PAPI U/S. Consequences ?

[underfire]

back to post #11

In the FAA world, there is nothing in the operational rules for NOTAMS that even mentions inoperative PAPI/VASI lighting, even for snow obstruction.

These are the ICAO rules.

5.3.5 Visual approach slope indicator systems
Application
5.3.5.1 A visual approach slope indicator system shall be provided to serve the approach to a runway whether or not the runway is served by other visual approach aids or by non-visual aids, where one or more of the following conditions exist:

a) the runway is used by turbojet or other aeroplanes with similar approach guidance requirements;

b) the pilot of any type of aeroplane may have difficulty in judging the approach due to:
.....1) inadequate visual guidance such as is experienced during an approach over water or featureless terrain by day or in the absence of sufficient extraneous lights in the approach area by night, or
.....2) misleading information such as is produced by deceptive surrounding terrain or runway slopes;

c) the presence of objectsin the approach area may involve serious hazard if an aeroplane descends below the normal approach path, particularly if there are no non-visual or other visual aids to give warning of such objects;

d) physical conditions at either end of the runway present a serious hazard in the event of an aeroplane undershooting or overrunning the runway; and

e) terrain or prevalent meteorological conditions are such that the aeroplane may be subjected to unusual turbulence during approach.

Looking at the above, there are the determinations when an indicator is required. IF a PAPI is required, and non-op, it will be covered in a NOTAM.
As you noted, there are local exceptions, but there are rules for when it is required, and other considerations. If the determination is that it is not required, then inop doesnt matter.

As you noted, you brought up Straya rules, which show night ops need electronic or visual slope guidance...

Order 82.5
5 Obligations in relation to aerodromes
5.1 An operator must conduct operations in accordance with regulation 92A.
5.2 An operator must ensure that night operations are only conducted from an aerodrome for which there is:
............(a) a published instrument approach procedure; and
............(b) a serviceable and available navigation aid; and
............(c) obstruction lighting where necessary.
Note A navigation aid includes GNSS.
5.3 Unless otherwise approved in writing by CASA and subject to paragraph 5.4, an operator must not permit turbo-jet aeroplanes to use runways that are not equipped with electronic OR visual approach slope guidance.
5.4 Paragraph 5.3 does not apply to runways at nominated alternate aerodromes.
emphasis added

Given that this says 'or', you can have the ILS with or without PAPI/VASI, and if there is no ILS, the PAPI/VASI must be op. You provided a conditional approval for your airline from CASA on the lighting inop, but that approval is just for you.

EDIT:

Thoughts:

There are plenty of instances worldwide, when there is a temporary displaced threshold, where there is no PAPI/VASI lighting...the NOTAMS provide the guidance for the requirements.

There are many plates which state that glideslope is not coincident with PAPI/VASI.....