Proposed amendment to the air traffic control procedures for vectoring aircraft - (CD 2504AS)

Overview

We are seeking your feedback on a proposed amendment to some of the air traffic control (ATC) rules for vectoring aircraft to intercept the final approach course or track for instrument approach procedures.

Principal change that would occur

We are proposing to continue the ATC vectoring procedures that applied immediately before the 2019 introduction of amended rules set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

Rationale for change

When vectoring an aircraft for an instrument approach, ATC must issue heading and descent instructions that assist pilots to manage aircraft energy and configuration whilst accurately positioning aircraft onto the final approach path.

The current ICAO-based rules require ATC – when vectoring an aircraft for close-spaced instrument approach operations – to provide at least 1 nautical mile (NM) of straight and level flight prior to the final approach course or track intercept; and at least 2 NM of level flight prior to intercepting the glide path/vertical path.

The ICAO-based rules have not been operationalised in Australia. This is because the COVID-19 pandemic curtailed flight within Australia, to the extent the affected instrument approach procedures were discontinued at the point the new ICAO-based rules were meant to be implemented.

With the return to normal traffic levels, preparations are now underway to reintroduce these instrument approaches in time for the 2025 Winter season. These preparations have revealed that the ICAO vectoring rules, particularly the level flight requirements, are unworkable. They will increase ATC workload and aircraft noise, and require longer and less efficient flight paths.

Please read the Summary of Proposed Change, attached to this consultation, for a full explanation of the proposal.

The proposed new rule set

We are proposing to continue the ATC vectoring procedures that applied immediately before we adopted the amended ICAO rules in late 2019.

The proposed changes would require ATC:

1. to ensure the final vector for the relevant approach procedure enables the aircraft to intercept the final approach course or track at an angle not greater than 30 degrees; and provides at least 1 NM straight flight before the final approach course or track
2. to clear the aircraft for descent to the instrument approach commencement altitude soon enough to provide a period of level flight to dissipate excess aircraft speed.

Other aspects of the ICAO rules, such as flight path monitoring, ability to use a range of approach guidance aids (instrument landing system (ILS), ground-based augmentation system landing system (GLS) etc.), would continue unchanged and unaffected.

Please see the attached consultation draft instrument for specific details of the proposed changes to the Part 172 Manual of Standards.

Why your views matter

Your feedback will help us make sure the proposed requirements are suitable, the final legislation is clear and it will work as intended.

Please submit your comments using the survey link on this page.

If you are unable to provide feedback via the survey link, please email regulatoryconsultation@casa.gov.au for advice.

Documents for review

All documents related to this consultation are attached in the ‘Related’ section at the bottom of the overview page. They are:

• Summary of proposed change on CD 2504AS
• Consultation Draft - Manual of Standards Part 172 Amendment Instrument 2025 (No. 1)
• MS Word copy of online consultation for ease of distribution and feedback within your organisation.

What happens next

At the end of the response period, we will:

• review all comments received
• make responses publicly available on the consultation hub (unless you request your submission remain confidential)
• publish a Summary of Consultation which summarises the feedback received and outlines any intended changes and next steps.

All comments received on the proposed legislation will be considered. Relevant feedback that improves upon the proposed instrument will be incorporated into the final instrument.