The Light at the End of the (PinS) Tunnel May Not In Fact Be a Train…
The UK CAA's latest announcement on the expansion of the roll-out of the UK GNSS programme appears to be a step in the right direction for PinS...
Image: helicopter: Susan Reed; weather vane © brankica | VectorStock; clouds: © nd700 | Adobe Stock
From our previous blogs, you could be forgiven for thinking that Avigation might not be the most ardent of supporter of the UK CAA, the latest CAA
announcement on the expansion of the roll-out of the UK GNSS programme, partnered with the UK Department for Transport (DfT), however, appears to be a step in the right direction for PinS. There's a fair bit to unpack and consider in the announcement, but - for the most part - this is extremely positive and could well be seen as a game-changer, especially for the HEMS community.
DfT funding is available to support the development and implantation of GNSS and PinS procedures. The key point to note for anyone considering GNSS and PinS is the deadline: “…those eligible to participate in the programme [are encouraged] to register their interest before 30 September 2022”. That’s just 3 weeks away…
The Headlines - Who’s Said What, Then?
Minister for Aviation, Robert Courts, said "[b]y helping more airfields to harness the latest satellite innovations and procedures, this programme will both improve flight safety across the UK and expand the type of flights they can operate”.
Rob Bishton, Group Director of Safety and Airspace Regulation at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said “[t]he DfT considers Phase 3 of the GNSS Programme as a priority activity for us here at the CAA. The support that the UK government is providing through its financial assistance, and the expertise available through the CAA’s Facilitation Team, will provide a fantastic opportunity to those interested in implementing GNSS procedures within the UK, resulting in increased safety…”
The Headlines - GNSS Programme Benefits
Improved Flight Safety. ”Introducing an authorised GNSS approach will enable pilots to recover to airfields and HLS, enabling increased safety … in poorer weather.”
Provide Increased Resilience for HEMS. IFR operational enabler for HEMS where current operations are limited to VFR only.
Financial Support to Sponsor. Between 50% and 75% of eligible costs incurred by sponsors can be recovered; exemplar costs that qualify for funding:
- Development of safety case.
- Airspace design work (CAA has also offered a list of approved IFP design organisations).
- Procedure validation work.
- External consultants’ costs to support the detailed activities associated with the airspace change process.
Dedicated CAA Team to Support Sponsors. The CAA has established a dedicated GNSS Facilitation Team and has reportedly made significant refinements to the ACP process.
“Strike While the Iron is Hot”
As we highlighted on LinkedIn last week, the stand-out here could be the DEADLINE - “before 30 September 2022”, which in our book means no later than 29 September 2022 [Ed: language and interpretation are so very important...]. The apparent immediacy, however, might be softened by the fact that this (as we understand it) is only for sponsors to register their interest in being considered in this tranche of the programme. At this stage, we don’t know if and/or when future tranches of the programme (and, by association, DfT funding) might become available.
If your INTENT, therefore, is that you MIGHT want to establish a GNSS PinS procedure for your operation, then NOW is the time to register your interest with the CAA. “Don't think, just do"... where have we heard that recently...?
Image: Rob Inglis Photography
Avigation Can Support You
Avigation has a demonstrable breadth and depth of experience in PinS development and implementation through our long association and close working relationship with Pildo Labs, a UK CAA-approved instrument procedure design organisation with unrivalled experience delivering PinS in mainland Europe.
Additionally, Avigation has first-hand, practical experience in the management and delivery of the UK CAA’s CAP1616 and ACP processes and continues to support its clients through these activities. Avigation is, therefore, ideally placed to support organisations who are considering airspace changes and the design, development and implementation of instrument flight procedures.
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