Executive Summary:
Commission Regulation (EU) 2018/401 amends Regulation (EU) No 139/2014 regarding the classification of runways to reflect changes to Annex 14 of the Chicago Convention. These changes simplify runway approach classifications and better describe approach and landing operations, particularly concerning performance-based navigation (PBN). The regulation entered into force on the twentieth day following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.
Key Points / Main Content:
Amendments to Regulation (EU) No 139/2014:
* Annex I to Regulation (EU) No 139/2014 is amended as outlined in the Annex of this regulation.
Revised Definition of Instrument Runway:
* The definition of "instrument runway" is updated to include:
* Non-precision approach runway: served by visual aids and at least one non-visual aid, for type A instrument approach operations.
* Precision approach runway, category I: served by visual aids and at least one non-visual aid, for type B CAT I instrument approach operations.
* Precision approach runway, category II: served by visual aids and at least one non-visual aid, for type B CAT II instrument approach operations.
* Precision approach runway, category III: served by visual aids and at least one non-visual aid, for type B CAT IIIA, IIIB or IIIC instrument approach operations.
Introduction of Type A and Type B Instrument Approach Operations:
* Type A instrument approach operation: A minimum descent height or decision height at or above 75 m (250 ft).
* Type B instrument approach operation: A decision height below 75 m (250 ft), categorized as:
* Category I (CAT I): Decision height not lower than 60 m (200 ft), visibility not less than 800 m or runway visual range not less than 550 m.
* Category II (CAT II): Decision height lower than 60 m (200 ft) but not lower than 30 m (100 ft), runway visual range not less than 300 m.
* Category IIIA (CAT IIIA): Decision height lower than 30 m (100 ft) or no decision height, runway visual range not less than 175 m.
* Category IIIB (CAT IIIB): Decision height lower than 15 m (50 ft) or no decision height, runway visual range less than 175 m but not less than 50 m.
* Category IIIC (CAT IIIC): No decision height and no runway visual range limitation.
Impact Analysis:
Aerodrome Operators:
* Impact: Need to classify runways according to the updated definitions and ensure compliance with the revised requirements for instrument approach operations.
* Action Required: Review and update aerodrome procedures, infrastructure, and training programs to align with the new runway classifications and operational requirements, particularly concerning PBN approaches.
National Aviation Authorities:
* Impact: Responsible for overseeing the implementation of the amended regulation and ensuring compliance by aerodrome operators within their jurisdiction.
* Action Required: Update national regulations and guidance materials to reflect the changes introduced by Regulation (EU) 2018/401 and monitor the implementation of these changes by aerodrome operators.
Aircraft Operators:
* Impact: Need to be aware of the updated runway classifications and adjust operational procedures accordingly.
* Action Required: Update operational manuals and training programs to reflect the changes in runway classifications and approach procedures, ensuring that flight crews are proficient in conducting operations under the new requirements.
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA):
* Impact: Provided the opinion on which the regulation is based.
* Action Required: Continue to provide guidance and support to national aviation authorities and aerodrome operators in the implementation of the amended regulation.
Key Entities Referenced
European Union: A political and economic union of member states located primarily in Europe.
European Commission: An institution of the European Union, responsible for proposing legislation, implementing decisions, upholding the EU treaties and managing the day-to-day business of the EU.
Regulation EU No 139/2014: A European Union regulation laying down requirements and administrative procedures related to aerodromes.
Regulation EC No 216/2008: A regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on common rules in the field of civil aviation and establishing a European Aviation Safety Agency.
European Aviation Safety Agency: A European Union agency responsible for civil aviation safety.
Chicago Convention: The Convention on International Civil Aviation, also known as the Chicago Convention, established the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO): A specialized agency of the United Nations that codifies the principles and techniques of international air navigation and fosters the planning and development of international air transport to ensure safe and orderly growth.
Brussels: The capital city of Belgium, and a major center for European politics, being the seat of the European Commission and Council of the European Union.
