AMC1 ATS.TR.210(c)(2) Operation of air traffic control service
ED Decision 2020/008/R
HORIZONTAL
SEPARATION MINIMA BASED ON ATS SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM
(a) Unless otherwise prescribed in accordance with point (b), or AMC6 ATS.TR.220, or point (d) of AMC7 ATS.TR.220, or ATS.TR.255, the horizontal separation minimum based on radar and/or ADS-B and/or MLAT systems should be 9.3 km (5.0 NM).
(b) If so established by the air traffic services provider and approved by the competent authority, the separation minimum in point (a) may be reduced but not below:
(1) 5.6 km (3.0 NM) when radar and/or ADS-B and/or MLAT systems’ capabilities at a given location so permit; and
(2) 4.6 km (2.5 NM) between succeeding aircraft which are established on the same final approach track within 18.5 km (10 NM) of the runway threshold. A reduced separation minimum of 4.6 km (2.5 NM) may be applied, provided:
(i) the average runway occupancy time of landing aircraft is proven, by means such as data collection and statistical analysis and methods based on a theoretical model, not to exceed 50 seconds;
(ii) braking action is reported as good and runway occupancy times are not adversely affected by runway contaminants such as slush, snow or ice;
(iii) an ATS surveillance system with appropriate azimuth and range resolution and an update rate of 5 seconds or less is used in combination with suitable displays;
(iv) the aerodrome air traffic controller is able to observe, visually or by means of surface movement radar (SMR), MLAT system or a surface movement guidance and control system (SMGCS), the runway-in-use and associated exit and entry taxiways;
(v) wake turbulence separation minima in AMC6 ATS.TR.220 or in point (d) of AMC7 ATS.TR.220, or as may be prescribed by the air traffic services provider and approved by the competent authority (e.g. for specific aircraft types), do not apply;
(vi) aircraft approach speeds are closely monitored by the air traffic controller and when necessary adjusted so as to ensure that separation is not reduced below the minimum;
(vii) aircraft operators and pilots have been made fully aware of the need to exit the runway in an expeditious manner whenever the reduced separation minimum on final approach is applied; and
(viii) procedures concerning the application of the reduced minimum are published in AIPs.