AW 139 Flight Manual restrictions
This question is directed towards the offshore operators. Specifically those who fly IFR offshore.
Section 1, Limitations, of the RWFM under "Avionics Limitations", FMS and GPS Limitations, states;
"3. Instrument approaches must be carried out in accordance with approved instrument approach procedures that are retrieved from the FMS data base."
We have a letter of authorization (LOA) from the FAA allowing us to execute OSAP approaches with our AW 139. Does our LOA allow us to violate the limitations section of the RWFM?
Second question: Also under 3.
"When an alternate airport is required by the applicable operating rules, it must be served by an approach based on other than GPS navigation and the aircraft must have operational equipment capable of using that navigation aid, and the required navigation aid must be operational.
Does this eliminate use of an "offshore alternate" which is allowed under our LOA?
What are you other guys doing?
I know the FAA will never specifically waive a limitation of the RWFM, how do I get around it?