pointSixtyFive

3-10-13

Simulated Flameout (SFO) Approaches/Emergency Landing Pattern (ELP) Operations/Practice Precautionary Approaches

JO 7110.65BB, Change 3, effective July 9, 2026 · Official text on faa.gov

  1. Authorize military aircraft to make SFO/ELP/practice precautionary approaches if the following conditions are met:
    1. A letter of agreement or local operating procedure is in effect between the military flying organization and affected ATC facility.
      1. Include specific coordination, execution, and approval procedures for the operation.
      2. The exchange or issuance of traffic information as agreed to in any interfacility letter of agreement is accomplished.
      3. Include a statement in the procedure that clarifies at which points SFOs/ELPs may/may not be terminated. (See FIG 3-10-15 and FIG 3-10-17.)
    2. Traffic information regarding aircraft in radio communication with or visible to tower controllers which are operating within or adjacent to the flameout maneuvering area is provided to the SFO/ELP aircraft and other concerned aircraft.
    3. The high‐key altitude or practice precautionary approach maneuvering altitudes of the aircraft concerned are obtained prior to approving the approach. (See FIG 3-10-15 and FIG 3-10-17.)
  2. For overhead SFO/ELP approaches:
    1. Request a report at the entry point.
    2. Request a report at low key.
    3. At low key, issue low approach clearance or alternate instructions.
  3. For straight-in simulation flameout approaches:
    1. Request a position report from aircraft conducting straight-in SFO approaches.
    2. At the appropriate position on final (normally no closer than 3 miles), issue low approach clearance or alternate instruction. (See FIG 3-10-16.)
      Simulated Flameout [1]
      FIG 3-10-15 Simulated Flameout [1]
      Simulated Flameout [2]
      FIG 3-10-16 Simulated Flameout [2]
      Emergency Landing Pattern
      FIG 3-10-17 Emergency Landing Pattern