EASA SIB SAFO20011: Operations in Oceanic Airspace during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency

What to do

Operators and flightcrews should review relevant Aeronautical Information Publications and regional contingency plans, familiarize themselves with the recommended procedures for oceanic ATC outages, and ensure all necessary equipment and contingency plans are onboard. Flightcrews must maintain vigilant position reporting, use designated communication frequencies, and apply strategic lateral offset procedures. There are no specific compliance deadlines, but preparation and awareness are urged immediately.

Summary

Operations in Oceanic Airspace during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency is a Safety Alert for Operators (SAFO 20011) issued by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration. It addresses potential disruptions in Air Traffic Control (ATC) services in oceanic airspace due to COVID-19 related ATC facility shutdowns. The document provides guidance for flightcrews and operators on contingency procedures to maintain safe operations during these interruptions.

What changed

This SAFO introduces recommended procedures for flightcrews and operators to follow in the event of partial or total oceanic ATC facility closures caused by COVID-19 infections among ATC staff. It outlines contingency communication protocols, position reporting requirements, and operational considerations to mitigate risks during loss of ATC services in oceanic airspace.

Why it matters

The guidance is critical for aviation professionals to ensure continued safe navigation and traffic separation in oceanic airspace when ATC services are disrupted unexpectedly. Operators and flightcrews must be prepared for limited or no ATC support, which impacts flight planning, communication, and situational awareness. Compliance with these recommendations helps maintain safety and regulatory adherence during the public health emergency.