AC

No. : AC/OPS/022R03
Date : 17 July 2020

AERONAUTICAL CIRCULAR
CIVIL AVIATION AUTHORITY – MACAO, CHINA

SUBJECT:
Operation in Performance-based Navigation (PBN) Prescribed Airspace

EFFECTIVE DATE:

1 August 2020

CANCELLATION:

AC/OPS/022R02

GENERAL

The President of Civil Aviation Authority – Macao, China, in exercise of his power
under Paragraph 89 of the Air Navigation Regulation of Macao (ANRM) and Article 35
of the Statutes of Civil Aviation Authority, approved by the Decree-Law 10/91/M,
established this Aeronautical Circular (AC).

1 Introduction

According to paragraphs 37(3), 118A(3) and 176A(3) of the ANRM, an aircraft

registered in Macao shall not be operated in an airspace or on a route where a
navigation specification for Performance-based Navigation (PBN) has been prescribed
unless the operator of the aircraft has obtained an approval from the AACM for such
operations.

This AC is established to set forth the requirements for aircraft operations for where a
navigation specification of PBN has been prescribed and to provide operator of Macao
registered aircraft with the guidance to obtain operational approval for the PBN
operations and the conditions to maintain their eligibility for such approval.

Recognizing that the various navigation specifications prescribed under PBN concept
have their specific performance requirements as specified in the ICAO PBN Manual
(Doc 9613), the PBN operational approval cited in this AC does not constitute a single
approval to authorize all navigation specifications.

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No. : AC/OPS/022R03
Date : 17 July 2020

Operational approval shall be pursued in response to the operational needs for a

particular navigation specification. An aircraft approved for a navigation specification
having a stringent accuracy requirement (e.g. RNP 0.3) is not automatically approved
for a navigation specification having a less stringent accuracy requirement (e.g. RNP 4).

Operator desiring operational approval for PBN operations shall have a clear
understanding of the PBN concept and associated functional and performance
requirements towards each particular navigation specification. In this regard, Appendix
1 to this AC is established to provide an introduction to PBN operations and the
common process related to the operational approval for its navigation specifications,
while Appendix 2 to this AC further highlights some specific features for the RNP AR
APCH navigation specification designated under PBN which requires additional levels
of scrutiny, control and authorization.

To constitute the materials in preparation for a specific navigation specification, unless

otherwise specified by the AACM, operator must refer to the implementation guidance
provided in the relevant chapter of the ICAO PBN Manual (Doc 9613) Volume II to
ensure that each detailed aspect for that navigation specification has been covered in the
application.

2 Applicability

This AC applies to operators of Macao registered aircraft who intend to conduct flights
along ATS routes, on an instrument approach procedure, or in a designated airspace
where a PBN navigation specification has been prescribed.

3 Definitions

Area navigation (RNAV) means a method of navigation which permits aircraft

operation on any desired flight path within the coverage of ground- or space-based
navigation aids or within the limits of the capability of self-contained aids, or a
combination of these.

Performance-based Navigation (PBN) means area navigation based on performance

requirements for aircraft operating along an ATS route, on an instrument approach
procedure or in a designated airspace.
Note: Performance requirements are expressed in navigation specifications (RNAV specification, RNP
specification) in terms of accuracy, integrity, continuity, availability and functionality needed for
the proposed operation in the context of a particular airspace concept.
Navigation Specification means a set of aircraft and flight crew requirements needed to
support performance-based navigation operations within a defined airspace. There are
two kinds of navigation specification:

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 Area navigation (RNAV) specification - Navigation specification based on area

navigation that does not include the requirement for performance monitoring and
alerting, designated by the prefix RNAV, e.g. RNAV 5, RNAV 1.
 Required navigation performance (RNP) specification - Navigation
specification based on area navigation that includes the requirement for
performance monitoring and alerting, designated by the prefix RNP, e.g. RNP 4,
RNP APCH.
Note: The ICAO Performance-based Navigation (PBN) Manual (Doc 9613), Volume II, contains
detailed guidance on navigation specifications.
RNAV System means a navigation system which permits aircraft operation on any
desired flight path within the coverage of station-referenced navigation aids or within
the limits of the capability of self-contained aids, or a combination of these. An RNAV
system may be included as part of a flight management system (FMS).

