CASA 194/12 - Instructions - GNSS primary means navigation (A330 and B737NG aircraft)

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1988, enacted to ensure the safety and efficiency of air navigation in Australia, have been supplemented by the instrument F2012L01560 issued under section 98 of the Civil Aviation Act 1988. This instrument, which revokes and replaces CASA 430/10, provides specific instructions for the use of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) for primary means navigation under Instrument Flight Rules (I.F.R.) for Airbus A330 and Boeing 737NG aircraft. The instrument addresses the need for modern aircraft with Required Navigation Performance (RNP) capabilities to conduct non-precision approaches using their onboard navigation systems, thereby reducing reliance on ground-based navigation aids. Developed by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), the instrument outlines the conditions and procedures for GNSS use, including requirements for GNSS availability predictions, navigation equipment, navigation database approval, and flight crew training. This regulatory measure ensures that Virgin Australia Airlines Limited can operate in compliance with safety standards while leveraging advanced navigation technologies.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1988, as amended by F2012L01560, apply specifically to the use of Airbus A330 and Boeing 737NG aircraft for instrument flight rules (IFR) operations, enabling these aircraft to conduct non-precision approaches using their RNP capabilities without relying on ground-based navigation aids. This regulation falls under the purview of the Civil Aviation Act 1988, and is intended to enhance safety by allowing the use of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) as a primary means of navigation. The regulation clarifies and refines the conditions under which these approaches can be conducted, including requirements for GNSS availability prediction, necessary navigation equipment, pre-flight checks, in-flight procedures, and flight crew training. The instructions also incorporate the use of an approved navigation database. This regulation applies to airlines operating within Australia, and as a legislative instrument, it is subject to disallowance under the Legislative Instruments Act 2003. Importantly, the instrument is compatible with human rights and freedoms as outlined in the Human Rights (Parliamentary Scrutiny) Act 2011, and consultation has been deemed unnecessary as it aligns with previous instruments issued to Australian airlines.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1988, under subregulation 179A(1), allow the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to issue instructions regarding Instrument Flight Rules (I.F.R.). These instructions specify the methods for navigating an aircraft and obtaining a positive position fix. The instrument CASA 194/12, which replaces CASA 430/10, applies specifically to Airbus A330 and Boeing 737NG aircraft and pertains to the use of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) for primary means navigation under I.F.R. It defines terms and sets conditions for conducting non-precision approaches using the aircraft's navigation systems. These conditions include obtaining a prediction of GNSS availability, ensuring the minimum required navigation equipment is used, and employing an approved navigation database. Additionally, the instrument outlines pre-flight checking procedures, in-flight procedures, and flight crew training requirements. The obligations imposed by the instrument on the parties it governs include ensuring that all GNSS predictions for proposed operations are obtained and that the minimum required navigation equipment is present and functional. The aircraft must also use an approved navigation database. Furthermore, the flight crew must adhere to the specified pre-flight checking procedures and in-flight procedures. Regular training must also be provided to ensure that the crew is competent in using the GNSS for navigation. The instrument mandates that these obligations are met to ensure the safety and compliance with I.F.R. Breach of the provisions outlined in the instrument can lead to various civil and criminal consequences. While specific penalties are not detailed in the explanatory statement, breaches of civil aviation regulations generally attract fines and potential grounding of aircraft. CASA has the authority to enforce these regulations and can impose penalties for non-compliance. The maximum penalties for breaches of civil aviation regulations can include substantial fines and, in severe cases, prosecution under criminal law, which could result in imprisonment. The specific penalties would depend on the nature and severity of the breach, as well as any previous history of non-compliance by the airline or individual involved.