Airworthiness and Ops Approval The PBN concept requires that: The aircraft meets a certain level of performance described in the navigation specification: → The performance of the on-board system in terms of accuracy, continuity and integrity; → The functionalities of the system. , and The operator complies with the operational criteria defined in the EASA AMC for intended PBN operation. The airworthiness certification process ensures that the aircraft complies with certain standards (e.g. AC, AMC, or CS) which guarantees that the level of performance and the functionalities required by the type of PBN operation and navigation specification are met.
EGNSS for INSTRUMENT APPROACH Operations
Detailed information on aircraft and operations related requirements for introduction of RNP APCH operations can be found in EASA AMC 20-26 "Airworthiness Approval and Operational Criteria for RNP AR Operations"; AMC 20-27A "Airworthiness Approval and Operational Criteria for RNP APCH Operations Including APV BARO-VNAV Operations "; and AMC 20-28 "Airworthiness Approval and Operational Criteria related to RNAV for GNSS approach operation to LPV guidance minima using SBAS".
Essential information for AIRCRAFT OPERATORS Do you need PBN Operational Approval? Currently, if you hold an EASA Air Operation Certificate (AOC), than you need an Specific Approval (SPA) for Performance Based Navigation (PBN) Operations. If you are operating as an Non-Commercial with Complex motor-powered aircraft (NCC) or Non-Commercial with Otherthan-complex motor-powered-aircraft (NCO), then it might depend on the specific regulations set by your NAA. As an Commercial Air Transport (CAT) operator you need to apply for a Specific Approval (SPA) with your National Aviation Authority. For APV SBAS (Approach Procedures with Vertical guidance Satellite Based Augmentation System) Operations, guidance on airworthiness and operational requirements are given in EASA AMC 20-28. However, major changes in regularization of PBN operations are expected to take place during 2016! EASA Committee voted in favour of the PBN-related amendments to Regulation (EU) 965/2012 which regulates air operations. According to this amended implementing regulation together with its amended Annexes to the Decision, an Specific Approval will only be required for RNP AR APCH and RNP 0.3 (H) PBN Specifications! Currently, for the RNP AR APCH (Required Navigation Precision Authorization Required Approach) Operations, you would need to obtain special authorization through process defined in EASA AMC 20-26, and it might be required that your as an operator conduct Flight Operational Safety Assessment for operations applied.
Each AMC is divided into 3 parts : • Context - Assumptions • Airworthiness criteria (performance, functions, maintenance) • OPS approval.
General operating procedures Operators and pilots must not request an RNP APCH procedure unless they satisfy all the criteria in the relevant State documents. If an aircraft not meeting these criteria receives a clearance from ATC to conduct an RNP APCH procedure, the pilot must advise ATC that he/she is unable to accept the clearance and must request alternate instructions. The pilot must comply with any instructions or procedures identified by the manufacturer as necessary to comply with the performance requirements in ICAO SARPS. While operating on RNAV segments, pilots are encouraged to use flight director and/or autopilot in lateral navigation mode, if available.
Post implementation activity System Safety Assessment should be conducted after introduction of RNP Approach operations, with evidence collected to ensure that safety of the system is assured. A regulatory authority may consider any anomaly reports in determining remedial action. Repeated navigation error occurrences attributed to a specific piece of navigation equipment may result in the cancellation of the approval for use of that equipment. Information that indicates the potential for repeated errors may require modification of an operator’s training programme. Information that attributes multiple errors to a particular pilot crew may necessitate remedial training or licence review. For RNP AR APCH Operations it is required for operators to have an RNP monitoring programme to ensure continued compliance with the guidance of ICAO SARPs and to identify any negative trends in performance. During the interim approval, operators must submit the following information every 30 days to the authority granting their authorization. Thereafter, operators must continue to collect and periodically review these data to identify potential safety concerns, as well as maintain summaries of specified data. 1
PBN Operational Approval Process
Check airworthiness requirements
First it shall be checked if the aircraft meets airworthiness requirements for intended PBN operations. In AFM or TC it might be found that aircraft does not meet these requirements. In this case, operator should seek for applicable EASA approved SBs or STCs for the particular aircraft model and variant or liaise with a design organisation for the development of one if there are no solutions available.
Update your flight crew training and evaluation procedures
Amend your operational procedures
As with other IFR procedures, operator’s procedures followed during preparation and conduct of these RNP APCH Operations have to be defined in operator’s Operating Manual, together with MEL amendments to assure flight operational safety. Use of certified equipment installed in the aircraft for conducting these operations shall be according to AFM or POH.
Operator intending to introduce RNP APCH operations will need to provide the necessary training, briefings and guidance material to their flight crew. The training program should be structured to provide sufficient theoretical and practical training using a simulator, training device, or line training in an aircraft, in the concept of RNAV GNSS and RNP approaches and the use of the aircraft’s approach system in such operations.
Apply for the approval with your NAA Once airworthiness requirements are met operational procedures amended and changes documented, and flight training with evaluation procedures defined, operator might apply with formal request for the PBN Operational Approval with its NAA. Once the NAA positively evaluates the application, the operational approval is given as an amendment to the OM, an Ops Spec associated with the AOC, or a LOA in the case NCO/NCC operator. 2