CASA 38/08 - Instructions - RNAV (RNP-AR) approaches and departures

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Legislation au F2008L00092 Not in force Legislative Instrument

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Explanatory Statement

Civil Aviation Regulations 1988

Instructions — RNAV (RNP-AR) approaches and departures

Legislation

Section 98 of the Civil Aviation Act 1988 (the Act) provides that the Governor-General may make regulations for the Act and the safety of air navigation.

Under subregulation 178 (1) of the Civil Aviation Regulations (CAR 1988), the pilot in command of an aircraft must not fly along a route segment at a height lower than the published lowest safe altitude (LSALT) for that segment. Under subregulation 178 (2), if there is no LSALT, the pilot must not fly lower than the LSALT calculated by a method determined by CASA.

However, paragraph 178 (4) (c) of CAR 1988 provides an exemption from these requirements if the flight is during a published authorised instrument approach procedure (IAP) or a published authorised instrument departure procedure (IDP) designed by a certified designer.

Under subregulation 179A (1) of CAR 1988, CASA may issue instructions in relation to Instrument Flight Rules (I.F.R.) flights specifying the method by which an aircraft is to be navigated when in such flight.

The purpose of the instrument is to enable a controlled, Australia-wide, trial by Qantas Airways Limited (Qantas) of certain Area Navigation (Required Navigation Performance‑Authorisation Required) instrument approach and departure procedures (RNAV (RNP-AR) IAP and IDP) designed by Naverus Inc. (Naverus). These are sophisticated, computed assisted area navigation operations with particular performance requirements for which CASA authorisation is required.

Use of RNAV (RNP-AR) can enable accurate navigation and obstacle avoidance in instrument meteorological conditions (I.M.C.) under the I.F.R. This can significantly reduce the likelihood of accidents involving controlled flight into terrain (CFIT). CFIT can be more likely in complex, non-precision approaches (NPA) which lack vertical guidance and which impose a high mental work load on the flight crew.

Trial of RNAV (RNP-AR)

Under subregulation 173.055 (1) of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998, Naverus (a United States-based RNP-AR procedure specialist) is a certified designer of instrument approach and departure procedures using a specialised form of RNAV (RNP-AR).

RNAV (RNP-AR) procedures of the type to be used in the trial have been developed and are in use in the United States and Canada. However, there are as yet no internationally agreed design standards for such procedures.

The design standards to be used in the Qantas trial have been subject to the scrutiny of the Federal Aviation Administration of the United States of America and Transport Canada. CASA conducted its own assessment of the procedure design standards used by Naverus before granting it a certificate as a certified designer. CASA is, therefore, satisfied that the proposed IAP and IDP meet or exceed acceptable standards of safety for instrument approach and departure operations. However, in the interests of safety, CASA wishes to conduct a trial of the procedures with an operator willing to observe additional safety conditions for the purposes of the trial.

Qantas is the participant in this trial. The instrument enables the trial to take place in controlled circumstances by issuing instructions on how an aircraft is to be navigated in I.F.R. flight when using RNAV (RNP-AR).

Instructions

The instrument applies to all RNAV (RNP-AR) approaches and departures in I.M.C. under the I.F.R. in Australia. It instructs the pilot in command of an aircraft to use only an authorised RNAV (RNP-AR) IAP or IDP if making an RNAV (RNP-AR) approach or departure. It further instructs that a pilot in command may only use an authorised RNAV (RNP-AR) IAP or IDP for and in accordance with the Qantas trial. This mechanism is designed for safety purposes to ensure that the Naverus procedures may only be used in the controlled trial by an approved operator. The trial is defined as that described in the Qantas proposal, accepted by CASA and conducted in accordance with certain conditions.

Conditions

The conditions of the trial include the requirement that only approved and specially trained pilots may be used in specifically capable aircraft. Operations must be in accordance with the Qantas proposal. Approaches may not be conducted below certain defined heights. Departures must use defined RNP type in accordance with the aircraft flight manual. CASA must be permitted to attend and observe certain flights and training. Qantas must make certain operational reports available to CASA and immediately report any safety-related incidents.

Approval

Subregulation 5 (1) of CAR 1988 provides that where CASA is authorised to issue directions, it may do so in the form of Civil Aviation Orders.

Subregulation 235 (2) of CAR 1988 authorises CASA to issue directions setting out the manner of determining a maximum weight for an aircraft that its gross weight must not exceed at take-off or landing.

For aircraft of a maximum take-off weight exceeding 5 700 kg, CASA has issued such directions in the form of Civil Aviation Order 20.7.1B (CAO 20.7.1B).

Subsections 12 and 12A of CAO 20.7.1B provide for methods of meeting take-off obstacle clearance requirements in relation to take-off weight limitations by reference to the definition of the take-off area. Under subparagraph 12.1.1 (b) and paragraph 12A.5, the limitation of the take-off area is redefined for approved RNP operations, in RNP-capable aeroplanes that are approved for area navigation (RNAV) using specified RNP containment values.

Therefore, to enable departures during the RNAV (RNP-AR) trial to continue to take advantage of these RNP-AR‑related obstacle clearance provisions, the instrument also contains:

(a) an approval of Boeing 737-800 aeroplanes for area navigation (RNAV); and

(b) an approval of the trial as an approved RNP operation; and

Exemption

Because what is proposed is a specialised trial only, and because of exemptions and conditions for the Naverus procedure design certificate, Naverus does not publish its IAP and IDP. To ensure that the trial is conducted in accordance with the requirements of the LSALT exemption provided by paragraph 178 (4) (c) of CAR 1988, it is necessary, by means of an exemption, to exclude publication from the definition of IAP and IDP for paragraph 178 (4) (c).

