Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Module 1: Non Precision Approach: Visual Segment Surface (VSS)
Module 1: Non Precision Approach: Visual Segment Surface (VSS)
Module 1: Non Precision Approach: Visual Segment Surface (VSS)
MODULE 1
Non‐Precision Approach:
Visual Segment Surface (VSS)
Contents
• Introduction
• NPA Visual Segment Surface Lateral and Vertical Definition
• Offset Final Approach Visual Segment Surface
• Aeronautical Study
2 Non‐Precision Approach: Visual Segment Surface (VSS)
1
3/08/2017
Introduction
What is the Visual Segment Surface (VSS):
• A surface applicable to instrument approach procedures with straight‐
in minima only. Its purpose is to protect the visual component of an
instrument flight from the point where the obstacle clearance height
is reached until landing.
• Straight‐in instrument approach procedures shall be protected for
obstacles in the visual segment.
• Approach procedures with VSS penetrations should not be
promulgated without an aeronautical study.
3 Non‐Precision Approach: Visual Segment Surface (VSS)
Introduction
• Obstacles with heights less than 15m above the threshold may be
disregarded.
• Temporary moving obstacles (i.e. aircraft at runway holding point) are
allowed.
• Any penetration of the VSS shall be identified on the instrument
approach chart (PANS‐OPS Amendment applicable on 10 Nov 2016)
4 Non‐Precision Approach: Visual Segment Surface (VSS)
2
3/08/2017
NPA Visual Segment Surface Lateral and Vertical Definition
• A base width equal to the runway strip width originating 60m prior to
the runway threshold.
• Splays 15% on either side of the extended runway centre line.
• Terminates at the point where the height of the surface reaches the
OCH
• Vertically, originates at the runway threshold height and has a slope of
1.12° less than the promulgated approach procedure angle.
5 Non‐Precision Approach: Visual Segment Surface (VSS)
NPA Visual Segment Surface Lateral and Vertical Definition
6 Non‐Precision Approach: Visual Segment Surface (VSS)
3
3/08/2017
Offset Final Approach Visual Segment Surface
• Final approach course intersects the extended runway centre line.
– The splay closest on the side closest to the final approach course is increased by
the offset angle
7 Non‐Precision Approach: Visual Segment Surface (VSS)
Offset Final Approach Visual Segment Surface
• Final approach course does not intersect the extended runway centre
line.
– The splay closest to the final approach course is increased by an amount equal
to the final approach course offset at 1400m from the runway threshold.
8 Non‐Precision Approach: Visual Segment Surface (VSS)
4
3/08/2017
Aeronautical Study in New Zealand
• Aircraft Track
– When an approach is offset due to terrain the VSS area may be penetrated by the
terrain which the approach is offset away from.
– It may be possible to mitigate by requiring aircraft to fly the published track until past
the VSS penetration.
• Visibility
– When the VSS is penetrated the IFP minimum visibility must be 1600m.
• Identify Obstacle on Chart
• Lighting
– For approaches used at night VSS penetrations not otherwise mitigated must be lit.
9 Non‐Precision Approach: Visual Segment Surface (VSS)
5
3/08/2017
VSS in the Future
What do you think of an
Obstacle Clearance Surface
within the VSS that can’t be penetrated?
11 Non‐Precision Approach: Visual Segment Surface (VSS)