CAP OPS 03 – Designated Airspace Operations provides guidance to General Aviation operators on obtaining approval to conduct operations within designated airspace. It outlines the applicable aircraft equipment, operational, training and approval requirements for the following navigation and airspace approvals:
- RNAV 10 (RNP 10)
- RNAV 5 (B-RNAV)
- RNP 4*
- RNAV 2
- RNP 2
- RNAV 1 (P-RNAV)
- RNP 1
- RNP 0.3**
- A-RNP
- RNP APCH
- RNP AR APCH
- NAT HLA
- RVSM
* For RNP 4 operations, the aircraft must be equipped with CPDLC and ADS-C and have the applicable GCAA Specific Approvals. Some airspace also requires aircraft Performance Based Communications and Surveillance (PBCS) capabilities which requires a separate GCAA approval.
** RNP 0.3 is exclusively a helicopter and rotorcraft specification for en-route and terminal procedures; it should not be confused with RNP APCH approval.
General Aviation operators intending to conduct operations within designated airspace must obtain the appropriate GCAA approval for the specific airspace classification before commencing operations.
To support an application, operators must demonstrate that the aircraft is suitably equipped for the intended operation and submit a completed Declaration of Compliance (Form OPS 05). The declaration confirms that the aircraft is equipped in accordance with the applicable requirements, the navigation database is current, flight crew are appropriately qualified and current, and suitable operating procedures and checklists have been established.
Applications must be submitted using Form OPS 05 – Application for Designated Airspace Approval, together with the supporting documentation specified in CAP OPS 03. Following satisfactory review, the GCAA will issue the applicable Specific Approval.