EASA SIB 2012-09R1: Effects of Space Weather on Aviation

What to do

Affected stakeholders should monitor space weather conditions and incorporate this information into operational risk assessments, especially for polar route planning and high-altitude flights. Operators must continue to comply with radiation exposure monitoring requirements for aircrew as per Council Directive 2013/59/EURATOM. While the bulletin provides information only and no mandatory recommendations, it advises coordination with relevant ATM/ANS and aerodrome services to mitigate space weather impacts.

Summary

EASA Safety Information Bulletin 2012-09R1 provides updated information on the effects of space weather on aviation, including impacts on aircraft, avionics, communication, navigation, surveillance systems, and human health. It applies to all aircraft operations, Air Traffic Management/Air Navigation Services, and aerodrome operations. The bulletin highlights phenomena such as geomagnetic storms, solar radiation storms, solar flare radio blackouts, ionospheric storms, and galactic cosmic rays, emphasizing their potential to degrade system performance and increase radiation exposure, especially on polar routes and high altitudes.

What changed

EASA SIB 2012-09R1 revises the original SIB 2012-09 issued in May 2012, updating references and expanding information on space weather phenomena and their effects on aviation systems and personnel. It incorporates recent scientific data, updated solar cycle forecasts, and aligns with related EASA and ICAO publications to provide a comprehensive overview of space weather risks.

Why it matters

This bulletin is important for aviation professionals because space weather can disrupt critical avionics, communication, navigation, and surveillance systems, potentially affecting flight safety and operational efficiency. It also highlights increased radiation exposure risks for aircrew and passengers, particularly on polar and high-altitude flights, which operators must monitor to ensure compliance with radiation protection regulations.