CAP OPS 14 – Polar Route Operations provides guidance to General Aviation operators on obtaining approval to conduct flight operations within designated polar regions, generally north of 78°N latitude or south of 60°S latitude. It outlines the operational requirements for safe polar operations, including fuel freeze management, navigation, communications, radiation monitoring, space weather considerations, en-route alternate aerodromes, equipment requirements, and flight crew training.
General Aviation operators intending to conduct flight operations into or across polar regions must obtain GCAA approval before commencing such operations.
To support an application, operators must demonstrate that the aircraft is suitably equipped and that appropriate operational procedures have been established to safely manage the risks associated with polar operations. This includes fuel freeze monitoring, navigation in areas of magnetic unreliability, reliable communications, space weather monitoring, radiation exposure, diversion planning, the selection of suitable en-route alternate aerodromes, and a comprehensive recovery plan to support the safe evacuation and welfare of passengers and crew following an unplanned diversion.
Applications must be submitted using Form OPS 22 – Application for Polar Route Operations Approval, together with the supporting documentation specified in CAP OPS 14. Following satisfactory review, the GCAA will issue the applicable Polar Route Operations Approval.
Note: Following the document review phase, the GCAA may require a demonstration and validation phase, including a validation flight, before issuing the approval.