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 in this position served as a focal point for the two offices to correct discrepancies found during flight, enhanced the interaction between the offices, conveyed information to flight inspection crews, and ensured standardization.

On September 8, 1997, the Safety Board stated that the actions taken to effectively coordinate the functions of the procedures development and flight inspection programs had satisfied the intent of the recommendation. Therefore, Safety Recommendation A-96-129 was classified "ClosedAcceptable Action."

Safety Recommendation A-96-131 asked the FAA to

Include a more comprehensive set of guidelines concerning precipitous terrain adjustments in the Terminal Instrument Procedures (FAA Order 8260.3B) Handbook, clarifying the definition of precipitous terrain and establishing defined criteria for addressing the potential effect of such terrain.

On January 28, 1998, the FAA stated that it was developing a plan to revise the guidelines concerning precipitous terrain adjustments currently contained in the TERPS handbook. The FAA noted that it received appropriate funding and negotiated a contract with the National Center for Atmospheric Research to develop a plan to address this recommendation. The FAA expected that it would be provided with the findings of the center's effort by the end of fiscal year 1998. On April 15, 1998, the Safety Board indicated that it would await further information from the FAA.

On June 17, 1999, the FAA stated that it was continuing its efforts to revise the guidelines concerning precipitous terrain adjustments currently contained in the TERPS Handbook. According to the FAA, the National Center for Atmospheric Research developed a prototype software package that examines digital terrain elevation data from the Defense Mapping Agency's terrain elevation database. This software uses weighted parameters to determine if the terrain underlying the primary, secondary, and buffer area approach segments are high, steep, or rough enough to be considered precipitous. The output of this software specifies the minimum adjustment to the required obstacle clearance for precipitous terrain in each segment. The FAA indicated that the TERPS Handbook would be revised to require the use of this software in identifying precipitous terrain and determining the minimum required adjustment for such terrain. On August 20, 1999, the Safety Board stated that, pending final modification of the TERPS Handbook, Safety Recommendation A-96-131 was classified "OpenAcceptable Response."

Safety Recommendation A-96-132 asked the FAA to

Review and evaluate the appropriateness of the let-down altitudes for all nonprecision approaches that have significant terrain features along the approach course between the initial approach fix and the runway. Airline safety departments and pilot labor organizations, such as the Allied Pilots Association and the Air Line Pilots Association, should be consulted as part of this review.