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.
Brighton Royal Sussex County Hospital (BRSCH) is a 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.
BRSCH lies on the south coast, sitting within class G airspace. At present a roof top helideck is being constructed but arrivals currently go to the nearby secondary Hospital Landing Site. Operations are currently limited to Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC) due to the lack of Instrument Approach and Procedures.
AACKSS transports patients to BRSCH on average 3-4 times per week but, due to the limitation to operate in VMC conditions, approximately 1 patient a week must be conveyed by road instead of 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.
