OpsGroup Warns Pilots To Check LPV Approach Notams

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has issued a bulletin warning that some instrument approach procedure missed approach segment designs may have a problem. Flight information provider OpsGroup notified members that some countries are adding higher minima on certain approaches because of this issue.

According to the ICAO bulletin, “The specific issue is regarding an inconsistency between the assumptions behind the obstacle assessment criteria and the navigation systems standards for approach procedures based on SBAS [satellite-based augmentation systems]. As a result, the protection provided in the missed approach segment may be inadequate for some navigation systems authorized for localizer performance with vertical guidance (LPV) operations.”

OpsGroup advises operators to check notams for updated LPV minima. Some countries that have adjusted LPV minima include Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium. Others, according to OpsGroup, have suspended LPV minima for certain procedures or runways, including Dublin, Ireland (EIDW), and Pescara, Italy (LIBP). “Keep checking the notams for any LPV minima changes or restrictions in the coming weeks,” the group suggested.