What Are Part 91 LOAs? A Guide to the FAA's Streamlined Approval Process
What are Part 91 LOAs?
A Part 91 LOA (Letter of Authorization) is FAA documentation that authorizes an operator flying under 14 CFR Part 91 to conduct a specific type of advanced or international operation — such as oceanic navigation, RVSM airspace, or data link communications — once the FAA has verified the aircraft, training, and procedures meet the required standard.
If you operate a business aircraft under Part 91 and need international or advanced operational authorizations, you already know the paperwork can pile up fast. Fortunately, the FAA has a way to cut through it: the Streamlined Part 91 Operational Approval Process, outlined in FAA Order 8900.1, Volume 3, Chapter 18, Section 15 and, more specifically, the Streamlined Part 91 Operational Approval Application Guide.
Instead of filing separate applications for every LOA you need, this process lets you bundle multiple requests into one single application package. Here's what you need to know — and if you'd rather have an expert manage your ASOC, TSOC, and PSOC documentation for you, our aviation consulting services can help streamline the whole application.
Which LOAs Are Included in the Streamlined Process?
The streamlined process covers nine of the most commonly requested authorizations:
A056 – Data Link Communications (FANS and/or ATN)
B036 – Oceanic RNP Operations using multiple long-range navigation systems
B039 – Operations in North Atlantic High Level Airspace (NAT HLA)
B046 – Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM) Airspace
C048 – Enhanced Flight Vision System (EFVS) Operations
C052 – Non-Precision/APV/Category I Approach and Landing Minima
C063 – RNAV and RNP Terminal Operations
C073 – VNAV Approaches Using MDA as DA/DH
D195 – Minimum Equipment List (MEL) Authorization
How the Streamlined Part 91 LOA Process Works
Call your FSDO first. This step is non-negotiable — skipping it is the fastest way to create unnecessary delays. If your aircraft is on a Part 135 Certificate, have your DO submit the package through your POI.
Provide general operator and aircraft information, including point of contact, owner, operator, and responsible person details.
Select the specific LOAs you're requesting.
Attach the required supporting documentation for each LOA (more on that below).
Submit the completed application — including a signed Letter of Request — to your regional Flight Standards District Office or International Field Office.
The Three Documents That Do the Heavy Lifting
Nearly every LOA request hinges on three types of compliance documentation:
ASOC (Aircraft Statement of Capability) – Issued by the aircraft manufacturer, this confirms your aircraft's equipment meets the technical requirements for the LOA. This is the most important document. Without it, you'll have to scour thousands of pages of OEM documents to produce what's already included in the ASOC.
TSOC (Training Statement of Compliance) – Issued by your training provider, this shows your training program covers what's required.
PSOC (Procedural Statement of Compliance) – Usually built into your operations manual, this demonstrates your procedures meet the standard.
One ASOC or PSOC can often support multiple LOAs at once, which is part of what makes this process efficient — but training compliance sometimes needs multiple TSOCs depending on the courses involved.
For oceanic-related LOAs, you'll also need a complete set of flight plan documents (a sample operational flight plan, ATC flight plan, weather products, NOTAMs, RAIM prediction, and route/ETP graphics).
Practical Tips for a Faster Approval
Don't duplicate documents. A single copy of your ASOC or PSOC is usually enough to cover every LOA it applies to.
Only submit what's asked for. Extra paperwork slows things down rather than helping.
Highlight key flight plan details — like field 10a/10b codes or PBN/NAV/DAT/SUR remarks — to help inspectors process faster.
Check what you already hold. If you already have an LOA (A056, B036, C048, C063, or C073) covering the same make/model/series and equipment, don't reapply.
Acrobat's attachment tool lets you bundle every supporting document directly into the application PDF, keeping everything in one file for submission.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Part 91 LOAs used for? Part 91 LOAs authorize specific operational capabilities — like oceanic navigation, RVSM airspace, or EFVS approaches — that go beyond standard Part 91 operating privileges.
How many LOAs can be requested in one streamlined application? Operators can request up to nine of the most commonly needed LOAs (A056, B036, B039, B046, C048, C052, C063, C073, and D195) in a single application package.
Where do I submit a streamlined Part 91 LOA application? Applications go to your regional Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) or International Field Office, after first coordinating with your FSDO — or your POI, if your aircraft is on a Part 135 certificate.
Bottom Line
The Streamlined Part 91 LOA process trades a stack of separate applications for one coordinated package — as long as it's complete and well-documented. Talk to your FSDO early, gather your ASOC/TSOC/PSOC documentation up front, and avoid the temptation to over-submit. Do that, and this process genuinely lives up to its name.
Need help navigating your next LOA application? Visit V1 Rotate to see how we support Part 91 and Part 135 operators through the FAA approval process.
For the full inspector-facing guidance, see FAA Order 8900.1, Volume 3, Chapter 18, Section 15, or download the Streamlined Part 91 Operational Approval Application Guide directly from the FAA.
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