RNP System means an area navigation which supports on-board performance

monitoring and alerting.

RNAV operations means aircraft operations using area navigation for RNAV
applications.

RNP operations means aircraft operations using an RNP system for RNP navigation
applications.

RNP route means an ATS route established for the use of aircraft adhering to a
prescribed RNP navigation specification.

4 Aircraft operations in Performance-Based Navigation (PBN) prescribed airspace

4.1 For operations where a navigation specification for performance-based navigation has
been prescribed, the operator of an aircraft shall ensure that:
(a) the aircraft is provided with navigation equipment which will enable it to operate in
accordance with the operational flight plan, the requirements of air traffic services
and the prescribed navigation specification(s);
(b) the aircraft has information relevant to the aircraft navigation specification
capabilities listed in the flight manual or other aircraft documentation and included
in the MEL;
4.2 The operator of an aircraft shall have established and documented:
(a) normal and abnormal procedures including contingency procedures;
(b) flight crew qualification and proficiency requirements in accordance with the
appropriate navigation specifications;

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(c) a training programme for relevant personnel consistent with the intended operations;
and
(d) appropriate maintenance procedures to ensure continued airworthiness in accordance
with the appropriate navigation specifications.

5 Approval for Operations in PBN Prescribed Airspace

Operator requesting an approval to operate flights in PBN prescribed airspace shall

demonstrate to AACM’s satisfaction with regard to the following aspects:
(a) Evidence of aircraft eligibility for the intended operation;
(b) Operating procedures for the navigation system to be used;
(c) Control of those procedures through acceptable entries in the operations manual;
(d) Identification of training requirements;
(e) The relevant manuals or procedures in respect of continuing airworthiness;
(f) Control of the navigation database process; and
(g) Navigation error reporting.
Note: Guidance on the approval for operation with PBN specification is set out in Appendix 1 to this AC.

6 Oversight to Approval Holders

Non-compliance to the applicable requirements, repeated reports of navigation error

occurrences attributed to a specific piece of navigation equipment or operational
procedure without satisfactory remedial action, may result in suspension or withdrawal
of the operational approval regarding the particular PBN operation.

Information that indicates the potential for repeated errors may require modification of
an operator’s training programme, maintenance programme or specific equipment
certification. Information that attributes multiple errors to a particular pilot crew may
necessitate remedial training or crew license review.

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Appendix 1 Date : 17 July 2020

Appendix 1 Approval for Operations in PBN Prescribed Airspace

1 Introduction to Performance-Based Navigation (PBN)

1.1 The PBN Concept

1.1.1 The performance-based navigation (PBN) concept specifies that aircraft RNAV and
RNP system performance requirements be defined in terms of the accuracy,
integrity, continuity and functionality, which are needed for the proposed operations
in the context of a particular airspace concept.
1.1.2 The PBN concept represents a shift from sensor-based to performance-based
navigation. Performance requirements are identified in navigation specifications,
which also identify the choice of navigation sensors and equipment that may be used
to meet the performance requirements.
1.1.3 Under PBN, generic navigation requirements are defined based on operational
requirements. Within an airspace concept, PBN requirements will be affected by the
communication, ATS surveillance and ATM services, the NAVAID infrastructure,
and the functional and operational capabilities needed to meet the ATM application.
PBN requirements also depend on what reversionary, conventional navigation
techniques are available and what degree of redundancy is required to ensure
adequate continuity of functions.
1.2 Navigation Specification
1.2.1 A navigation specification is a set of aircraft and aircrew requirements needed to
support a navigation application within a defined airspace concept. The navigation
specification defines the performance required by the RNAV or RNP system as well
as any functional requirements such as the ability to conduct curved path procedures
or to fly parallel offset routes.
1.2.2 A navigation specification that includes a requirement for on-board navigation
performance monitoring and alerting is referred to as an RNP specification. One not
having such requirements is referred to as an RNAV specification.
1.2.3 Both RNAV and RNP specifications include requirements for certain navigation
functionalities. At the basic level, these functional requirements may include:
a) continuous indication of aircraft position relative to track to be displayed to the
pilot flying on a navigation display situated in his primary field of view;
b) display of distance and bearing to the active (To) waypoint;
c) display of ground speed or time to the active (To) waypoint;
d) navigation data storage function; and
e) appropriate failure indication of the RNAV or RNP system, including the sensors.
More sophisticated navigation specifications include the requirement for navigation
databases and the capability to execute database procedures.

