A notice of proposed amendments from the EASA aims to extend performance-based navigation (PBN) procedures beyond the 24 European Union airports required by the Pilot Common Project Regulation and mitigate risks associated with non-harmonized application, “thus ensuring a smooth transition to PBN operations and fully supporting the implementation of the European Air Traffic Management Master Plan.”
The proposal addresses the safety, interoperability, proportionality and coordination issues related to the implementation of PBN within European airspace. If adopted, the amendments would require air traffic controllers and airport operators to implement PBN SIDs, STARs and routes as required to meet locally defined performance objectives that conform to RNP1 performance mandates by December 2018; and by January 2024, implement PBN approach procedures with vertical guidance at all instrument runway ends where there are currently only non-precision approach procedures.
Aircraft operators wishing to operate these routes and procedures will be required to ensure that their aircraft and pilots are approved for PBN operations. Comments on the proposal and its deadlines are due by April 20.