Unscoped DCT Report (Standard DCT)
MLF Label: 3.2.2 (OP) Use of Approved Areas, Routes, and Airports DCT Type: ED DCT Specialty: Operations Peer Group: A - Part 121 Air Operators DCT Revision: 12.0 on 12/29/20 (Released)
Summary Information

Purpose (Certificate Holder Responsibility): To conduct operations in areas, routes and airports as authorized in OpSpecs.
Objective (FAA Responsibility): Determine if the CH will be able to; (1) Comply with regulations; (2) Conduct operations in areas, routes and airports as authorized in OpSpecs.

The (OP) Use of Approved Areas, Routes, and Airports Element includes the following System(s) and Subsystem(s)

Questions Answers Comments
  3.2.2 (OP) Use of Approved Areas, Routes, and Airports
1   
Does the process design ensure the individual with responsibility provides both financial and human resources for the safety and quality performance of this element?


REFERENCES: 5.21, 5.23(a), 5.25(a), 5.25(b), 5.25(c)

Safety Attribute: Management Responsibility,  Question Type: Output Validation,  

Scoping Attribute:  (FAR PART = "121") ,  Rev.  2  3/8/2019 12:47:45 PM, 

QID: 00051915, Response Details: Responsibility ED/EP/SP DCTs (Both OP and AW),  Status: Released
◯  Yes
◯  No
2   
Is the person with authority clearly identifiable, qualified and knowledgeable to effectively plan, direct and control resources, change procedures and make key determinations including safety risk acceptance decisions for this element?


REFERENCES: 5.23(a), 5.23(b), 5.25(c)

Safety Attribute: Management Authority,  Question Type: Output Validation,  

Scoping Attribute:  (FAR PART = "121") ,  Rev.  2  3/8/2019 12:47:48 PM, 

QID: 00051916, Response Details: Authority ED/EP/SP DCTs (Both OP and AW),  Status: Released
◯  Yes
◯  No
3   
Do process measurement(s) exist to evaluate the performance of this element and implement corrective action if necessary?


REFERENCES: 5.71, 5.73, 5.75

Safety Attribute: Process Measurement,  Question Type: Output Validation,  

Scoping Attribute:  (FAR PART = "121") ,  Rev.  2  3/8/2019 12:47:48 PM, 

QID: 00051917, Response Details: Process Measurement ED/EP/SP DCTs (Both OP and AW),  Status: Released
◯  Yes
◯  No
4   
Do the procedures require the Operator to only operate on approved areas, routes, and airports per the geographic areas authorized in the OpSpecs?


REFERENCES: B050, 119.5(j)

Safety Attribute: Procedures,  Question Type: Output Validation,  

Scoping Attribute:  (FAR PART = "121" ) ,  Rev.  1  5/14/2014 10:51:14 AM, 

QID: 00003169, Response Details: EP & ED DCTs (Both OP and AW),  Status: Released
◯  Yes
◯  No
◯  Not Applicable
5   
Do the procedures require the Operator to maintain a complete set of OpSpecs at its principal base of operations?


REFERENCES: 119.43(a)

Safety Attribute: Procedures,  Question Type: Output Validation,  

Scoping Attribute:  (FAR PART = "121" ) ,  Rev.  1  5/14/2014 10:51:14 AM, 

QID: 00003170, Response Details: EP & ED DCTs (Both OP and AW),  Status: Released
◯  Yes
◯  No
◯  Not Applicable
6   
Do the procedures require operations within foreign countries to comply with the air traffic and local airport rules of that country?


REFERENCES: 121.11

NOTE: The Operator must follow the rules of 14 CFR Part 91 or 121 when they are more restrictive than the foreign country's rules, without violating the rules of that country.

Safety Attribute: Procedures,  Question Type: Output Validation,  

Scoping Attribute:  (FAR PART = "121" ) AND ( AREA OF OPERATION = "OPERATIONS OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES" ) ,  Rev.  1  5/14/2014 10:51:14 AM, 

QID: 00003171, Response Details: EP & ED DCTs (Both OP and AW),  Status: Released
◯  Yes
◯  No
◯  Not Applicable
7   
Do the procedures require that the facilities and services for the operation are available and adequate including:

      #1 Airports;
      #2 Communication Facilities;
      #3 Weather reporting Facilities;
      #4 Enroute Navigation facilities;
      #5 Aircraft servicing and maintenance facilities; and
      #6 Dispatch centers?