15.3.2018 EN Official Journal of the European Union L 72/17
COMMISSION REGULATION (EU) 2018/401
of 14 March 2018
amending Regulation (EU) No 139/2014 as regards the classification of runways
THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,
Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,
Having regard to Regulation (EC) No 216/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 February 2008 on
common rules in the field of civil aviation and establishing a European Aviation Safety Agency, and repealing Council
Directive 91/670/EEC, Regulation (EC) No 1592/2002 and Directive 2004/36/EC (1), and in particular Article 8a(5)
thereof,
Whereas:
(1) Annex I to Commission Regulation (EU) No 139/2014 (2) lays down the definition of the term ‘instrument
runway’ for the purposes of that Regulation. The provisions of that Regulation should reflect the state of the art
and the best practices in the field of aerodromes and take into account the applicable international standards.
(2) The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), in its State letter AN 41.2.24–13/20, adopted
Amendment 11-B to Annex 14, Volume 1 to the Chicago Convention, which has been applicable in ICAO
Contracting States as of 13 November 2014. The changes set out therein simplify the existing runway approach
classification and more accurately describe the various types of approach and landing operations.
(3) Those changes to Annex 14 of the Chicago Convention should be reflected in Regulation (EU) No 139/2014, in
particular in its provisions concerning performance-based navigation (PBN) approach operations with vertical
guidance and runway requirements in relation to the approach operations. In addition, the implementation of
PBN approach operations with vertical guidance by a significant number of aerodromes, without the need to
upgrade their runway infrastructure, should be facilitated.
(4) Regulation (EU) No 139/2014 should therefore be amended accordingly.
(5) The measures provided for in this Regulation are based on Opinion No 03/2016 issued by the European Aviation
Safety Agency in accordance with point (b) of Article 17(2) and Article 19(1) of Regulation (EC) No 216/2008.
(6) The measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the Committee established by
Article 65 of Regulation (EC) No 216/2008,
HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:
Article 1
Annex I to Regulation (EU) No 139/2014 is amended in accordance with the Annex to this Regulation.
Article 2
This Regulation shall enter into force on the twentieth day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the
European Union.
(1) OJ L 79, 19.3.2008, p. 1.
(2) Commission Regulation (EU) No 139/2014 of 12 February 2014 laying down requirements and administrative procedures related to
aerodromes pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 216/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 44, 14.2.2014, p. 1).L 72/18 EN Official Journal of the European Union 15.3.2018
This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.
Done at Brussels, 14 March 2018.
For the Commission
The President
Jean-Claude JUNCKER15.3.2018 EN Official Journal of the European Union L 72/19
ANNEX
Annex I to Regulation (EU) No 139/2014 is amended as follows:
(1) point (22) is replaced by the following:
‘(22) “instrument runway” means one of the following types of runways intended for the operation of aircraft using
instrument approach procedures:
1. “non-precision approach runway”: a runway served by visual aids and at least one non-visual aid, intended
for landing operations following a type A instrument approach operation;
2. “precision approach runway, category I”: a runway served by visual aids and at least one non-visual aid,
intended for landing operations following a type B CAT I instrument approach operation;
3. “precision approach runway, category II”: a runway served by visual aids and at least one non-visual aid,
intended for landing operations following a type B CAT II instrument approach operation;
4. “precision approach runway, category III”: a runway served by visual aids and at least one non-visual aid,
intended for landing operations following a type B CAT IIIA, IIIB or IIIC instrument approach operation to
and along the surface of the runway;’;
(2) the following points (47a) and (47b) are inserted:
‘(47a) “type A instrument approach operation” means an instrument approach operation with a minimum descent
height or decision height at or above 75 m (250 ft);
(47b) “type B instrument approach operation” means an instrument approach operation with a decision height
below 75 m (250 ft). Type B instrument approach operations are categorised as follows:
1. Category I (CAT I): a decision height not lower than 60 m (200 ft) and with either a visibility not less
than 800 m or a runway visual range not less than 550 m;
2. Category II (CAT II): a decision height lower than 60 m (200 ft), but not lower than 30 m (100 ft) and
a runway visual range not less than 300 m;
3. Category IIIA (CAT IIIA): a decision height lower than 30 m (100 ft) or no decision height and a runway
visual range not less than 175 m;
4. Category IIIB (CAT IIIB): a decision height lower than 15 m (50 ft) or no decision height and a runway
visual range less than 175 m, but not less than 50 m;
5. Category IIIC (CAT IIIC): no decision height and no runway visual range limitation;’.