision System, or EFVS, beyond the earlier 100-foot boundary to touchdown and rollout on certain straight-in instrument approaches. Equipment and pilot qualifications remain central. [2016-28714][2013-13454]

The extension concerns EFVS use in place of natural vision, not unrestricted permission to land in poor weather. Aircraft used for touchdown and rollout must meet additional airworthiness requirements. FAA describes greater airport access and efficiency as objectives. The document does not establish that passengers have already saved time, that service expanded, or that accidents declined. [2016-28714][2013-13454]

The June 11, 2013 proposal had proposed training, recent flight experience and proficiency requirements; it did not itself impose them. The final discussion rejects proposed proficiency checks as substitutes for initial ground and flight training or supplemental EFVS training. FAA explains that checking a task cannot replace first learning it. That comparison makes preparation, rather than the mere presence of equipment, the useful public-interest focus. [2016-28714][2013-13454]

The original final rule sets March 13, 2017 as its general effective date, while specified amendments take effect March 13, 2018. Publication is therefore not evidence of immediate operational availability. These are two stages of the same FAA proceeding, not independent passenger-safety assessments. For readers evaluating the policy, the central question is how expanded authority remains tied to demonstrated preparation; these documents provide the design, not results or flight-operation advice. [2016-28714][2013-13454]

Source documents

  1. Revisions to Operational Requirements for the Use of Enhanced Flight Vision Systems (EFVS) and to Pilot Compartment View Requirements for Vision Systemshttps://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2016-12-13/html/2016-28714.htm
  2. Revisions to Operational Requirements for the Use of Enhanced Flight Vision Systems (EFVS) and to Pilot Compartment View Requirements for Vision Systemshttps://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2013-06-11/html/2013-13454.htm