Jump to Content

Left menu navigation

Aviation

  1. Home
  2. Aviation
  3. Aviation safety recommendations and advisory notices
Main Content

Aviation safety recommendations and advisory notices

Recommendation issued to: Jeppesen Sanderson

Output No: R20070009
Date Issued: 04 April 2007
Safety Action Status: Closed - Partial Action
Background: Why this Recommendation was developed

Output Text

Safety Issue

There were several design aspects of the Jeppesen RNAV (GNSS) approach charts that could lead to pilot confusion or reduction in situational awareness. These included limited reference regarding the 'distance to run' to the missed approach point, mismatches in the vertical alignment of the plan-view and profile-view on charts such as that for the Lockhart River runway 12 approach, use of the same font size and type for waypoint names and 'NM' [nautical miles], and not depicting the offset in degrees between the final approach track and the runway centreline.

Safety Recommendation

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau recommends that Jeppesen Sanderson Inc. address this safety issue.

Initial Response

Date Issued: 31 May 2007
Response from: Jeppeson Sanderson Inc.
Response Status: Monitor
Response Text:

Jeppesen Sanderson Inc. is considering possible chart enhancements to address this safety issue. Jeppesen has informed the ATSB that it will be conducting internal meetings and reviews of all aspects of this safety issue, and will inform the ATSB in writing of the outcomes.

Further Correspondence

Date Issued: 20 June 2008
Response from: Jeppeson Sanderson Inc.
Response Status: Closed - Partially Accepted
Response Text:

Distance to Run to the Missed Approach Point: Executing a RNAV or GPS approach procedure involves 'direct to' navigation between defined points in space (waypoints) which are electronically coded in a pre-determined sequence. The GPS avionics navigation display provides a continuous read out of distance to each of the next waypoints in their proper sequence. After passing the FAF the GPS navigator will display distance to the MAP. The GPS navigator is the only navigational aid that can provide distance left to travel from any present position. Distance to the MAP and distance to the runway threshold are both provided in the Jeppesen chart profile view. There is no change planned for this Jeppesen charting specification.

Alignment of Waypoints: There is no design intention nor pilot user expectation for any alignment of Waypoints between the plan-view graphic and the profile-view. The plan-view and the profile-view are designed for independent use, each with specific purpose. There is no change planned for this Jeppesen charting specification.

Font & Text Size for Waypoints: NM is the worldwide abbreviation for Nautical Mile (s), which is the standard measure of aeronautical distance in the western world. The similar font used for the paired waypoint name and distances aides the pilot perceive these as grouped data, thereby facilitating the task of interpreting these related pieces of information. There is no change planned for this Jeppesen charting specification.

Offset between Final Approach Course and Runway Centerline: There is an unique situation resulting from the way in which Air Services Australia IAIP charts provide the FAC offset information in graphic vs. a textual note. Jeppesen agrees that the information needs to be provided. A new Australia "State Exception" specification will be created. Jeppesen will convert the FAC offset information (offset value) from Air Services' source in graphic form and recompose it into the form of a textual note that will be included in the Briefing Strip general notes section of the approach chart. The Jeppesen-created note will match other accepted practices (i.e. FAA notes for FAC offsets.) The new specification will standardize the availability and depiction to conform with Jeppesen Airway Manual approach charts worldwide.
Last update 01 April 2011