Low Visibility Operations General Considerations

Sofema Aviation Services (SAS) www.sassofia.com Reviews Key Elements of an LVO system

Operators

Low Visibility OPS may only be conducted under strict conditions, which are described fully in Subpart E: Low Visibility Operations (LVO).

Successful low visibility operations require a team effort, correct coordination, and ensuring that all safety levels are maintained throughout the low visibility operational process.

Essential Considerations include the following:

    » Flight crew

       ᵒ Complement,
       ᵒ Training
       ᵒ Qualifications and
       ᵒ Authorisation;

     » Aircraft 

       ᵒ Minimum Equipment and
       ᵒ Certification;

     » Aerodrome considerations

     » Operating procedures.

Taxi-out for departure and taxi-in after arrival in low visibility conditions is one of the most demanding phases of all-weather operations.

The following good practices should be considered for inclusion in the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

    » A good briefing for the taxi-out or taxi-in phase (route) is extremely important;

       ᵒ the brief of the taxi pattern should use headings for better orientation;
       ᵒ No paperwork whatsoever shall be done during taxi-out or taxi-in,
       ᵒ All checks shall be done at a standstill;
       ᵒ F/O must have the taxi chart available during all ground operations during LVP

     » If there is any doubt about the position of the aircraft whilst taxiing before take-off or after landing, the flight crew shall stop the aircraft and inform ATC immediately;

     » ATC shall be asked for guidance in standard English phraseology.

       ᵒ ATC can then immediately give the necessary urgent instructions to aircraft about to depart or land; to discontinue take-off or approach as applicable, before taxiing assistance and guidance is offered to the ‘lost’ crew;

     » Lights can be helpful to make the aircraft visible to others;

     » Never cross a lit red stop bar;

     » The runway shall be confirmed by both pilots before any take-off (a/c heading upon entering the runway must match the painted numbers on the runway);

     » When rejected take-off is carried out the crew must maintain awareness of the runway length remaining using whatever external visual cues are available (relevant runway lighting, signage or markings, remaining runway indication on the Head-Up Display and shall bear in mind that:

ᵒ   The aircraft is/may not be visible to the tower controller;

ᵒ    Not all airports have Surface Movement Radar;

ᵒ    It is important to inform the ATC tower once the rejected take-off is completed.

 Installing Runway Awareness and Advisory System (RAAS) on the aircraft improves situational awareness both on the ground and when airborne.

Next Steps

Sofema Aviation Services www.sassofia.com provides the following course - EASA Regulation 965 Part SPA – Specific Approvals for Regulatory Authorities PBN,

MNPS, RVSM, LVO & ETOPS – Duration  2 Days

For details please see the website or email Team@sassofia.com