Requirements for the Timely Notification of Amendments to Aeronautical Information
| Issuing Office: | Civil Aviation, Standards | Document No.: | AC 300-015 |
|---|---|---|---|
| File Classification No.: | Z 5000-34 U | Issue No.: | 01 |
| RDIMS No.: | 12611990-V5 | Effective Date: | 2017-10-25 |
- 1.0 Introduction
- 2.0 References and Requirements
- 3.0 Background
- 4.0 Procedure for the Notification of Amendments to Aeronautical Information
- 5.0 Document History
- 6.0 Contact Office
- Appendix A — Schedule of AIRAC Effective Dates
1.0 Introduction
- (1) This Advisory Circular (AC) is provided for information and guidance purposes. It may describe an example of an acceptable means, but not the only means of demonstrating compliance with regulations and standards. This AC on its own does not change, create, amend or permit deviations from regulatory requirements nor does it establish minimum standards.
1.1 Purpose
- (1) The purpose of this document is to inform aerodrome operators of the lead-time requirements associated with amending aeronautical information.
1.2 Applicability
- (1) This document is applicable to the operators of all Canadian registered aerodromes or certified airports.
1.3 Description of Changes
- (1) This document, replaces ASC 2001-010 and updates the lead times associated with the publication of aeronautical information.
2.0 References and Requirements
2.1 Reference Documents
- (1) It is intended that the following reference materials be used in conjunction with this document:
- (a) Aeronautics Act, subsection 4.(1) and paragraph 4.9(w);
- (b) Civil Air Navigation Services Commercialization Act (CANSCA), sections 9 and 10;
- (c) Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs), subpart 803;
- (d) ICAO Annex 15 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation – Aeronautical Information Services (15th Edition, July 2016);
- (e) AC 300-001 Processing of Aerodrome Aeronautical Information;
2.2 Cancelled Documents
- (1) As of the effective date of this document, the following document is cancelled:
- (a) Aerodrome Safety Circular 2001-010 Requirements for the Timely Notification of Amendments to Aeronautical Information.
- (2) By default, it is understood that the publication of a new issue of a document automatically renders any earlier issues of the same document null and void.
2.3 Definitions and Abbreviations
- (1) The following definitions and abbreviations are used in this document:
- (a) “AIP” Aeronautical Information Publication - a publication issued by or with the authority of a State and containing aeronautical information of a lasting character essential to air navigation. (ICAO Annex 15);
- (b) “AIS” Aeronautical Information Services - “…the services necessary to meet the requirements of Annexes 4 and 15 to the Convention that relate to aeronautical information.” (CAR 803.01 (1));
- (c) ICAO - the International Civil Aviation Organization
- (d) ASC - Aerodrome Safety Circular (guidance document published prior to February 6th, 2007)
3.0 Background
- (1) Chapter 1 of ICAO Annex 15 states the following;
The object of the aeronautical information service (AIS) is to ensure the flow of aeronautical data and aeronautical information necessary for global air traffic management (ATM) system safety, regularity, economy and efficiency in an environmentally sustainable manner. The role and importance of aeronautical data and aeronautical information changed significantly with the implementation of area navigation (RNAV), performance-based navigation (PBN), airborne computer-based navigation systems, performance-based communication (PBC), performance based surveillance (PBS), data link systems and satellite voice communications (SATVOICE). Corrupt, erroneous, late, or missing aeronautical data and aeronautical information can potentially affect the safety of air navigation.
Annex 15 requires that most changes to aeronautical information be disseminated through the Aeronautical Information Regulation and Control system (AIRAC). Information provided under the AIRAC system in paper copy form shall be distributed by the AIS unit at least 42 days in advance of the effective date with the objective of reaching recipients at least 28 days in advance of the effective date of the publication. It further requires that the effective date of the change coincides with the effective date of the publication (i.e., the Canada Flight Supplement or Canada Air Pilot publication schedule).
- (2) AIRAC is a system based on common effective dates, aimed at advance notification of circumstances that necessitate significant changes in operating practices. AIRAC Canada is distributed to various recipients, including the paper product publisher, navigation database providers and external design organizations.