REFERENCES: 121.101, 121.103, 121.105, 121.106, 121.107, 121.93(a), 121.97, 121.99

Safety Attribute: Procedures,  Question Type: Output Validation,  

Scoping Attribute:  (FAR PART = "121" ) AND ( TYPE 119 OPERATION = "DOMESTIC" OR "FLAG" ) ,  Rev.  2  5/21/2014 10:33:36 PM, 

QID: 00003172, Response Details: EP & ED DCTs (Both OP and AW),  Status: Released
◯  Yes
◯  No
◯  Not Applicable
8   
Do the procedures require each route submitted for approval to have enough adequate and properly equipped airports for the proposed operation?


REFERENCES: 121.117(a), 121.97(a)

NOTE: Size, surface, obstructions, facilities, public protection, lighting, navigational and communications aids, and ATC must be considered when making this determination.

Safety Attribute: Procedures,  Question Type: Output Validation,  

Scoping Attribute:  (FAR PART = "121" ) ,  Rev.  1  5/14/2014 10:51:14 AM, 

QID: 00003179, Response Details: EP & ED DCTs (Both OP and AW),  Status: Released
◯  Yes
◯  No
◯  Not Applicable
9   
Do the procedures require the Operator to use an approved system to manage current aeronautical data that will be used by flight operations personnel?


REFERENCES: 121.117(b), 121.97(b)

Safety Attribute: Procedures,  Question Type: Output Validation,  

Scoping Attribute:  (FAR PART = "121" ) ,  Rev.  1  5/14/2014 10:51:14 AM, 

QID: 00003180, Response Details: EP & ED DCTs (Both OP and AW),  Status: Released
◯  Yes
◯  No
◯  Not Applicable
10   
Do the procedures require the certificate holder to revise its aeronautical data system when directed by the responsible Flight Standards office?


REFERENCES: 121.117(c), 121.97(c)

Safety Attribute: Procedures,  Question Type: Output Validation,  

Scoping Attribute:  (FAR PART = "121" ) ,  Rev.  2  6/24/2019 2:02:23 PM, 

QID: 00003181, Response Details: EP & ED DCTs (Both OP and AW),  Status: Released
◯  Yes
◯  No
◯  Not Applicable
11   
Do the procedures require the Operator's FAA-approved two-way communication system to:

      #1 Be available over the entire route; and
      #2 Provide reliable and rapid communications under normal operating conditions between each airplane and the appropriate dispatch office, and between each airplane and the appropriate ATC unit?

REFERENCES: 121.99(a)

NOTE: Communications may be direct links or via an approved communication link.

Safety Attribute: Procedures,  Question Type: Output Validation,  

Scoping Attribute:  (FAR PART = "121" ) AND ( TYPE 119 OPERATION = "DOMESTIC" OR "FLAG" ) ,  Rev.  2  5/21/2014 10:33:37 PM, 

QID: 00003182, Response Details: EP & ED DCTs (Both OP and AW),  Status: Released
◯  Yes
◯  No
◯  Not Applicable
12   
Do the procedures require communication systems between each airplane and the dispatch office to be independent of any system operated by the United States?


REFERENCES: 121.99(b)

NOTE: Emergency situations are exempted from this requirement.

Safety Attribute: Procedures,  Question Type: Output Validation,  

Scoping Attribute:  (FAR PART = "121" ) AND ( TYPE 119 OPERATION = "DOMESTIC" OR "FLAG" ) ,  Rev.  1  5/14/2014 10:51:14 AM, 

QID: 00003185, Response Details: EP & ED DCTs (Both OP and AW),  Status: Released
◯  Yes
◯  No
◯  Not Applicable
13   
Do the procedures require the use of approved weather sources and available weather reporting services?


