Better get boned up on RNAV (GNSS) boys and girls
Looks like the French are working to phase out VOR approaches and only allow RNAV approaches to Nice, France (LFMN). It seems if you are not RNAV equipped and capable you will be soon restricted from NICE (LFMN)
From:
MINISTÈRE DE L'ÉCOLOGIE, DU DÉVELOPPEMENT DURABLE ET DE L'ÉNERGIE
Object: Users consultation regarding the suspension of VOR B and C procedures and use of RNAV (GNSS) 22 (Nice Cote d' Azur airport)
Dear Sirs,
The users' feedback these past few years has indicated that the VOR B procedure is not simple to fly, particularly for pilots that are not accustomed to coming to Nice airport and that safety issues could be at stake. The prescriptions to airmen that have been included in various aeronautical publications do not seem to be systematically complied with. The DGAC has thus established that it is necessary to improve the approach procedures when operating RWYs 22.
The DSAC (national surveillance authority) is considering the possibility to enforce the use of the RNAV (GNSS) 22 procedure as sole means of instrumental approach for RWYs 22, instead of current VOR B and C procedures, starting 1st January 2014, in order to ensure a higher level of safety for the aircraft coming in to Nice when RWYs 22 are in service.
In order to avoid problems with non-equipped RNAV flight in case of QFU changes, RNAV aircraft equipment and pilots' ratings shall be required in order to fly to Nice.
The purpose of this mail, address to all flight operators using Nice platform, is to assess as precisely as possible the number of air operators, may they be commercial or private, that are already able to fly RNAV (GNSS) procedures, and determine a list of those which cannot.
For the last category it is important for the DGAC to identify the proportion of operators which will not be able to fly RNAV (GNSS) by 1st January 2014 and which difficulties shall be preventing them from doing so. The DGAC also needs to know the schedule of those who already planned to get equipped.
This assessment will allow the DGAC to establish the terms of the suspension of VOR B and C procedures (maybe even VOR A in order to avoid problems during RWY changes). considering the various restraints of Nice air operators.
Followed by a reporting survey!
Last edited by noneya; 8th Oct 2013 at 14:32.