Draft ICAO Circular on NLA.pdf - Airports Council International

<strong>ICAO</strong> Version 4.1 — 15 March 2004
FOREWORD
In the early 1990s, the major aeroplane manufacturers had announced that plans were in hand to develop
aeroplanes larger than the Boeing B747-400 — currently the largest passenger aeroplane in commercial
service — capable of carrying more than 500 passengers.
In response to the stated need for appropriate <strong>ICAO</strong> provisions to facilitate aerodrome development for such
New Larger Aeroplanes (NLA), <strong>ICAO</strong> undertook a study with the participation of some States, selected
international organizations, and aeroplane manufacturers. The results of that study led to Amendment 3 to
Annex 14, Volume I, which was adopted by the <strong>ICAO</strong> Council in March 1999. A new aerodrome reference
code letter F to cover aeroplanes with wing spans from 65 m up to but not including 80 m and an outer main
gear wheel span from 14 m up to but not including 16 m was established. Consequent new specifications on
aerodrome physical characteristics for these aeroplanes were also developed. The new code F specifications
in Annex 14, Volume I became applicable from 1 November 1999. Separately, specifications for aerodrome
rescue and fire fighting (RFF) for aeroplanes with maximum fuselage widths in excess of than 7 m, and
lengths greater than 76 m, RFF category 10, had already been developed and included in the Annex.
Newer generations of aeroplanes generally have an impact on existing aerodrome facilities and services when
the dimensions and/or mass of these aeroplanes exceed the design parameters used for planning and
developing an aerodrome. Consequently, as such newer and larger aeroplanes entered commercial service,
aerodromes evolved by making necessary modifications to comply with the applicable Annex 14
specifications, as updated from time to time.
In certain cases, such modifications may not be considered practicable. In such cases, in order to ensure that
a new aeroplane can be safely operated, States should carry out appropriate aeronautical studies to evaluate
the suitability of existing facilities and to determine the need for alternative measures, operational procedures
and operating restrictions for the specific aeroplane concerned. Some States and international organizations
have already undertaken such studies tailored to a specific aeroplane type, to determine if solutions can be
developed for those existing aerodromes which may not be able to comply fully with the code F provisions
for the introduction of the NLA concerned.
In May 2003, the <strong>ICAO</strong> Council was presented with a twofold Action Plan developed by the Air Navigation
Commission for the introduction of NLA into international civil aviation service, as published in State letter
SL AN 4/5.7-03/80, dated 25 July 2003. Firstly, this <strong>Circular</strong> has been developed to provide States with
information concerning aerodrome facilities and services, air traffic management and flight operations, which
should be considered for accommodating NLA operations at existing aerodromes. Secondly, a review will
be undertaken of the current Annex 14, Volume I, code F provisions, including their underlying basis,
considering the results of studies outside <strong>ICAO</strong>.
It should be understood that Annex 14 contains all the provisions aimed at ensuring the safe operation of
NLAs in general. However, each aeronautical study is specific to a particular context and to a particular
NLA. Caution should therefore be exercised in considering applicability to other situations and locations.
Each State which approves an aeronautical study and its resulting alternative measures, operational
procedures and operating restrictions, is responsible for their application. Where operating restrictions are
implemented, these should be reviewed periodically and only be considered as a temporary alternative to
Annex 14 compliance.