GM1
CAT.OP.MPA.182 Fuel/energy scheme — aerodrome selection policy — aeroplanes
ED Decision 2022/005/R
BASIC FUEL SCHEME
SAFE-LANDING OPTIONS
(a) Point CAT.OP.MPA.182 sets out the safety objectives of the selection of aerodromes policy. This GM expands on the intent of that provision.
ONE SAFE-LANDING OPTION
(b) Point CAT.OP.MPA.182(a) requires the fuel planning and in-flight re-planning policy to ensure that the aircraft can always proceed to at least one aerodrome where landing is possible, even in abnormal operational conditions. This may require additional fuel (point CAT.OP.MPA.181(c)(6)) to reach an en route alternate (ERA) aerodrome in case of engine or pressurisation failure.
ONE OR MORE AERODROMES
(c) Point CAT.OP.MPA.182(d) requires the operator to select one or more aerodromes at the planning stage; the operator may select only one aerodrome, i.e. the destination aerodrome, in compliance with point CAT.OP.MPA.181(c)(4)(ii).
TWO SAFE-LANDING OPTIONS
(d) Point CAT.OP.MPA.182(d) requires that when planning the flight, two safe-landing options are expected to remain available until the flight reaches its destination, where a decision will be made to commit to land or divert. This will typically be a runway at the destination aerodrome itself and a runway at a destination alternate aerodrome.
The requirement may also be satisfied by two landing runways at the destination aerodrome, provided that the risk of a single event (such as an aircraft accident) or meteorological deterioration at that single aerodrome will not eliminate both options.
(e) Point CAT.OP.MPA.182(d) may also be satisfied by two destination alternate aerodromes when the destination aerodrome is not a weather-permissible aerodrome or when there is insufficient weather information at the time of planning.
(f) In the case of an isolated aerodrome, only one safe-landing option exists beyond the point of no return (PNR), therefore, an exception is set out in point CAT.OP.MPA.182(d)(2), where the conditions to proceed beyond the PNR are laid down, and further explained in AMC7 CAT.OP.MPA.182 and in point (b) of AMC2 CAT.OP.MPA.185(a).
SAFETY MARGINS
(f) Point CAT.OP.MPA.182(e) requires operators to apply safety margins to the aerodrome operating minima to mitigate the risk that the destination alternate aerodromes, isolated aerodromes, or fuel ERA aerodromes fall below aerodrome operating minima due to minor unforeseen weather deteriorations.
EASA aviation regulations mandate aircraft operators to ensure safe landing options through robust fuel planning. Flights must reach at least one suitable aerodrome, even under abnormal conditions. Operators need one or two safe landing options available until destination commitment, considering weather and single-event risks. Isolated aerodromes have specific point-of-no-return exceptions. Safety margins are required for aerodrome operating minima.
* Summary by Aviation.Bot - Always consult the original document for the most accurate information.
Loading collections...