What factors should an operator consider when establishing minimum flight altitudes for VFR by day operations?

The operator should consider: (1) the VFR minimum heights specified in point SERA.5005(f) of Regulation (EU) No 923/2012 or the minimum heights established by the competent authority above those, or the permission to fly at lower heights; (2) the accuracy with which the position of the VCA can be determined; (3) probable inaccuracies in altimeter indications; (4) terrain characteristics such as sudden elevation changes; (5) probability of unfavourable meteorological conditions like severe turbulence and descending air currents; and (6) possible inaccuracies in aeronautical charts.

How should an operator handle minimum flight altitudes when the competent authority has not set higher minimums than SERA.5005(f)?

The operator should use the VFR minimum heights specified in point SERA.5005(f) of Regulation (EU) No 923/2012, unless the competent authority has established minimum heights above those or has granted permission to fly at lower heights.

Why is the accuracy of VCA position determination relevant to setting minimum flight altitudes?

Because the accuracy with which the position of the VCA can be determined is one of the factors the operator should consider when establishing minimum flight altitudes, as it affects the ability to maintain the required clearance from terrain and obstacles.

How should terrain characteristics influence the establishment of minimum flight altitudes?

The operator should consider the characteristics of the terrain, such as sudden changes in elevation, along the routes or in the areas where operations are to be conducted.

What is the role of aeronautical chart accuracy in determining minimum flight altitudes?

The operator should consider possible inaccuracies in aeronautical charts when establishing minimum flight altitudes.

Are corrections for non-standard temperature and pressure required when setting minimum flight altitudes?

Yes, the operator should consider corrections for temperature and pressure variations from standard values.

What should an operator do if ATC has specific altitude requirements along the planned route?

The operator should consider ATC requirements, if applicable, when establishing minimum flight altitudes.

How should foreseeable contingencies affect the establishment of minimum flight altitudes?

The operator should consider any foreseeable contingencies along the planned route when establishing minimum flight altitudes.

AMC1 UAM.OP.VCA.145 Establishment of minimum flight altitudes

Q: What meteorological conditions should be considered when establishing minimum flight altitudes?

The probability of encountering unfavourable meteorological conditions, such as severe turbulence and descending air currents, should be considered.

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AMC1 UAM.OP.VCA.145 Establishment of minimum flight altitudes

ED Decision 2025/010/R

CONSIDERATIONS WHEN ESTABLISHING MINIMUM FLIGHT ALTITUDES

(a) When establishing minimum flight altitudes for flights to be conducted in accordance with VFR by day, the operator should consider all the following:

(1) the VFR minimum heights specified in point SERA.5005(f) of Regulation (EU) No 923/2012 or the minimum heights established by the competent authority above those stipulated in point SERA.5005(f) or the permission from the competent authority to fly at lower heights than those stipulated in point SERA.5005(f);

(2) the accuracy with which the position of the VCA can be determined;

(3) the probable inaccuracies in the indications of the altimeters used;

(4) the characteristics of the terrain, such as sudden changes in the elevation, along the routes or in the areas where operations are to be conducted;

(5) the probability of encountering unfavourable meteorological conditions, such as severe turbulence and descending air currents;

(6) the possible inaccuracies in aeronautical charts.

(b) The operator should also consider:

(1) corrections for temperature and pressure variations from standard values;

(2) ATC requirements, if applicable; and

(3) any foreseeable contingencies along the planned route.

Details

Source-Title: AMC1 UAM.OP.VCA.145 Establishment of minimum flight altitudes View latest amendments

Erulesid: ERULES-1963177438-23844 Compare versions

Domain: Air operations

Amendedby: Issue 1

Applicabilitydate: 9 July, 2025

Entryintoforcedate: 9 July, 2025

Regulatorysource: ED Decision 2025/010/R Navigate

Regulatorysubject: Part-IAM

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

Parentir: UAM.OP.VCA.145 Establishment of minimum flight altitudes

Origin: EASA

Category: EAR