SUMMARY:
The Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand has released a package of changes to the performance-based navigation regulatory framework for public consultation.
The purpose of these changes is to support New Zealand’s continued safe implementation of PBN in a way that minimizes the regulatory burden, provides flexibility to accommodate changes in technology, and is clear for the CAA and participants. To achieve this, the CAA is proposing several regulatory changes and associated guidance material that will create a modern, fit-for-purpose regulatory framework that enables the potential benefits of PBN to be achieved.
The CAA is seeking feedback on:
- Three civil aviation notices that prescribe operational and technical specifications for a range of navigation types (i.e. what the requirements are to operate using a given navigation specification). These notices will cover the RNP1, RNP4 navigation specifications and legacy GNSS navigation procedures. This is a subset of a larger suite of notices that will complete the PBN regulatory framework when it comes into effect in mid-2021, with the remaining notices to be released for public consultation in early 2021.
- A Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM 20-01), which sets out proposed amendments to civil aviation rules. This includes CARs that require PBN operations to be carried out in accordance with the specifications prescribed in the notices referred to above (i.e. who must comply, and when), and CARs that require PBN flights to be operated with an appropriate means of navigating and landing the aircraft safely in the event of a loss of the primary means of navigation (referred to as “extraction and recovery”). The NPRM also proposes the revocation of some existing CARs.
- Advisory Circular AC91-21 Revision 2, which sets out means of complying with the operational and technical requirements prescribed in notices (i.e. how operators can comply with requirement). This is drafted to reflect the regulatory framework as it would be with the proposed CARs and all navigation specification notices in force. As such, it refers to a number of notices that have not yet been drafted, but which will be consulted on separately in early 2021. Note that we are trialling a new method of highlighting changes for easy reference: new sections or passages are highlighted in yellow, while deleted passages have been struck through. We hope readers find this useful and welcome comments on it.
- Advisory Circular AC91-XX, which sets out an acceptable means of compliance with extraction and recovery requirements. This AC refers to the proposed new CAR 92.621(a)(2)(iii) (see NPRM). As this is a new AC, there are no changes to mark up.
The complete package can be viewed here:
Consultation on this package closes 19 February 2021.
AEA COMMENTARY:
The Aircraft Electronics Association encourages the membership affected by these proposals to review the package and submit comments no later than 19 February 2021.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Contact Ric Peri, AEA vice president of government and industry affairs, by email at ricp@aea.net or by phone at 202-589-1144.