019/92

Recommendation Date
Recipient Name
Airways Corp
Text
Require controllers to desist from issuing clearances by visual separation where only one pilot has sighted the other aircraft, unless that pilot is behind the lateral axis of the other aircraft.
Reply Text
On the basis of the QA Report the Corporation will partially adopt this recommendation. MATS will be amended to ensure that where an aircraft not in circuit wishes to cross the track of an aircraft, in entering or leaving a circuit, the controller will not clear the first aircraft to pass behind until it is behind the lateral axis of the other aircraft.

This is a significant amendment to present procedures applicable where an aircraft wishes to cross the path of another aircraft on final approach. This procedure, the instructions given to pilots would be more specific than was the case in the incident in April last year, rendering a repeat of that incident unlikely. However, pilot action and judgement will always be a factor.

TAIC's recommendation will not be applied where the aircraft concerned are both in the circuit. The application of TAIC's recommendation in that situation would render the control of traffic in aerodrome circuits almost impossible. In this regard, as confirmed by the QA Report, TAIC's recommendation is out of step with international practices.

The amendments to MATS will be forwarded to you shortly.
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