Needless to say, operational information disseminated by AIRAC Canada to the paper product publishers and database providers shall be the same, be accurate, be timely and be of the required quality. The harmonization of aeronautical information published in paper products and navigation databases is a key safety requirement. In order for all users of the air navigation system to have the same information, refer to the same information, and understand the same meaning, stringent requirements, processes, and procedures shall be followed by everyone.
- (3) The rationale for AIRAC is to ensure the following
- (a) that organizations involved in cartographic work and/or updating of navigation databases are provided with the pertinent aeronautical changes early enough in advance to process, prepare and code aeronautical information to have it ready for users on an agreed AIRAC date; and
- (b) that air operators can plan and prepare adequately.
- (4) In order to meet the 42-day requirement established by ICAO, NAV CANADA requires that changes or additions to aeronautical information published in the AIP be submitted to them in advance of the effective date. Changes should be submitted a minimum of 3 publication cycles in advance of the publication. This allows for impacts to the overall Air Navigation Service to be properly assessed, planned, prioritized, verified and subsequently published. Changes to information are prioritized based on safety, regulatory requirements, operational benefit and other factors. In addition to this process, Transport Canada regional offices also require 15 business days to validate the information they receive.
The following is an example of an information change submission using the above mentioned minimum lead times.
The graph provides a linear depiction of the timelines stated in the Advisory Circular using an example of a planned publication date of November 8th 2018.
02 May 2018 - Receipt by Transport Canada
24 May 2018 - Receipt by NAV CANADA
19 Jul 2018 - Publication cycle
13 Sep 2018 - Publication cycle
08 Nov 2018 - Planned Publication
4.0 Procedure for the Notification of Amendments to Aeronautical Information
- (1) In order to respect the NAV CANADA and Transport Canada requirements, aerodrome operators must notify their respective regional TCCA office of any planned changes to aeronautical information that affect a specific site at the earliest convenience. Upon receipt by NAV CANADA and based on priorities, the information will be published on the appropriate publication date shown in Appendix A.
- (2) In the case of a planned change that has already been promulgated via the AIRAC and subsequently needs to be delayed, the regional TCCA office is to be advised. TCCA will, in turn, inform NAV CANADA, who will issue a NOTAM advising users of the delay. As per Annex 15, information promulgated under the AIRAC system must not be changed for a period of 28 days after the effective date, unless the change is temporary in nature. Therefore, every effort should be made to ensure delays do not occur.
- (3) If an immediate safety concern is raised, corrective action will be taken by issuing a NOTAM. It must be noted that the standard is to amend aeronautical information through the AIRAC process and not by NOTAM.
- (4) AC 300-001 Processing of Aerodrome Aeronautical Information provides additional information on the process to be followed.
5.0 Document History
- (1) Not applicable
6.0 Contact Office
For more information, please contact: https://tc.canada.ca/en/corporate-services/regions
Suggestions for amendment to this document are invited, and should be submitted via: TC.FlightStandards-Normsvol.TC@tc.gc.ca
Original signed by
Robert Sincennes
Director, Standards
Civil Aviation
Appendix A — Schedule Of AIRAC Effective Dates
| 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The asterisk (*) indicates the publication of the CANADA Water Aerodrome Supplement (CWAS) | ||||||
| 05 Jan | 01 Feb | 03 Jan | 30 Jan | 25 Feb | 27 Jan | 23 Feb |
| 02 Mar* | 29 Mar* | 28 Feb | 26 Mar* | 25 Mar* | 24 Mar* | 23 Mar* |
| 27 Apr | 24 May | 28 Mar* | 21 May | 22 Apr | 19 May | 20 Apr |
| 22 Jun | 19 Jul | 25 Apr | 16 Jul | 17 Jun | 14 Jul | 15 Jun |
| 17 Aug | 13 Sep | 20 Jun | 10 Sep | 12 Aug | 08 Sep | 10 Aug |
| 12 Oct | 08 Nov | 15 Aug | 05 Nov | 07 Oct | 03 Nov | 05 Oct |
| 07 Dec | 10 Oct | 31 Dec | 02 Dec | 29 Dec | 30 Nov | |
| 05 Dec | ||||||
