NATS SAFETY PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT WORKING GROUP

2/3 APRIL 2008 – SWANWICK

CHIEF EXEC’S MEETING SUMMARY

· I represented the UKFSC at the NATS SPA Working Group meeting held at Swanwick on 2/3 April 2008. My inclusion in the Group along with the CAA Regulator representation is aimed at reaching as many of the various strands and disciplines involved in the Air Transport business as possible.

· A summary of the agenda from meeting and the actions generated are as follows:

· Mode S and P-RNAV – the MOD S summary slides are on the UKFSC website Privilege Info page The major issue is the how the NATS controllers are to interpret and act on the additional flight information that Mode S provides to them. In particular, their reaction to the availability of the Flight Level selected by the aircrew in the ac FMS. NATS are not attempting to influence operator SOPs but are seeking an internal technical solution.

NATS have analysed a consultation questionnaire on P-R Nav fitment and utilisation which was completed by 6 airlines represented on the SPA are on the UKFSC website Privilege Info page. The main objective for this work was to enable NATS to gain a thorough understanding of its airline customers’ intentions as P-RNav comes into regular service.

· P-RNAV phraseology – NATS presented their initial thinking and proposals on the phraseology to manage P-RNav approaches and departure procedures. From the SPA representatives it is clear that further work is needed to ensure that there compatibility and commonality of understanding for UK, European and US aircrews. The initial NATS proposal and thinking is undergoing further work but their briefing on their thinking so far is on the UKFSC website Privilege Info pages.

· The NATS ATC and related services lesson learning from the B777 accident at Heathrow was briefed. The slides and briefing cannot be released because of the photographs of the scene and the RTF recording, but information on the lesson learning material may become available soon.

Chief Exec UKFSC After Note – the NATS ATC Briefing will be repeated at the next UKFSC SIE meeting at Farnborough on the 7 May 2008

· IAA/NATS Functional Airspace Block –the proposal is still with the respective governments. NATS and the IAA are absolutely committed to the involvement of the customer in the three main working areas – airspace design, operations and safety.  The FAB briefing is available on the UKFSC website Privilege Info page.

· The Use of Aircraft Lights around a Runway – attached are slides of a proposal from Dutch DFT (LVNL) for the use of lights at Schipol which NATS sought UK operators’/SPA comments.  Summary of the SPA feedback was that the proposal was consistent with the existing SOPs of some UK airlines, but by no means all. There was concern about the mandate of the particular SOPs and the possible implications for unserviceable lights and also some aircraft type specific concerns.  NATS General Manager at Gatwick who leads on runway safety activities has a proposal which differs from the LVNL one.  To progress this, the SPA agreed that:

· Peter Sorensen of IATA would provide NATS with the IFALPA/IATA Use of Lights Policy (action complete).

· NATS will develop and distribute a questionnaire on the use of lights after receiving the IFALPA/IATA policy and distribute to SPA members. ( Chief Exec UKFSC will dist amongst UKFSC membership)

· SPA members to return questionnaires in accordance with the requested timescale provided by NATS.

· A draft NATS AIC on a proposal speed restrictions to implement economic descent speeds for the LTMA was circulated. These are available on the UKFSC website Privilege Info page.

· Dr Anne Isaac (NATS Human Factors) suggested that joint pilot/controller Resource Management (CRM/TRM) may provide a valuable opportunity to enhance flight safety. A detailed proposal will be distributed for comment from the SPA members.

Date of next meeting – June 5^th at Heathrow Airport

RICH JONES

CHIEF EXEC

UKFSC