EASA SIB 2014-04: WITHDRAWNÂ - RECOMMENDATIONS NOT NEEDED ANYMORE

What to do

Operators and national aviation authorities in EASA Member States should review the updated operational criteria for APV/Baro-VNAV approaches based on their aircraft's certification status. They should consider applying the recommended airport elevation limits and operational mitigations such as mandatory autopilot or flight director use above certain elevations. No mandatory compliance deadline is specified, but stakeholders should align procedures with these recommendations and monitor the implementation of ICAO PANS-OPS Amendment 5 effective November 13, 2014.

Summary

EASA Safety Information Bulletin SIB No. 2014-04 provides updated recommendations regarding Required Navigation Performance Approach Procedures with Barometric Vertical Navigation (RNP-APCH with APV/Baro-VNAV). It addresses operational approval criteria for aircraft operating these procedures, referencing EASA AMC 20-27, FAA AC 20-129, and FAA AC 20-138C. The bulletin is relevant for aeroplanes registered in EASA Member States conducting APV/Baro-VNAV approaches, particularly at airports with elevations above 5,000 feet mean sea level.

What changed

This bulletin withdraws previous operational limitations restricting APV/Baro-VNAV approaches to airports below 5,000 feet elevation and endorses relaxed criteria allowing operations up to 6,000 feet or higher depending on aircraft approval standards. It incorporates findings from the IATA/AEA Joint User Requirement Group OPS Task Force, recommending differentiated operational limitations based on aircraft certification to EASA AMC 20-27, FAA AC 20-129, or FAA AC 20-138C. The bulletin also notes forthcoming ICAO PANS-OPS amendments increasing obstacle clearance margins.

Why it matters

The updated recommendations impact operators and national aviation authorities by clarifying and potentially expanding the operational envelope for APV/Baro-VNAV approaches, improving safety margins while reducing unnecessary operational restrictions. Compliance teams and flight operations personnel must understand these criteria to ensure safe and compliant approach procedures, especially at high-altitude airports. The guidance helps harmonize certification and operational approvals across jurisdictions, reducing inconsistencies that previously affected commercial air transport operations.