Frank, tks for the link to these CASA exemptions. There are a number that relate to exemptions from standard take-off and landing minima, not just Jetstar but also Air Mauritius, Air New Zealand, British Airways, Cargolux, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Etihad, Express Freighters, Qantas Airways, Qatar Airways, Sinagpore Airlines (plus Cargo), United Airlines, V Australia, Vietnam Airlines and Virgin Blue.
CASA EX70/10 Exemption – from standard take-off minima – Jetstar
http://casa.gov.au/wcmswr/_assets/main/lib91212/casaex70.pdf
CASA EX62/10 Exemption – from standard take-off and landing minima – Pacific Blue
http://http://casa.gov.au/wcmswr/_as...2/casaex62.pdf
Looking at the Jetstar exemption, Aerodrome minima for LVO, take-off minima, I’m not sure that CASA really understands aerodrome operations during LVO (nor airline ops for that matter).
Take-off minima with TDZ, MID and END measurements available for A320 and A321 aircraft are:
125 m RVR TDZ and 125 RVR MID and 125 m RVR END.
So far, so good, the three transmissometers are working for the runway being used and at least 125 m RVR exists at each of the points, TDZ, MID and END.
But if the MID and END are not available, then it all changes...
Take-off minima with TDZ and either MID or END measurements available for A320 and A321 aircraft are:
(a) 200 m RVR TDZ and 200 m RVR MID or, if MID is not available, then 200 m RVR END;
and
(b) 350 m RV TDZ and 350 m RV MID or, if MID RV is not available, then 350 m RV END. For 350 m or greater RV TDZ, the pilot in command must act as the approved observer for the TDZ.
Okay, why is (a) and (b) linked by “and”.
Let’s assume that the TDZ and MID RVR are available but for some reason the END RVR is not available (equipment issue). RVR is 200 m (or 250 m) at TDZ and MID (and END is not reported). ATC aren’t going to send a safety officer to make RV assessments, that is, make a measurement of the visibility along the runway by counting a few runway lights.
And why must the pilot in command act as the approved observer for the TDZ when the RV is 350 m or greater when a safety officer is making the assessment a lower visibilities?