scope:

It is strongly advocated that, given the low speed variations used in the underlying assumptions for the modelling, appropriate air traffic control procedures and monitoring systems be in place to ensure the assumptions continue to be met in operations.

Attention for implementers is therefore directed to current ICAO provisions requiring speed control when aircraft are close to the longitudinal separation minimum, post-implementation monitoring of new separations as described in the Manual on Monitoring the Application of Performance-based Horizontal Separation Minima (Doc 10063), SMS practices as outlined in Annex 19 - Safety Management and also the Note below the new table in the revised 5.4.2.9.2.

PURPOSE

This circular provides guidance for the implementation of longitudinal separation minima intended for the separation of aircraft approved for performance-based operations (PBO). The guidance material is associated with the provisions previously included in the Procedures for Air Navigation Services - Air Traffic Management (PANS-ATM, Doc 4444), 5.4.2.6.3.1 and 5.4.2.6.4.3, which have now been moved to 5.4.2.9 Performance-based Longitudinal Separation Minima and includes a new 5 minute standard- see Chapter 2 of this circular.

To support the ICAO Global Air Navigation Plan Block 0 module B0-TBO - Improved Safety and Efficiency through the Initial Application of Data Link En-route, the 50 NM, 30NM and 5 minute longitudinal separations have been made conditional on Required Communication Performance 240 (RCP 240) and Required Surveillance Performance 180 (RSP 180) approvals. Application of the separation also requires an RNP approval.