AMC6 ATS.TR.210(c)(2)(i) Operation of air traffic control service
ED Decision 2020/008/R
PROCEDURAL
SEPARATION — LONGITUDINAL SEPARATION MINIMA WITH MACH NUMBER TECHNIQUE BASED
ON DISTANCE USING RNAV
(a) The air traffic controller should not apply RNAV distance-based separation minima after having received pilot advice indicating navigation equipment deterioration or failure.
(b) A 150 km (80 NM) RNAV distance-based separation minimum with Mach number technique may be used on same-direction tracks in lieu of a 10-minute longitudinal separation minimum with Mach number technique, provided that:
(1) each aircraft reports its distance to or from the same ‘on-track’ common point;
(2) separation between aircraft at the same level is checked by obtaining simultaneous RNAV distance readings from the aircraft at frequent intervals to ensure that the minimum will not be infringed (see Figure 29);
Figure 29: 150 km (80 NM) RNAV-based separation between aircraft at the same level
(3) separation between aircraft climbing or descending is established by obtaining simultaneous RNAV distance readings from the aircraft (see Figures 30 and 31); and
Figure 30: 150 km (80 NM) RNAV-based separation between aircraft climbing and on the same track
Figure 31: 150 km (80 NM) RNAV-based separation between aircraft descending and on the same track
(4) in the case of aircraft climbing or descending, one aircraft maintains a level while vertical separation does not exist.
(c) Aircraft on reciprocal tracks
Aircraft utilising RNAV may be cleared to climb or descend to or through the levels occupied by other aircraft utilising RNAV, provided it has been positively established by simultaneous RNAV distance readings to or from the same ‘on-track’ common point that the aircraft have passed each other and are at least 150 km (80 NM) apart (see Figure 32).
Figure 32: 150 km (80 NM) RNAV-based separation between aircraft on reciprocal tracks