Operators preparing a Letter of Authorization (LOA) submission often underestimate how long FAA reviews can take. Many wait until a trip is approaching or an operational need becomes urgent before applying, only to discover that FAA processing timelines do not move on demand.
FAA inspectors prioritize safety-critical work first. Accident investigations, pilot deviations, and enforcement actions take precedence over non-safety approvals. In many regions, a single inspector may be responsible for dozens, sometimes hundreds, of operators and air carriers. As a result, even well-prepared LOA submissions can take weeks to review.
This is why planning ahead and submitting a complete, accurate package from the start is essential. And more often than not, the factor that determines whether an approval moves smoothly or stalls is documentation alignment.
Most LOA delays are not caused by missing documents. They occur because submitted documents do not agree with one another.
Operators frequently submit packages that appear complete on the surface, but FAA inspectors review documentation as a connected system. When discrepancies appear between documents, review pauses until they are corrected.
Common problem areas include:
These inconsistencies often lead to playing ping-pong with the FAA, bouncing applications back and forth. This results in repeated requests for clarification, corrections, or updated pages that extend the approval timeline unnecessarily.
Documentation misalignment is rarely intentional. It develops gradually.
Different documents update on different schedules. MELs follow MMEL revisions. AFMs change with equipment or software updates. Equipment lists track maintenance actions. Operational manuals are revised separately. Without centralized control, small discrepancies accumulate over time.
Operators also tend to rely on documents that were previously accepted by the FAA. If a set of manuals worked for a past approval, it can feel reasonable to reuse them. But FAA expectations evolve, and previously accepted documentation may no longer reflect current standards or aircraft configuration.
In some cases, operators knowingly submit older manuals or outdated extracts to avoid the cost or effort of updates. While this may seem like a short-term savings, it often creates longer delays when inspectors identify inconsistencies that must be resolved before approval can continue.
Most alignment-related delays are avoidable with disciplined preparation and upfront completeness. Effective practices include:
Providing a clear, organized, and fully aligned package reduces back-and-forth and allows inspectors to verify compliance efficiently.
The FAA’s role is verification, not correction. When documents disagree, inspectors pause the review until the operator resolves the inconsistency.
LOA delays are rarely caused by missing paperwork. They are caused by documents that tell different stories.
Operators who plan ahead, submit complete packages, and maintain disciplined documentation alignment consistently experience faster reviews and fewer FAA corrections. When documentation presents a unified picture, inspectors can verify compliance quickly. When it does not, approvals stall.
If you want support ensuring your manuals, procedures, and LOA submissions are fully aligned before they reach the FAA, Sky Safety Solutions can prepare, audit, and update your documentation so you can move through approvals with confidence and speed.