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Appendix 1 Date : 17 July 2020

1.2.4 The following schema shows the designations of existing RNAV / RNP
specifications:

1.2.5 For oceanic, remote, en-route and terminal operations, RNAV specification is
designated as RNAV X, e.g. RNAV 1. RNP specification is designated as RNP X,
e.g. RNP 4. If two navigation specifications share the same value for X, they may be
distinguished by the use of a prefix. Where a navigation specification covers various
phases of flight and permits different lateral navigation accuracy in nautical miles in
various flight phases, a prefix is used, without a suffix, e.g. A-RNP. The expression
“X” (where stated) refers to the lateral navigation accuracy in nautical miles, which
is expected to be achieved at least 95 per cent of the flight time by the population of
aircraft operating within the airspace, route or procedure.
1.2.6 Approach navigation specifications cover all segments of the instrument approach.
RNP specifications are designated using RNP as a prefix and an abbreviated textual
suffix, e.g. RNP APCH or RNP AR APCH. There are no RNAV approach
specifications.
1.2.7 Where navigation accuracy is used as part of the designation of a navigation
specification, it should be noted that navigation accuracy is only one of the
functional and performance requirements included in a navigation specification.
Because functional and performance requirements are defined for each navigation
specification, an aircraft approved for an RNP specification is not automatically
approved for all RNAV specifications. Similarly, an aircraft approved for an RNP or
RNAV specification having a stringent accuracy requirement (e.g. RNP 0.3) is not
automatically approved for a navigation specification having a less stringent
accuracy requirement (e.g. RNP 4). An aircraft approved to the more stringent
accuracy requirements may not necessarily meet some of the functional
requirements of the navigation specification having a less stringent accuracy
requirement.

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Alameda Dr. Carlos D’Assumpção, 336-342, Centro Comercial Cheng Feng, 18º andar, Macao, CHINA
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Appendix 1 Date : 17 July 2020

2 Operational Approval for a Navigation Specification

2.1 General
2.1.1 Aircraft must be equipped with an RNAV or RNP system able to support the desired
navigation application. The RNAV or RNP system and aircraft operations must be
compliant with the requirements affiliated with the navigation specification
developed for a particular navigation application as specified and approved by the
appropriate regulatory authority.
2.1.2 The navigation specification details the flight crew and aircraft requirements needed
to support the navigation application. This specification includes the level of
navigation performance, functional capabilities, and operational considerations
required for the RNAV or RNP system. RNAV and RNP system installation shall be
certified in accordance with ICAO Annex 8 – Airworthiness of Aircraft, and
operational procedures shall respect the applicable aircraft flight manual limitations,
if any.
2.1.3 The RNAV or RNP system shall be operated in accordance with recommended
practices described in ICAO Annex 6 – Operation of Aircraft and PANS-OPS (Doc
8168) Volume I. Flight crew and/or operators shall respect the operational
limitations required for the navigation application.
2.1.4 Each item of the area navigation equipment installed shall be assessed to ensure it is
of the type and design appropriate to its intended function and that the installation
functions properly under foreseeable operating conditions. Limitations and
information relevant to the approval of RNAV and RNP system installations are
documented in the AFM, or AFM Supplement, as applicable, and shall be
considered for operational approval.
2.1.5 Operators and flight crew are responsible for checking that the installed RNAV or
RNP system is operated in areas where the airspace concept and the NAVAID
infrastructure described in the navigation specification are fulfilled. To ease this
process, certification and/or operational documentation shall clearly identify
compliance with the related navigation specification.
2.1.6 During operation, flight crew should respect any limitations set out in the AFM and
AFM supplements. Normal procedures include detailed necessary crew action to be
conducted during preflight planning, prior to commencing the procedure and during
the procedure. Abnormal procedures include detailed crew action to be conducted in
case of on-board RNAV or RNP system failure and in case of system inability to
maintain the prescribed performance of the on-board monitoring and alerting
functions.
2.1.7 Flight crew procedures are embodied in the company operating manual. These
procedures could include that the flight crew notify ATC of contingencies (i.e.
equipment failures and/or weather conditions) that could affect the aircraft’s ability
to maintain navigation accuracy. These procedures would also require the flight
crew to state their intentions, coordinate a plan of action and obtain a revised ATC

