For a CAT I instrument approach operation, which visual references must be distinctly visible and identifiable to the pilot at the DA/H?

For instrument approach operations Type A and CAT I, at least one of the visual references specified in AMC1 SPO.OP.215(c) should be distinctly visible and identifiable to the pilot at the MDA/H or the DA/H. These include elements of the approach lighting system, the threshold, threshold markings, threshold lights, threshold identification lights, visual glide path indicator, TDZ or TDZ markings, TDZ lights, FATO/runway edge lights, and for helicopter PinS approaches, the identification beacon light and visual ground reference, identifiable elements of the environment defined on the instrument chart, sufficient visual cues to determine VFR criteria for 'proceed VFR' instructions, or other visual references specified in the operations manual.

Which specific visual reference is required for helicopter PinS approaches in addition to the identification beacon light?

For helicopter PinS approaches, the identification beacon light and visual ground reference must be distinctly visible and identifiable to the pilot at the MDA/H or the DA/H.

Does AMC1 SPO.OP.215(c) allow the use of visual references not explicitly listed in the regulation?

Yes, AMC1 SPO.OP.215(c) allows 'other visual references specified in the operations manual' as one of the acceptable visual references for instrument approach operations.

For a Type B instrument approach operation, what is the minimum requirement regarding visual references at the MDA/H or DA/H?

For instrument approach operations Type B, at least one of the visual references specified in AMC1 SPO.OP.215(c) should be distinctly visible and identifiable to the pilot at the MDA/H or the DA/H. The listed references include elements of the approach lighting system, the threshold, threshold markings, threshold lights, threshold identification lights, visual glide path indicator, TDZ or TDZ markings, TDZ lights, FATO/runway edge lights, and for helicopter PinS approaches, the identification beacon light and visual ground reference, identifiable elements of the environment defined on the instrument chart, sufficient visual cues for 'proceed VFR' instructions, or other visual references specified in the operations manual.

What is the regulatory basis for AMC1 SPO.OP.215(c) and what does it address?

AMC1 SPO.OP.215(c) is an Acceptable Means of Compliance issued under ED Decision 2022/012/R. It addresses the commencement and continuation of approach, specifically listing the visual references that must be distinctly visible and identifiable to the pilot at the MDA/H or the DA/H for instrument approach operations.

In the context of AMC1 SPO.OP.215(c), what does 'TDZ' stand for and what TDZ-related visual references are acceptable?

In AMC1 SPO.OP.215(c), 'TDZ' stands for touchdown zone. The acceptable TDZ-related visual references are the TDZ or TDZ markings and the TDZ lights.

Are the threshold identification lights a distinct visual reference from the threshold lights under AMC1 SPO.OP.215(c)?

Yes, AMC1 SPO.OP.215(c) lists 'the threshold identification lights' as a separate visual reference from 'the threshold lights'. Both are individually listed as acceptable visual references.

AMC1 SPO.OP.215(c) Commencement and continuation of approach

Q: What visual references are acceptable for a helicopter PinS approach with instructions to 'proceed VFR'?

For helicopter PinS approaches with instructions to 'proceed VFR', sufficient visual cues to determine that VFR criteria are met should be distinctly visible and identifiable to the pilot at the MDA/H or the DA/H.

Q: Which visual references are specifically listed for helicopter PinS approaches in AMC1 SPO.OP.215(c)?

For helicopter PinS approaches, the listed visual references are: (j) the identification beacon light and visual ground reference; (k) the identifiable elements of the environment defined on the instrument chart; and (l) for PinS approaches with instructions to 'proceed VFR', sufficient visual cues to determine that VFR criteria are met.

Q: What is the significance of the visual glide path indicator in the context of AMC1 SPO.OP.215(c)?

The visual glide path indicator is one of the visual references that, if distinctly visible and identifiable to the pilot at the MDA/H or the DA/H, satisfies the requirement for instrument approach operations under AMC1 SPO.OP.215(c).

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AMC1 SPO.OP.215(c) Commencement and continuation of approach

ED Decision 2022/012/R

VISUAL REFERENCES FOR INSTRUMENT APPROACH OPERATIONS

For instrument approach operations Type A and CAT I instrument approach operations Type B, at least one of the visual references specified below should be distinctly visible and identifiable to the pilot at the MDA/H or the DA/H:

(a) elements of the approach lighting system;

(b) the threshold;

(d) the threshold lights;

(e) the threshold identification lights;

(f) the visual glide path indicator;

(g) the TDZ or TDZ markings;

(h) the TDZ lights;

(i) FATO/runway edge lights;

(j) for helicopter PinS approaches, the identification beacon light and visual ground reference;

(k) for helicopter PinS approaches, the identifiable elements of the environment defined on the instrument chart;

(l) for helicopter PinS approaches with instructions to ‘proceed VFR’, sufficient visual cues to determine that VFR criteria are met; or

(m) other visual references specified in the operations manual.

Details

Source-Title: AMC1 SPO.OP.215(c) Commencement and continuation of approach View latest amendments

Erulesid: ERULES-1963177438-19762 Compare versions

Domain: Air operations

Applicabilitydate: 30 October, 2022

Entryintoforcedate: 1 July, 2022

Regulatorysource: ED Decision 2022/012/R Navigate

Regulatorysubject: Part-SPO

Typeofcontent: AMC to IR (Acceptable means of compliance to implementing rule)

Parentir: SPO.OP.215 Commencement and continuation of approach

Origin: EASA

Category: EAR