When should switching, merging, transferring, or closing of aerodromes be performed?

Switching, merging, transferring, or closing of aerodromes should only be done when circumstances so allow. The ATS provider should establish related procedures and conditions to adequately manage the operational circumstances (e.g., 'when and how') for any such implemented scenario.

What regulatory reference specifies the documentation of operations manuals for aerodrome switching scenarios?

The documentation of operations manuals is specified by Regulation (EU) 2017/373 [4], ATM/ANS.OR.B.035 'Operations manuals'. All mechanisms implemented for switching, merging, transferring, or closing must be documented in the operations manual.

What is the difference between switching and merging in the context of multiple mode of operation?

Switching involves changing service provision for one or several aerodromes to another aerodrome (e.g., from providing service to aerodromes A & B, change to A & C). Merging involves adding aerodromes to be provided with service (e.g., from providing service to A & B, change to A, B & C).

Which ED Decision is associated with Section 4.2.3 on aerodrome switching/merging/transferring/closing?

Section 4.2.3 is associated with ED Decision 2023/005/R.

What is the role of the competent authority in aerodrome switching scenarios?

The competent authority must approve all mechanisms implemented for switching, merging, transferring, or closing as part of the change to the functional system. This approval is required before the mechanisms are documented in the operations manual.

What are the three main possibilities listed for the multiple mode of operation?

The three main possibilities are: switching (changing service provision to another aerodrome), merging (adding aerodromes to be provided with service), and closing or transferring service provision for one or several aerodromes.

Where should the procedures for aerodrome switching be documented?

The procedures should be documented in the operations manual, as specified by Regulation (EU) 2017/373 [4], ATM/ANS.OR.B.035 'Operations manuals'. All mechanisms implemented should be validated and approved by the competent authority before documentation.

Can an ATS provider reduce service from multiple aerodromes to a single aerodrome?

Yes, the multiple mode of operation includes the possibility of changing from a multiple mode to a single mode of operation environment by closing or transferring aerodromes in the RTM (e.g., if providing service to aerodromes A & B, change service provision to aerodrome A).

What is the purpose of establishing procedures and conditions for switching scenarios?

The purpose is to adequately manage the operational circumstances (e.g., 'when and how') for any implemented scenario. This ensures that switching, merging, transferring, or closing of aerodromes is only done when circumstances so allow.

What is the regulatory basis for documenting operations manuals in this context?

The regulatory basis is Regulation (EU) 2017/373 [4], specifically ATM/ANS.OR.B.035 'Operations manuals'. This requires that all mechanisms implemented for switching, merging, transferring, or closing be documented in the operations manual.

What happens after mechanisms for switching are validated and approved?

After validation and approval by the competent authority as part of the change to the functional system, the mechanisms should be documented in the operations manual as specified by Regulation (EU) 2017/373 [4], ATM/ANS.OR.B.035 'Operations manuals'.

4.2.3. Aerodrome switching/merging/transferring/closing under multiple mode of operation

Q: What are the possible scenarios included in the multiple mode of operation for aerodrome service provision?

The multiple mode of operation may include switching (changing service provision from one or several aerodromes to another, e.g., from A & B to A & C), merging (adding aerodromes, e.g., from A & B to A, B & C), and closing or transferring service provision for one or several aerodromes (e.g., from A, B & C to A & B). It may also include changing from a single mode to a multiple mode environment, or vice versa, by adding or closing/transferring aerodromes in the RTM.

Q: What must the ATS provider do before implementing any switching, merging, transferring, or closing scenario?

The ATS provider should establish procedures and conditions to manage the operational circumstances (e.g., 'when and how') for any implemented scenario. All mechanisms implemented should be validated, approved by the competent authority as part of the change to the functional system, and documented in the operations manual as specified by Regulation (EU) 2017/373 [4], ATM/ANS.OR.B.035 'Operations manuals'.

Q: Where are human factors considerations related to switching detailed?

Human factors considerations related to switching are detailed at the end of Section 6.3.1.

Q: Can an ATS provider change from a single mode of operation to a multiple mode of operation environment?

Yes, the multiple mode of operation may include the possibility of changing from a single mode of operation to a multiple mode of operation environment, or vice versa, by adding or closing/transferring aerodromes in the RTM (e.g., if providing service to aerodrome A, change service provision to aerodromes A & B, or vice versa).

Q: What does closing or transferring service provision involve in the multiple mode of operation?

Closing or transferring service provision involves stopping or moving service for one or several aerodromes (e.g., if providing service to aerodromes A, B & C, change service to aerodromes A & B). This is one of the possible scenarios in the multiple mode of operation.

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4.2.3. Aerodrome switching/merging/transferring/closing under multiple mode of operation

ED Decision 2023/005/R

The multiple mode of operation may include scenarios where the ATCO/AFISO would change service provision between aerodromes on a flexible basis. This may include the following possibilities:

— switching: changing service provision for one (or several) aerodrome(s) to another aerodrome (e.g. if providing service to aerodromes A & B, change service provision to aerodromes A & C);

— merging: adding aerodromes to be provided with service (e.g. if providing service to aerodromes A & B, change service provision to aerodromes A, B & C); and

— closing or transferring service provision for one or several aerodromes (e.g. if providing service to aerodromes A, B & C, change service to aerodromes A & B).

This may also include the possibility of changing from a single mode of operation to a multiple mode of operation environment, or vice versa, by adding or closing/transferring aerodromes in the RTM (e.g. if providing service to aerodrome A, change service provision to aerodrome A & B, or vice versa).

Switching/merging/transferring/closing of aerodromes should only be done when circumstances so allow. The ATS provider should establish the related procedures and conditions to adequately manage the operational circumstances (e.g. ‘when and how’) for any such implemented scenario. All mechanisms implemented should be validated, approved by the competent authority as part of the change to the functional system and documented in the operations manual (as specified by Regulation (EU) 2017/373 [4], ATM/ANS.OR.B.035 ‘Operations manuals’).

Furthermore, human factors considerations related to switching are detailed in the end of Section 6.3.1.

Details

Source-Title: 4.2.3. Aerodrome switching/merging/transferring/closing under multiple mode of operation View latest amendments

Erulesid: ERULES-1963177438-16284 Compare versions

Domain: Air traffic management/Air navigation services

Applicabilitydate: 1 April, 2023

Entryintoforcedate: 1 April, 2023

Regulatorysource: ED Decision 2023/005/R Navigate

Regulatorysubject: Remote aerodrome air traffic services

Typeofcontent: GM to IR (Guidance material to implementing rule)

Origin: EASA

Category: EAR