REFERENCES: 121.101(a), 121.101(b), 121.101(c), 121.119(a), 121.119(b)

Safety Attribute: Procedures,  Question Type: Output Validation,  

Scoping Attribute:  (FAR PART = "121" ) ,  Rev.  1  5/14/2014 10:51:14 AM, 

QID: 00003186, Response Details: EP & ED DCTs (Both OP and AW),  Status: Released
◯  Yes
◯  No
◯  Not Applicable
14   
Do the procedures require use of an approved system for obtaining forecasts and reports of adverse weather phenomena that may affect the flight safety over each route to be flown and airport to be used?


REFERENCES: 121.101(d)

NOTE: Adverse weather phenomena includes clear air turbulence, thunderstorms, and low altitude windshear.

Safety Attribute: Procedures,  Question Type: Output Validation,  

Scoping Attribute:  (FAR PART = "121" ) AND ( TYPE 119 OPERATION = "DOMESTIC" OR "FLAG" ) ,  Rev.  1  5/14/2014 10:51:14 AM, 

QID: 00003187, Response Details: EP & ED DCTs (Both OP and AW),  Status: Released
◯  Yes
◯  No
◯  Not Applicable
15   
Do the procedures require route segments for operations under IFR to have accurate instrument NAVAIDs?


REFERENCES: 121.103(a), 121.121(a)

Safety Attribute: Procedures,  Question Type: Output Validation,  

Scoping Attribute:  (FAR PART = "121" ) ,  Rev.  1  5/14/2014 10:51:14 AM, 

QID: 00003188, Response Details: EP & ED DCTs (Both OP and AW),  Status: Released
◯  Yes
◯  No
◯  Not Applicable
16   
Do the procedures require operations to be conducted only along approved routes?


REFERENCES: 121.113(a)

Safety Attribute: Procedures,  Question Type: Output Validation,  

Scoping Attribute:  (FAR PART = "121" ) AND ( TYPE 119 OPERATION = "SUPPLEMENTAL" ) ,  Rev.  1  5/14/2014 10:51:14 AM, 

QID: 00003189, Response Details: EP & ED DCTs (Both OP and AW),  Status: Released
◯  Yes
◯  No
◯  Not Applicable
17   
Do the procedures require operations in the United States to use 14 CFR Part 139 certificated airports?


REFERENCES: 121.590(a), 121.590(b)

NOTE: DOD contracted airport operations are exempted.

Safety Attribute: Procedures,  Question Type: Output Validation,  

Scoping Attribute:  (FAR PART = "121" ) AND ( PASSENGER SEATING CONFIGURATION = "SEATS: >30" ) ,  Rev.  1  5/14/2014 10:51:14 AM, 

QID: 00003190, Response Details: EP & ED DCTs (Both OP and AW),  Status: Released
◯  Yes
◯  No
◯  Not Applicable
18   
Do the procedures require approved routes and route segments over U.S. Federal or foreign airways to have widths equal to that designated for those airways or routes?


REFERENCES: 121.115(a), 121.95(a)

NOTE: This also applies to advisory routes for flag operations.

Safety Attribute: Procedures,  Question Type: Output Validation,  

Scoping Attribute:  (FAR PART = "121" ) ,  Rev.  1  5/14/2014 10:51:14 AM, 

QID: 00003191, Response Details: EP & ED DCTs (Both OP and AW),  Status: Released
◯  Yes
◯  No
◯  Not Applicable
19   
Do the procedures require operations within the state of Alaska to be conducted with the equipment required by 121.351(a), when found necessary by the FAA?


REFERENCES: 121.351(b)

Safety Attribute: Procedures,  Question Type: Output Validation,  

Scoping Attribute:  (FAR PART = "121") AND (TYPE 119 OPERATION = "DOMESTIC") AND (AREA OF OPERATION = "ALASKA") ,  Rev.  3  9/19/2017 2:40:42 PM, 

QID: 00003782, Response Details: EP & ED DCTs (Both OP and AW),  Status: Released
◯  Yes
◯  No
◯  Not Applicable
20   
Do the certificate holder’s procedures include the provisions and limitations to meet the requirements of operations specifications B057, National Parks Air Tour Management Operations Under 14 CFR Part 136?


