DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF NAVAL OPERATIONS
2000 NAVY PENTAGON
WASHINGTON DC 20350-2000
OPNAVINST 3120.28D
N96
4 Jan 2018
OPNAV INSTRUCTION 3120.28D
From: Chief of Naval Operations
Subj: CERTIFICATION OF THE AVIATION CAPABILITY OF SHIPS OPERATING
AIRCRAFT
Ref: (a) OPNAVINST 3120.35K
(b) Helicopter Operations from Ships Other Than Aircraft
Carriers (NATO - MPP-02) (NOTAL)
(c) COMDTINST M3710.2G
(d) OPNAVINST 3100.8B
Encl: (1) Waiver Guide and Process
1. Purpose
a. To issue procedures and delineate responsibilities for the formal inspection and
certification of shipboard aviation facilities and aircraft operating envelopes.
b. This revision captures a major command addition to responsibilities that includes the
United States Coast Guard (USCG) as they operate under the same guidance of the aviation
certification program as Commander, Military Sealift Command (COMSC). This instruction is a
complete revision and should be reviewed in its entirety.
2. Cancellation. OPNAVINST 3120.28C.
3. Scope. This instruction applies to all ships whose mission includes the conduct of flight
operations.
4. Background. Certification is a process established to verify:
a. Shipboard aviation facilities are installed, available, and operated according to approved
plans and procedures.
b. Safe operating envelopes for wind and ship motion are established. Both are essential to
the proper, adequate, and safe conduct of flight operations.
