ATS.TR.265 Control of aerodrome surface traffic in low-visibility conditions

HOLDING POSITION LIMITS The definition of holding position limits by intermediate holding positions, stop bar or taxiway intersection marking is established in accordance with EASA ED Decision 2014/013/R ‘Certification Specification and Guidance Material for Aerodrome Design’, as amended.

PROCEDURES FOR CONTROL OF AERODROME TRAFFIC IN LOW-VISIBILITY OPERATIONS (LVOs)

(a)LVOs should be initiated by or through the aerodrome control tower.

(b)The aerodrome control tower should inform the approach control unit concerned when procedures for precision approach in LVOs will be applied and also when such procedures are no longer in force.

(c)Provisions regarding LVOs should specify:

(1)for the different types of LVOs, the RVR value(s) at which the LVOs procedures are to be implemented;

(2)the minimum navigation equipment requirements for LVOs;

(3)other facilities and aids required for LVOs, including aeronautical ground lights, which are to be monitored for normal operation;

(4)the criteria for and the circumstances under which downgrading of the navigation equipment from LVOs capability is to be made;

(5)the requirement to report any relevant equipment failure and degradation, without delay, to the flight crews concerned, the approach control unit, the aerodrome operator and, where established, the organisation(s) providing apron management services, and any other appropriate organisation;

(6)special procedures for the control of traffic on the manoeuvring area, including:

(i)the runway-holding positions to be used;

(ii)the minimum distance between an arriving and a departing aircraft to ensure protection of the sensitive and critical areas;

(iii)procedures to verify that aircraft and vehicles have vacated the runway; and

(iv)procedures applicable to the separation of aircraft and vehicles;

(7)the applicable spacing between successive approaching aircraft;

(8)the action(s) to be taken in the event that LVOs need to be discontinued, e.g. due to equipment failures; and

(9)any other relevant procedures or requirements.

(d)The aerodrome control tower should, prior to a period of application of low-visibility procedures, establish a record of vehicles and persons currently on the manoeuvring area and maintain this record during the period of application of these procedures to assist in assuring the safety of operations on that area.