EASA SIB 2025-05: Development and Usage of Procedures for Visual Manoeuvring with Prescribed Tracks Relying on Required Navigation Performance

What to do

Affected stakeholders should consider converting existing RNAV visual and RNP visual procedures to RNP VPT and publish them in the Aeronautical Information Publication or develop operator proprietary procedures following the recommended frameworks. Operators must establish standard operating procedures, conduct thorough risk assessments, and implement monitoring functions for RNP VPT operations. Coordination with national competent authorities and local air traffic services is required before operational use. No specific compliance deadlines are stated.

Summary

EASA Safety Information Bulletin 2025-05 is a guidance document addressing the development and use of Procedures for Visual Manoeuvring with Prescribed Tracks relying on Required Navigation Performance (RNP). It targets aircraft operators, air navigation service providers, aerodrome operators, flight procedure designers, design approval holders, and national competent authorities. The bulletin focuses on enhancing safety and predictability during visual manoeuvring by integrating RNP-based guidance, applicable to various aircraft equipped with compatible Flight Management Systems.

What changed

This new bulletin introduces best practices and recommendations for implementing RNP Visual Manoeuvring with Prescribed Tracks (RNP VPT) procedures, either published publicly or developed as operator proprietary procedures. It clarifies the use of RNP VPT overlays on existing approaches and the development of RNP VPT based on RNP Authorization Required (RNP AR) procedures without requiring RNP AR approval. The document also outlines risk assessment considerations and operational requirements for safe implementation.

Why it matters

The bulletin matters because it provides aviation professionals with structured guidance to reduce pilot workload and improve safety during visual manoeuvring, especially in challenging terrain or complex airspace. Operators can benefit from more predictable flight paths that assist air traffic control and potentially reduce environmental impacts such as noise. Compliance teams and procedure designers gain clarity on regulatory expectations and risk mitigation for these advanced visual procedures.