The definition of a non-instrument runway has been updated accordingly to allow both visual and instrument approach procedures to a point from which an approach can be continued under visual meteorological conditions. This represents an extension of the previous possibilities and is intended in particular to increase safety by supporting the pilot in navigation and safe flight execution and to reduce the workload in critical phases of the flight.
The national implementation of these ICAO guidelines in Germany has been driven forward by discussions in the Federal-Länder Technical Committee and by working meetings with various federal authorities and DFS (Deutsche Flugsicherung GmbH). This memorandum clarifies the framework conditions for the establishment of such procedures and serves as an aid for the responsible state authorities. The legal regulations, which may vary depending on whether the aerodrome is part of European or national regulations, as well as the technical and infrastructural requirements for such IAPs are outlined.
The IAP system has been fundamentally revised and now differentiates between "navigation performance" and takes into account criteria such as the minimum decision or minimum descent altitude and the type of flight guidance (2D or 3D). This innovation replaces the previous distinction between "non-precision" and "precision approach procedures", with the latter being reclassified into the categories NPA, APV and PA, depending on the planning as 2D/type A or 3D/type A or type B.
The publication and approval of such IAPs in Germany is a sovereign task that is delegated by the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure (BMVI) to the Federal Supervisory Authority for Air Navigation Services (BAF) and implemented in cooperation with DFS. In particular, requirements for aerodrome infrastructure, obstacle limitation areas, protection area systems and air traffic control services must be taken into account. The potential impact of a new IAP on the airspace structure and the need for a review by an aeronautical study are also emphasised.
To summarise, the introduction of IAP on N.Instr.Rwys in Germany contributes to expanding the possibilities of instrument flight and increasing operational safety by allowing landing sites without original instrument runways to be integrated into the system of instrument-based approach procedures.
Source references:
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