ASB 2004-2
2004.11.04
Subject
Verification of aerodrome information in Canadian Aeronautical Information publications.
Purpose
Pursuant to CAR 302.07, aerodrome/airport operators are requested to verify the validity/accuracy of the data that is published with respect to their aerodrome, including runway slope information
Background
Attached is a copy of an Aviation Safety Advisory from the Transportation Safety Board (TSB) concerning runway slope information published in the Canadian Aeronautical Information publications.
This advisory comes as a result of the TSB's ongoing investigation into the MK Airlines, Boeing Cargo 747-244BC, registration 9G-MKJ accident during takeoff of runway 24, at Halifax Intl, Nova Scotia on October 14, 2004.
The advisory states that although the investigation has yet to determine if and to what degree the published error in runway slope is a contributing factor in this accident, a combined 0.34% error in runway slope has the potential to significantly affect the safety of flight during critical stages of operation such as take-off and landing.
TSB staff suggests that Transport Canada may wish to ensure that similar runway slope information errors do not exist for other aerodromes. A review of quality assurance measures regarding the provision and depiction of aerodrome information in Canadian Aeronautical Information publications is suggested. In addition, CAR 302.07 (1) states in part "The operator of an airport shall… c) review each issue of each aeronautical information publication on receipt thereof and, immediately after such review, notify the Minister of any inaccurate information contained therein that pertains to the airport;".
Pursuant to ICAO Annex 15 standards, Chapter 4, Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) paragraph 4.1.1 states in part: "An Aeronautical Information Publication shall contain,…, those subjects enumerated in Appendix 1 …" Appendix 1, paragraph AD 2.12 Runway physical characteristics, states in part: "Detailed description of runway physical characteristics, for each runway, including: … 7) slope of each runway and associated stopways: …". The Annex makes no distinction with respect to minimum slope for publication.
Application
In light of the attached, aerodrome/airport operators are requested to verify the validity/accuracy of the data that is published with respect to their aerodrome, including runway slope information. Slope information is used to calculate aircraft performance. If slope information published in Canadian flight information publications is incorrect, then the potential exists for aircraft performance data to be incorrectly calculated. Any noted discrepancies are to be reported to Transport Canada and NAV CANADA, and a NOTAM should be issued promptly.
For runway slope calculation methodology, we are suggesting, for the time being, to follow the attached NAVCANADA publication specifications. It is to be noted that information on runway gradient of 0.3 per cent or greater are published.
Summary
Due to the importance of providing accurate information pertaining to runway slope, aerodrome/airport operators are requested to verify the validity/accuracy of their aerodrome data.
For additional information on this issue, please contact:
- a) the Aerodromes and Air Navigation Branch in Ottawa, or
- b) the appropriate regional Transport Canada Aerodromes and Air Navigation office ( refer to the list attached).
Aerodromes and Air Navigation Circulars are available electronically at:
https://tc.canada.ca/en/aviation/reference-centre/aerodrome-safety-bulletins
Encl.
Tom R. Fudakowski
Acting Director
Aerodromes and Air Navigation
Civil Aviation
" Aviation Safety Advisory from the Transportation Safety Board (TSB) is produced by an organization not subject to the Official Languages Act or Common Look and Feel Standards and is provided in only English Portable Document Format as a service to visitors to the Transport Canada Web site. The size of the file is 125 KB and will download in approximately 35 seconds on a 28.8 connection and may be viewed using version 3.0 or higher of the Adobe® Acrobat Reader. This reader may be downloaded free of charge by visiting the Adobe® web site. If more information about Safety Advisory from the Transportation Safety Board (TSB) is required, please contact please contact Transport Canada, Communications, Place de Ville, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0N5."
" Aviation NAVCANADA publication specifications is produced by an organization not subject to the Official Languages Act or Common Look and Feel Standards and is provided in only English Portable Document Format as a service to visitors to the Transport Canada Web site. The size of the file is 131 KB and will download in approximately 37 seconds on a 28.8 connection and may be viewed using version 3.0 or higher of the Adobe® Acrobat Reader. This reader may be downloaded free of charge by visiting the Adobe® web site. If more information about NAVCANADA publication specifications is required, please contact please contact Transport Canada, Communications, Place de Ville, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0N5."