The GCAA CAP OPS 13 – Performance-Based Communications and Surveillance (PBCS) provides guidance to operators seeking approval to operate in designated oceanic and remote airspace where Required Communication Performance (RCP 240) and Required Surveillance Performance (RSP 180) are mandated.
PBCS enhances the efficiency and capacity of oceanic and remote airspace by enabling reduced aircraft separation through the use of advanced Controller–Pilot Data Link Communications (CPDLC) and Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Contract (ADS-C) technologies. Operators approved for PBCS may benefit from more efficient routing, preferred flight levels, and improved access to performance-based airspace.
Note: The airspace will also require a Required Navigational Performance (RNP) Approval – refer to CAP OPS 03.
General Aviation operators intending to conduct operations requiring PBCS approval must demonstrate that the aircraft is suitably equipped, the installed avionics meet the applicable RCP 240 and/or RSP 180 specifications, the Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM) and Minimum Equipment List (MEL) support the intended operation, and appropriate operating procedures, maintenance programmes, monitoring processes, and flight crew training have been established.
Flight crews must receive appropriate training covering PBCS principles, including CPDLC and ADS-C operations, flight planning requirements, communication and surveillance performance standards, and contingency procedures to ensure the safe conduct of operations within PBCS airspace.
Applications must be submitted using Form OPS 12 – Application for Performance-Based Communications and Surveillance (PBCS) Approval, together with the supporting documentation specified in CAP OPS 13. Following satisfactory review, the GCAA will issue the applicable Specific Approval for PBCS operations.