This Opinion proposes amendments to several provisions of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/373, and in particular to those concerning the provision of air traffic services (ATS) and aeronautical information services (AIS). Consequential amendments to Regulations (EU) Nos 923/2012 and 139/2014 are also proposed for consistency reasons.
The Opinion also addresses an identified safety issue concerning rotorcraft operations by introducing a new requirement concerning obstacles in Area 1 and the amendment of other related provisions concerning obstacle data. Moreover, it includes amendments to the structure of the aeronautical data catalogue and to the requirements for the management of aeronautical data, as well as the common reference systems for air navigation.
With regard to specific aspects of Annex IV (Part-ATS) requirements, this Opinion aims to transpose the corresponding ICAO framework into the EU regulatory framework, and in particular ICAO Annex 11 ‘Air Traffic Services’ up to its Amendment 53 and ICAO Doc 4444 ‘PANS-ATM’ up to its Amendment 9.
With regard to AIS, the proposed amendments, apart from transposing the provisions of ICAO Annex 15 ‘Aeronautical Information Services’ and ICAO Doc 10066 ‘PANS-AIM’ into Annex VI (Part-AIS), intend to resolve identified issues pertaining to existing requirements, such as legal uncertainty and enforceability, concerning the provision of aeronautical information products and services.
The proposed amendments, which take into account the experience gained from the implementation and oversight of the applicable rules, as well as stakeholder feedback and proposals, and also the latest ICAO developments in the respective areas, are expected to ensure consistency with the developments in the respective EU regulatory framework, support Member States in discharging their obligations under the Chicago Convention through the evolution and further harmonisation of the EU regulatory framework, facilitate the introduction of new technologies and operational concepts, and finally contribute to the achievement of a high and uniform level of safety.