EASA SIB 2026-05: Flight Procedure Design Providers – Tool Qualification

What to do

FPD providers should validate all automation tools against applicable criteria, identify any calculation errors, and coordinate corrective actions with stakeholders and authorities. Air Traffic Services providers must review operational manuals when notified of errors to ensure correct procedure values. National Competent Authorities should disseminate this bulletin to all relevant parties and incorporate its recommendations into their oversight activities. No specific compliance deadlines are stated.

Summary

EASA Safety Information Bulletin 2026-05 is a guidance document addressing the qualification of tools used by Flight Procedure Design (FPD) providers. It highlights the risks of undetected errors in automated calculations, such as Minimum Obstacle Clearance Altitude (MOCA), which may lead to incorrect published flight procedure values. The bulletin applies to FPD providers, Air Traffic Services providers using FPD services, and National Competent Authorities responsible for oversight.

What changed

EASA SIB 2026-05 introduces recommendations to ensure that tools automating flight procedure design processes are properly validated and managed to prevent errors. It emphasizes the need for configuration management, tool qualification, and independent review of automated calculations. This bulletin supplements existing regulations without introducing new mandatory requirements or unsafe conditions.

Why it matters

This bulletin is important for aviation professionals because undetected errors in automated flight procedure calculations can compromise obstacle clearance and flight safety. Operators, procedure designers, and oversight authorities must be aware of these risks to maintain compliance with applicable design criteria and ensure the accuracy of published flight procedures. Proper tool validation and error identification help prevent operational hazards and regulatory non-compliance.