EASA SIB 2020-19
Missing or Outdated Procedures in Flight Management System Navigational Databases for the Western Part of Russian Airspace — Effective on 03 December 2020
Summary
The EASA Safety Information Bulletin 2020-19 addresses missing or outdated procedures in Flight Management System navigational databases for the western part of Russian airspace, effective 03 December 2020. It affects aeroplane operators flying into Russian airspace and data providers responsible for navigation databases. The bulletin highlights challenges in updating FMS databases and charts due to significant airspace restructuration impacting multiple Russian Flight Information Regions.
What Changed
The Russian State Air Traffic Management Corporation implemented a restructuration of the western Russian airspace effective 03 December 2020, including major changes to Standard Instrument Departure, Terminal Arrival, and Approach procedures. This led to a substantial increase in aeronautical data volume that Type-1 data providers must encode in FMS databases, which may not be completed in time for AIRAC cycle 2013. Consequently, discrepancies between updated charts and FMS databases may occur.
Why It Matters
This situation can result in outdated or incomplete FMS databases and charts, potentially affecting flight safety and operational efficiency. Operators and data providers need to be aware of possible mismatches between navigation data and charts, especially for RNAV procedures, to avoid operational errors. Ensuring awareness and validation of navigation data is critical for compliance and safe flight operations in the affected Russian airspace.
What To Do
Operators should inform flight crews about the issue and any outdated charts or FMS databases, emphasizing limitations on departures and approaches. They should implement or enhance FMS validation procedures and consider special crew briefings for affected Russian airports. Type-1 and Type-2 data providers must communicate timely alerts regarding missing or outdated procedures to ensure operators receive relevant safety information before 03 December 2020.