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Appendix 1 Date : 17 July 2020

clearance in case of contingencies. At a regional level, operators shall make

contingency procedures available to permit the flight crew to follow such procedures
in the event that it is not possible to notify ATC of their difficulties.
2.1.8 The minimum equipment list (MEL) shall identify the minimum equipment
necessary to satisfy the navigation application.
2.1.9 The operator shall have in place a system for investigating events affecting the
safety of operations in order to determine their origin (coded procedure, accuracy
problem, etc.).
2.1.10 Each pilot must receive appropriate training, briefings and guidance material in
order to safely conduct an operation. What pilots need to know about PBN
operations is whether the aircraft and flight crew are qualified to operate in the
airspace, on a procedure or along an ATS route. They also require a basic
understanding of area navigation concepts, the relationship between RNAV and
RNP operations, and how their implementation affects control procedures,
separation and phraseology. Understanding of how RNAV and RNP systems work
as well as their advantages and limitations are necessary.
2.1.11 Compliance with specific requirements regarding the navigation database may be
included in the approval process, particularly if the navigation database integrity is
supposed to demonstrate compliance with an established data quality assurance
process, as specified in DO 200A/EUROCAE ED 76.
2.2 Overview of the Approval Process
2.2.1 The approval process which results in the issuance of operational approval for a
navigation specification designated under PBN consists of the following phases:
(a) Pre-application
(b) Formal application
(c) Technical evaluation
(d) Demonstration/validation of operator maintenance and operations capability
(e) Decision on application – issuance of operational approval
2.2.2 Operator shall set up a pre-application meeting with AACM prior to the submission
of a formal application. Operator will provide its detailed planning and work
schedule of the proposed operations. AACM will make the operator fully aware of
the regulatory requirements which must be met in order to obtain the desired
operational approval.
2.2.3 After the pre-application meeting, if the operator intends to proceed with the
application process, a formal application shall be submitted to AACM, with all the
required supporting documentation, at least 3 months before the proposed start date
of PBN operations.
2.2.4 A compliance matrix with respect to the applicable provisions in the ICAO PBN
Manual for the requested navigation specification shall be compiled and submitted
with the formal application to demonstrate that the requirements are met. Sample
compliance matrix can be provided upon request during pre-application meeting.

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Appendix 1 Date : 17 July 2020

