Explanatory Statement – AERU 05-55/ Class A Airspace Extension
Purpose: Airspace changes are given legal effect by the raising of a valid Legislative Instrument, signed by the appropriate delegate. The permanent description of airspace is published in the AIP MAP products (as defined in ICAO Annex 15) and in the Designated Airspace Handbook (DAH). The DAH is issued on an alternating approximate 24/28 week cycle. This airspace change has been approved to be implemented ahead of the next AIRAC cycle and therefore will be initially published by AIP supplement before being included in the next issue of the DAH planned for June 2006. The DAH lists and describes, in tabular form, the lateral and vertical limits and any other pertinent details of airspace volume.
Operation: The change of airspace classification will allow the use of Reduced Vertical Separation Minima (RVSM) operations. This will afford the opportunity for separation standards to be reduced from 2000ft to 1000ft for aircraft with the onboard technology. Only IFR aircraft are permitted in this type of airspace and all flights will continue to be provided with an air traffic control service and are separated from each other.
Impact: There will be benefits for the environment with decreased fuel emissions caused by a reduction in the requirement for climbing and descending to remain within the hemispherical tracking rules.
Customer comfort and greater efficiency in handling traffic at constant levels on the tracks across to South Africa and return will be achieved by this airspace change.
An internal safety case has been conducted by the service provider and indicates that actual workload for the service provider will be reduced due to the commonalities with adjoining international boundaries. Additionally, with this anticipated higher level of service, safety will be enhanced along the routes.
Other mainstream carriers have been advised of this airspace proposal and support the change as they too will gain from the change without additional costs
The Office of Regulation Review determined this instrument appeared unlikely to have direct or significant indirect impact on businesses and therefore confirmed a Regulation Impact Statement would not be required.