ED Decision 2016/021/R

Revision of operational approval criteria for performance-based navigation - Air operations - AMC and GM to Part-SPO - Amendment 5

These Decisions, amending the acceptable means of compliance (AMC) and guidance material (GM) to the annexes to Regulation (EU) No 965/2012 (hereinafter referred to as the ‘Air OPS Regulation’), address an economic issue related to performance-based navigation (PBN) operations. EASA is issuing these Decisions following the amendment of the Air OPS Regulation through Regulation (EU) 2016/1199.

The specific objectives of the rulemaking task are the:

  • provision of PBN-related rules on pilot training and checking;
  • removal of the requirements for specific approvals for most PBN operations;
  • compliance with the fourth edition of the ICAO PBN Manual; and
  • introduction of proportionate operating procedures where necessary.

The adopted changes are expected to maintain safety and provide significant economic benefits to air operators, pilots and competent authorities.

The Decisions also include clarifications on the requirements on upper torso restraint (UTR) systems, as well as new AMC and GM on the use of oxygen and on the transport of dangerous goods in the context of NCO operations.