056/97

Recommendation Date
Recipient Name
CAA
Text
Not authorise any reduction in vertical or longitudinal separation minima in the Auckland FIR unless the positions of the aircraft involved can be monitored on an electronic situation display.
Reply Text
The CAA will adopt the recommendation.

Nevertheless, the CAA feels that it is unlikely that separation standards were in any way germane to the fundamental cause of this occurrence and has difficulty in seeing how a reduction in separation standards would increase the possibility of a recurrence.

Notwithstanding the previous comment and the CAA's adoption of the recommendation, the CAA may approve the introduction of RNP 10 airspace with the proviso that there be no reduction from the existing standard of longitudinal separation. Airways Corporation of New Zealand have indicated that they would not seek to utilise any such reduction until Automatic Dependent Surveillance (ADS) and Conflict Probe (CP) are available.

The early introduction of RNP 10 would, in addition to allowing a minimal reduction to lateral separation, clearly indicate to those using the airspace the need to ensure appropriate equipment fit to the aircraft in the short term so as to be able to progress to the next stage of facilitation of airspace usage supported by ADS and CP.
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