[SB25-001] Monitoring and Reporting of Unstabilized Approaches

gaca_gov_sa · circular · processed · 2 chunks

document_type=circular entity=format:application/pdf entity=language:ar language=en taxonomy_l1=transport taxonomy_l2=aviation taxonomy_l3=aviation_law validity=valid validity_confidence=0.6

GACA
الويله العامه للطيران المدي
General Authority of Civil Aviation
GACA Safety Bulletin
GACA SB25-001
Issuance Date: 22 January 2025
Monitoring and Reporting of Unstabilized Approaches
Applicability:
Flight Operations:
Air Operators
This Document is available at: https://gaca.gov.sa/web/en-gb/page/safety-bulletins
General:
GACA Safety Bulletins (SB) are issued under the authority of the GACA Executive Vice President of Aviation Safety & Environmental Sustainability. GACA SBs contain important safety information and may include recommended actions. Besides the specific action recommended in a GACA-SB, an alternative action may be as effective in addressing the safety issue named in the GACA-SB. The contents of a GACA-SB document do not have the force and effect of law and are not meant to bind the public in any way. GACA SBs are intended only to provide clarity to the public regarding existing requirements under GACA regulations.
Subject:
Monitoring and Reporting of Unstabilized Approaches
Version: 1.0
References:
• GACA Part-4 § 4.5 Applicability
• GACA Part-4 § 4.15
Purpose:
This SB is intended to notify air operators of the mandatory reporting of unstabilized approaches incidents in accordance with GACAR PART 4 and recommended actions.
Background:
In aviation, stabilized approaches are critical to ensuring safety during the approach and landing phases of flight. A stabilized approach ensures that the aircraft is on the correct flight path, properly configured, and operating within safe speed and altitude parameters prior to landing. Continuing an approach that does not meet these criteria significantly increases the risk of incident such as runway excursions, runway incursions, hard landings, or controlled flight into terrain (CFIT).
GACAR Part 4, Appendix B, mandates that operators report all occurrences where an approach is continued against their established stabilized approach criteria. Such reporting facilitates safety investigations, trend analysis, and corrective actions to mitigate future risks and strengthen overall safety culture.

Regulatory Requirements:
- According to GACAR §4.15 and Appendix B, operators must report any approach that is continued against their stabilized approach criteria.
- Operators must ensure all unstabilized approaches are documented and reported to the authority via the GACA web-based reporting system.
Recommended Action(s):
- To enhance safety and compliance, it is recommended that operators conduct regular training and audits to ensure adherence to stabilized approach criteria.
- Operators should analyze reported unstabilized approaches to identify trends and implement corrective actions.
- Engaging in regular reviews of approach procedures can foster a proactive safety culture within the organization.
Contact:
Questions or comments regarding this GACA-SB, or requests for further guidance on unstabilized approaches reporting, should be directed to:
General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA)
fltops-sms@gaca.gov.sa