REFERENCES: B057

Safety Attribute: Procedures,  Question Type: Output Validation,  

Scoping Attribute:  (FAR PART = "121" OR "135") AND (OPSPEC = "B057") ,  Rev.  2  9/19/2017 2:40:44 PM, 

QID: 00048514, Response Details: EP & ED DCTs (Both OP and AW),  Status: Released
◯  Yes
◯  No
◯  Not Applicable
21   
Do procedures specify, for extended over-water and State of Alaska operations, that the airplane must be equipped with at least two independent long-range navigation systems and at least two independent long-range communication systems necessary under normal operating conditions to fulfill the following functions:

      #1 Communicate with at least one appropriate station from any point on the route;
      #2 Receive meteorological information from any point on the route by either of two independent communication systems. One of the communication systems used to comply with this paragraph may be used to comply with Sec 121.351(a)(1) and (a)(3); and
      #3 At least one of the communication systems must have two-way voice communication capability?

REFERENCES: 121.351(a), 121.351(b), 121.351(c)

NOTE: No operator within the State of Alaska may conduct an operation without the equipment specified in Sec 121.351(a), if the Administrator finds that equipment is necessary for search and rescue operations because of the nature of the terrain to be flown over. Installation and use of a single LRNS and a single LRCS may be authorized by the Administrator for operations and routes in certain geographic areas

Safety Attribute: Procedures,  Question Type: Output Validation,  

Scoping Attribute:  (FAR PART = "121") AND ((AREA OF OPERATION = "EXTENDED OVERWATER OPERATIONS") OR (AREA OF OPERATION = "ALASKA")) ,  Rev.  1  9/19/2017 2:40:41 PM, 

QID: 00051680, Response Details: EP & ED DCTs (Both OP and AW),  Status: Released
◯  Yes
◯  No
◯  Not Applicable
22   
Do the certificate holder’s procedures include the provisions and limitations to meet the requirements of operations specifications B048, Air Tour Operations Below 1,500 Feet AGL in the State of Hawaii?


REFERENCES: B048

Safety Attribute: Procedures,  Question Type: Output Validation,  

Scoping Attribute:  (FAR PART = "121" OR "135") AND (OPSPEC = "B048") ,  Rev.  1  9/19/2017 2:40:44 PM, 

QID: 00051821, Response Details: EP & ED DCTs (Both OP and AW),  Status: Released
◯  Yes
◯  No
◯  Not Applicable
23   
Do procedures exist in enough detail to meet the regulatory and guidance requirements for this element to produce the intended results?


Safety Attribute: Procedures,  Question Type: Output Validation,  

Scoping Attribute:  (FAR PART = "121") ,  Rev.  1  3/13/2018 11:30:19 AM, 

QID: 00051912, Response Details: EP & ED DCTs (Both OP and AW),  Status: Released
◯  Yes
◯  No
◯  Not Applicable
24   
For its scheduled passenger operations, do the procedures for terminal IFR operations in Class G airspace or at airports without an operating control tower, include the limitations and provisions of OpSpec C080?


REFERENCES: 8900.1 Vol 3 Ch 18 Sec 5, C080

Safety Attribute: Procedures,  Question Type: Output Validation,  

Scoping Attribute:  (FAR PART = "121" OR "135") AND (OPSPEC = "C080") ,  Rev.  1  12/29/2020 11:07:16 AM, 

QID: 00056583, Response Details: EP & ED DCTs (Both OP and AW),  Status: Released
◯  Yes
◯  No
◯  Not Applicable
25   
Do controls exist within this element that ensure risks are reduced to an acceptable level?


REFERENCES: 5.53, 5.55, 5.51

Safety Attribute: Controls,  Question Type: Output Validation,  

Scoping Attribute:  (FAR PART = "121") ,  Rev.  2  3/8/2019 12:47:45 PM, 

QID: 00051913, Response Details: Controls ED/EP/SP DCTs (Both OP and AW),  Status: Released
◯  Yes
◯  No
26   
Does the certificate holder have a method to evaluate the impact of changes on related processes (interfaces) for this element?