Legislative Instruments Act

Subregulation 179A (3A) of CAR 1988 declares that instructions not in the form of a Civil Aviation Order are a disallowable instrument. Under subparagraph 6 (d) (i) of the Legislative Instruments Act 2003 (the LIA), an instrument is a legislative instrument for section 5 of the LIA if it is declared to be a disallowable instrument in legislation in force before the commencement of the LIA. The instructions are, therefore, a legislative instrument and are subject to tabling and disallowance in the Parliament under sections 38 and 42 of the LIA.

Consultation

Consultation under section 17 of the LIA has not been undertaken in this case. The instrument is a renewal of a previous instrument issued to Qantas to enable the airline conduct a trial. A similar instrument would be issued to any other appropriate operator who wished to conduct a similar trial under the same safety conditions.

The instrument commences on 1 February 2008 and stops having effect at the end of 31 January 2010.

The instrument has been made by a delegate of CASA, in accordance with subregulation 7 (1) of CAR 1988.

[Instrument number CASA 38/08]

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1988, enacted to provide for the safety of air navigation among other purposes, include provisions that allow the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to issue instructions for Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) flights, including those pertaining to navigation methods. The instrument F2008L00092, issued under Section 98 of the Civil Aviation Act 1988, facilitates a controlled trial by Qantas Airways Limited of RNAV (Required Navigation Performance-Authorisation Required) Area Navigation approaches and departures designed by Naverus Inc. This trial aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of these advanced navigation procedures, which are designed to enhance obstacle avoidance and potentially reduce the risk of accidents involving controlled flight into terrain (CFIT), especially in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). The trial is conducted under strict conditions, including the use of specially trained pilots and aircraft, and requires CASA's oversight and approval, reflecting the regulatory body's commitment to maintaining high safety standards in civil aviation. The instrument also incorporates necessary exemptions and conditions to ensure the trial aligns with the existing regulatory framework and safety requirements.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1988 Instructions concerning RNAV (RNP-AR) approaches and departures apply to all RNAV (RNP-AR) operations conducted under instrument flight rules in instrument meteorological conditions across Australia. Specifically, it mandates that pilots in command of aircraft can only use authorised RNAV (RNP-AR) instrument approach or departure procedures as part of the Qantas trial. The trial, conducted under the oversight of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), involves the use of advanced navigation procedures designed by Naverus Inc., a certified designer of such procedures, to enhance safety and reduce the risk of controlled flight into terrain (CFIT) during instrument approaches. This legislation ensures that these sophisticated navigation procedures are used under strict conditions, including the requirement for specially trained pilots and specific aircraft capabilities, to maintain safety standards. The trial is subject to CASA's authority to observe operations and receive detailed operational reports, and it includes specific height restrictions and RNP type requirements. Furthermore, the instrument redefines the take-off area for RNAV (RNP-AR) operations, aligning with CASA's obstacle clearance requirements, and ensures that Boeing 737-800 aircraft are approved for area navigation during these trials. The instrument also exempts the publication of Naverus's procedures from standard definitions to facilitate the trial's controlled environment, and it is subject to the Legislative Instruments Act 2003 for disallowance and tabling in Parliament.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1988 (CAR 1988) and the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 focus on the safety of air navigation and the specifics of instrument approach and departure procedures. Subregulation 178(1) mandates that pilots must not fly below the published lowest safe altitude (LSALT) for a route segment, unless they are executing a published authorised instrument approach procedure (IAP) or instrument departure procedure (IDP) (paragraph 178(4)(c)). Subregulation 179A(1) allows the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to issue instructions on navigating aircraft under Instrument Flight Rules (I.F.R.). These regulations form the basis for the trial of Area Navigation (Required Navigation Performance-Authorisation Required) (RNAV (RNP-AR)) procedures. The obligations imposed by the Act on the parties involved, particularly Qantas Airways Limited (Qantas) and Naverus Inc. (Naverus), include ensuring that only specially trained pilots operate aircraft capable of executing RNAV (RNP-AR) approaches and departures. Qantas must adhere to the specific conditions outlined in the trial proposal, which includes restrictions on the minimum flight altitudes and the types of RNP to be used during departures. CASA retains the right to observe certain flights and training sessions and requires Qantas to report operational details and any safety incidents to CASA immediately. The Act outlines various consequences for breaches of the regulations. Pilots who do not adhere to the specified RNAV (RNP-AR) procedures and conditions may face civil or criminal penalties, including fines and potential imprisonment, depending on the severity of the breach. The specific penalties are not detailed in the explanatory statement, but they generally align with those applicable under the Civil Aviation Act 1988 and other relevant aviation safety legislation. CASA’s ability to issue Civil Aviation Orders (CAO) under subregulation 5(1) of CAR 1988 further ensures that the trial adheres to stringent safety standards and operational requirements. The instrument also subjects the trial to parliamentary scrutiny, as per the Legislative Instruments Act 2003 (LIA). Although consultation under section 17 of the LIA was not undertaken for this renewal of a previous instrument, any similar future trials would require such consultation. The trial period is set from 1 February 2008 to 31 January 2010, with CASA delegating the authority to issue these instructions in accordance with subregulation 7(1) of CAR 1988. The legislative instrument is subject to tabling and disallowance in the Parliament under sections 38 and 42 of the LIA, ensuring a level of accountability and oversight over the trial process.

Area of Law: Aviation Law
Instrument: Regulation
Concepts: Definitions & Interpretation; Compliance Obligations; Enforcement Powers; Prohibited Conduct; Reporting & Disclosure Obligations

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Sourced from the Federal Register of Legislation at 26 August 2026. For the latest information on Australian Government law please go to https://www.legislation.gov.au.

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