2.2.5 Upon receipt of the submitted documentation, AACM will initiate the technical
evaluation phase by assessing the application package on both airworthiness and
operations aspects to ensure compliance of the requirements set forth in this AC.
2.3 Operational Approval Considerations
2.3.1 Aircraft Eligibility
The aircraft eligibility has to be determined through demonstration of compliance
against the relevant airworthiness criteria (e.g. EASA AMC 20-4, 20-26 or FAA AC
90-96A, etc.) by means of appropriate airworthiness certification documents. In
some cases, the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) or the holder of the
installation approval for the aircraft, e.g. supplemental type certificate (STC) holder,
will demonstrate compliance to their national airworthiness authority (NAA) (e.g.
EASA, FAA), and the approval might have been documented in the manufacturer’s
documentation or relevant supplement (e.g. service letters, aircraft flight manual etc).
2.3.2 Description of Aircraft Equipment
The operator shall have a configuration list detailing the pertinent components and
equipment to be used for the intended PBN operation.
2.3.3 Maintenance Programme
The operator shall have an established maintenance programme for the individual
navigation systems pertinent to intended operations. The operator shall submit
necessary changes to its maintenance programme, including a reliability programme
(if applicable), for approval at the time of the application.
2.3.4 Minimum Equipment List (MEL)
The operator’s minimum equipment list (MEL) shall be amended and adjusted to
identify the minimum equipment, and to specify the required dispatch conditions,
necessary to satisfy the operations with the navigation specification.
2.3.5 Past Performance
An operating history of the operator shall be included in the application, in which the
operator shall address any events or incidents related to navigation errors that have
been covered by training, procedures, and maintenance, or the aircraft/navigation
system modifications which are to be used.
2.3.6 Operations Manuals and Checklists
Operations manuals and checklists shall address information/guidance on the
standard operating procedures, navigation operating instructions and contingency
procedures for the intended PBN operations.
The operator’s normal operating procedures shall detail necessary crew action to be
conducted during preflight planning, prior to commencing the procedure and during
the procedure; and the abnormal procedures shall addressed relevant crew action to
be conducted in case of on-board RNAV system failure and in case of system
inability to maintain the prescribed performance of the on-board monitoring and

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Appendix 1 Date : 17 July 2020

alerting functions. During operation, flight crew member shall respect any
limitations set out in the AFM and AFM supplements. Manuals and checklist shall
be submitted to AACM for review as part of the application process.
2.3.7 Training and Evaluation Programme
The operator shall have a training programme addressing operational practices,
procedures and training items related to the operations for the desired navigation
specification (e.g. initial, recurrent training for flight crew members, flight
operations officers or maintenance personnel).
The operator shall not designate a person as a flight crew member or flight
operations officer (if applicable) to participate in the PBN operations, unless he/she
has completed appropriate initial and recurrent PBN operations training curriculum
approved by AACM.
The training curriculum for each navigation specification shall ensure that each flight
crew member and flight operations officer (if applicable) is qualified in the type of
operation in which he/she serves and in any specialized or new equipment,
procedures, and techniques, including but not limited to:
(a) Introduction to PBN regulations;
(b) Routes and aerodromes to be used in the PBN operations;
(c) Knowledge of specialized navigation procedures;
(d) Knowledge of specialized equipment;
(e) SIDs and STARs (if applicable);
(f) The ability of airborne equipment to fly the designed flight path, this may
involve pilot intervention where the equipment functionality is limited;
(g) Management of changes (procedure, runway, track, etc.);
(h) Turn management (turn indications, airspeed and bank angle, lack of guidance
in turns);
(i) Route modification (insertion/deletion of waypoints, direct to waypoint) and
restrictions on route modification;
(j) Intercepting route, radar vectors; and
(k) Where GNSS is used, GNSS principles.
The training curriculum shall comprise evaluation(s) to ensure that each pilot and
flight operations officer (if applicable) is competent to a defined standard of
knowledge and performance.
2.3.8 Navigation Database Management
The navigation database shall be obtained from a supplier holding a Letter of
Acceptance (LOA) or other equivalent means issued by the appropriate regulatory
authority to demonstrate compliance with EUROCAE/RTCA document ED-76/DO-
200A, Standards for Processing Aeronautical Data.
Discrepancies that invalidate a procedure must be reported to the navigation database
supplier and affected procedures must be prohibited by an operator’s notice to its
flight crew. The operator shall consider the need to conduct periodic checks of the