Safety Attribute: Interfaces,  Question Type: Output Validation,  

Scoping Attribute:  (FAR PART = "121") ,  Rev.  2  3/8/2019 12:47:45 PM, 

QID: 00051914, Response Details: Interfaces ED/EP/SP DCTs (Both OP and AW),  Status: Released
◯  Yes
◯  No
27   
Does the process design require that individuals understand their safety role and how it contributes to the safety performance of this element?


REFERENCES: 5.23(a), 5.91, 5.93

Safety Attribute: Safety Ownership,  Question Type: Output Validation,  

Scoping Attribute:  (FAR PART = "121") ,  Rev.  2  3/8/2019 12:47:46 PM, 

QID: 00051918, Response Details: Safety Ownership ED/EP/SP DCTs (Both OP and AW),  Status: Released
◯  Yes
◯  No


Response Details List  Authority ED/EP/SP DCTs (Both OP and AW) (Released, 1.0)
1 Process oversight failure
2 Unacceptable safety risk acceptance
3 Ineffective planning of resources
4 Ineffective use of resources
5 Ineffective control of resources
6 Failure to implement safety risk processes
7 Process owner not clearly identified
8 Unqualified
9 Other
Response Details List  Controls ED/EP/SP DCTs (Both OP and AW) (Released, 1.0)
1 Failure to identify hazards or ineffective risk controls
2 Failure to develop and maintain risk controls
3 Failure to effectively mitigate risk before applying risk controls
4 Risk controls ineffective
5 Unclear risk controls
6 Failure to assess risk for a new system
7 Failure to assess risk when revising an existing system
8 Failure to assess risk when developing operational procedures
9 Failure to maintain records of outputs of risk control assessments
10 Other
Response Details List  EP & ED DCTs (Both OP and AW) (Released, 1.0)
1 Unclear procedure(s)
2 Conflicting procedure(s)
3 Used workaround(s)
4 Skipped process step(s)
5 Personnel failed to follow process (procedures, guidance, etc)
6 Procedures/guidance not available
7 Procedures/guidance not current
8 Inconsistent procedure(s)
9 Undocumented procedure(s)
10 Minor typographical error(s) (i.e. record entries)
11 Information missing
12 Communication failure(s)
13 Personnel failed to perform task
14 Process failed to meet desired outcome
15 Process oversight failure
16 Equipment/tools not available
17 Equipment/tools not adequate
18 Equipment/tools not calibrated
19 Facilities not adequate
20 Other
Response Details List  Interfaces ED/EP/SP DCTs (Both OP and AW) (Released, 1.0)
1 Internal communication failure(s)
2 External communication failure(s)
3 Lack of interfaces
4 Inconsistent interfaces
5 Poor coordination between departments and employees
6 Failure of interfaces between processes or procedures
7 Other
Response Details List  Process Measurement ED/EP/SP DCTs (Both OP and AW) (Released, 1.0)
1 Inadequate monitoring of operations processes
2 Ineffective evaluations of processes or systems
3 Undocumented or insufficient investigations
4 Failure to conduct audits
5 Ineffective audits
6 Failure to detect changes in the operational environment
7 Personnel failed to perform/follow process (procedures, guidance, etc.)
8 Process failed to meet desired outcome
9 Process oversight failure
10 Other
Response Details List  Responsibility ED/EP/SP DCTs (Both OP and AW) (Released, 1.0)
1 Failed to provide financial resources
2 Failed to provide sufficient human resources
3 Individual not clearly identified
4 Failure to ensure safety of process
5 Failure to oversee operations conducted under the certificate
6 Failed to ensure quality performance of process
7 Process oversight failure
8 Communication failure(s)
9 Other
Response Details List  N/A Response Detail (Released, 2.0)
1 Not applicable or authorized for the certificate holder or applicant
2 Other
Response Details List  Safety Ownership ED/EP/SP DCTs (Both OP and AW) (Released, 3.0)
1 Unaware of or ineffective safety policies or processes
2 Unaware of or ineffective safety related reporting tools
3 Unclear safety policy
4 Ineffective safety related training
5 Lack of safety culture
6 Unclear safety objectives
7 Other