This proposal is for a permanent change concerning the implementation of a GNSS Instrument Approach Procedure Without Approach Control, for which a scaled airspace change process applies and the change level is 3. The detailed process requirements are published in CAP1961.
Kings College Hospital (KCH) in Denmark Hill is the primary Major Trauma Centre for Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex (AACKSS). AACKSS serves a population of 4.8 million and its helicopter service is operated by Specialist Aviation Services Ltd, the sponsor of this ACP.
KCH lies inside the London City CTR and below the London TMA. At present, operations are limited to Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC) due to the lack of Instrument Approach and Departure Procedures.
AACKSS transports patients to KCH on average once a day but, due to the limitation to operate in VMC conditions, approximately only two thirds of these patients are conveyed by air. Transport by helicopter is faster than by road and therefore improves outcomes for critically ill patients.
The purpose of this ACP is to gain approval for the design and introduction of RNP instrument procedures using Helicopter Point in Space (PinS) criteria. These will supplement the existing VFR procedures.
In addition to patient benefits, the instrument procedures will improve safety. It has been proven that planned IFR flight offers significant safety benefits over VFR flight in marginal VMC conditions, as supported by a number of AAIB recommendations for the adoption of PINS.