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operational navigation databases in order to meet existing quality system

requirements.
Where a navigation database is carried and used, it must be current and appropriate
for the region of intended operation and must include the navigation aids and
waypoints required for the route.
Note: Navigation databases are expected to be current for the duration of the flight. If the AIRAC
cycle is due to change during flight, operators and pilots shall establish procedures to ensure
the accuracy of the navigation data, including the suitability of navigation facilities used to
define the routes for the flight.
2.3.9 Navigation Error Control
The operator shall establish a process whereby navigation error reports can be
submitted and analyzed for remedial action. Repeated navigation error occurrences
attributed to a specific piece of navigation equipment need to be followed up and
action taken to remove the causal factor(s).
The nature of the error cause will determine the remedial action which could include
the need for remedial training, restrictions in the application of the system, or
requirements for software changes in the navigation system.
The nature and severity of the error may result in suspension or withdrawal of the
approval for the particular PBN operation until the cause of the problem has been
identified and rectified.
2.4 Issuance of Approval
2.4.1 Operational approval will only be issued if the technical evaluations in both the
airworthiness and flight operations aspects have rendered satisfactory results.
2.4.2 For commercial operators, operational approval should be granted through the
issuance of a variation of the AOC Operations Specifications.
2.4.3 For operator not in possession of an AOC, the operational approvals will take the
form of a certificate and will identify the operator, each individual aircraft the
approval covers, and any conditions applied on the operational approval.

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Appendix 2 Date : 17 July 2020

Appendix 2 Introduction to the RNP AR APCH Navigation Specification

1 RNP AR APCH
1.1 RNP Authorization Required Approaches (RNP AR APCH) navigation specification
represents the ICAO global standard for developing instrument approach procedures
to aerodromes where limiting obstacles exist and/or where significant operational
efficiencies can be gained. These procedures require additional levels of scrutiny,
control and authorization. The increased risks and complexities associated with
these procedures are mitigated through more stringent RNP criteria, advanced
aircraft capabilities and increased aircrew training.
1.2 A large number of RNP AR approach and departure procedures have been
developed by the industry, commonly sponsored by airlines and designed using
commercially developed design criteria. These operations have been approved in a
number of States following evaluation on a case-by-case basis, normally for a
specific aircraft type and individual operator.
1.3 The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has developed equivalent guidance
in AMC 20-26 for Airworthiness Approval and Operational Criteria for RNP
Authorization Required (RNP AR) Operations. The implication of AR is that
improvements in operational safety and efficiency gained by the utilization of the
capability of advanced navigation capability are matched by an appropriate level of
detailed evaluation of aircraft, operations and procedure design. Only qualified
operators are permitted to conduct RNP operations which are identified as
Authorization Required.
1.4 Flight Operational Safety Assessment shall be conducted for RNP AR APCH
procedures where aircraft specific characteristics, operational environment, obstacle
environment, etc., warrant an additional review to ensure operational safety
objectives are achieved. The assessment shall give proper attention to the
interdependence of the elements of design, aircraft capability, crew procedures and
operating environment.
1.5 The characteristics of RNP AR APCH operations that combine to improve the
capability of this type of operation includes:
 Supports navigation accuracy with RNP value less than 0.3;
 Obstacle clearance lateral tolerance 2 × RNP value;
 Final approach vertical obstacle clearance provided by a Vertical Error Budget;
 Radius-to-Fix (RF) legs enabling circular flight paths to be flown; and
 Reduced navigation tolerances in missed approach.
1.6 It shall be noted that low RNP value is only one of the characteristics to support
RNP AR APCH procedures. Some RNP AR APCH operations do not require RNP
less than 0.3. An RNP AR APCH operation with RNP 0.3 shall not be confused with
an RNP APCH which uses RNP 0.3 capability.

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1.7 After receiving the RNP AR APCH operational approval, operators desiring to
perform RNP AR APCH operations in other States will still require authorizations
from the authorities of those States.
1.8 Requirements on the operational approval for RNP AR APCH navigation
specification are detailed in ICAO Doc 9613 Volume II, Part C, Chapter 6.
Note: EASA AMC 20-26 is used as the reference acceptance criteria for the RNP AR
APCH operational approval, applicant shall ensure that both airworthiness and
operations aspects for the proposed operation has been covered in the
application.

– END –

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