PANS - OPS
Procedures for Air Navigation Services –Aircraft Operations
The "Procedures for Air Navigation Services – Aircraft Operations (PANS-OPS)" course is a specialized and important training in the field of aviation, focusing on the principles and international standards approved by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) for designing approach, departure procedures, and air routes in a manner that ensures the highest levels of safety and efficiency. The course aims to enable participants to understand and analyze PANS-OPS applications, thereby enhancing their ability to make accurate decisions in planning and managing air operations. This training is essential for engineers, air planners, air traffic controllers, and all personnel working in the air navigation sector to ensure operations comply with global standards and achieve smooth and safe air traffic flow.
Why “PANS-OPS course" at The Only Solution for Training?
- A course designed by aviation experts with updated content that keeps pace with the latest developments in PANS-OPS.
- Qualified trainers with extensive practical experience, carefully and precisely selected.
- An interactive and engaging learning environment through case studies, applications, and realistic exercises.
- Continuous support and follow-up from our specialized team.
- Free consultation for one full month after completing the program to support post-training progress.
- Issuance of accredited certificates that enhance your CV and validate your competency:
- Understand the principles and international standards for designing air navigation procedures (PANS-OPS) in accordance with ICAO documents such as Doc 8168 and Doc 9905.
- Acquire the necessary skills to analyze and design SID, STAR, and instrument approach procedures, considering obstacles, navigation, and protection areas.
- Become familiar with the design tools and software used, and apply best practices in validation, review, and approval of operational procedures.
Training Topics for the PANS – OPS Course
Introduction to PANS-OPS
- Definition and importance of PANS-OPS in aviation safety
- Purpose of procedure design: obstacle clearance, route efficiency, and operational safety
- Key ICAO documentation:
- ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs)
- Relevant ICAO Annexes:
- Annex 10 – Aeronautical Telecommunications
- Annex 11 – Air Traffic Services
- ICAO Doc 4444 (PANS-ATM) overview for coordination with ATS
- Integration with regional regulations: EASA, MID Region guidelines
Flight Phases Relevant to Procedure Design
Departure Phase:
- Standard Instrument Departures (SID) design
- Considerations for terrain, obstacle clearance, and navigation aid coverage
En-Route Phase:
- Design of airways and route segments
- RVSM airspace considerations and flight levels
Arrival & Approach Phase:
- Standard Terminal Arrival Routes (STAR)
- Initial, intermediate, final, and missed approach segments
- Use of ILS, RNAV (GNSS), VOR/DME, and RNP-AR in approach design
Navigation Specifications and Technology
- RNAV and RNP: basic principles and performance requirements
- GNSS-based procedures and integration with conventional navigation aids
- Design using VOR/DME, NDB in non-GNSS environments
- Path terminators and sequencing of leg types (Fly-by, Fly-over, etc.)
Obstacle Assessment and Safety Criteria
- Obstacle clearance surfaces (OCS) and protected areas
- Minimum sector altitudes (MSA) and minimum obstacle clearance altitudes (MOCA)
- Criteria for terrain and obstacle analysis
- Use of obstacle databases and digital terrain models (DTMs)
Overview of Software Tools Used in Flight Procedure Design
- Introduction to specialized software used globally (e.g., ICAO FPP, TPD, AirNavCAD)
- Role of GIS platforms in airspace and obstacle analysis
- How digital tools support AIP charting and ARINC 424 coding
Case Studies and Practical Applications
- Analysis of real-world procedures (departure, en-route, approach)
- Redesign of procedures to comply with new navigation specifications
- Workshop: Designing RNAV and RNP approaches for challenging terrain
Quality Assurance and Safety Management
- Validation and verification of procedure design
- Procedure review, simulation, and flight validation
- Role of Safety Management System (SMS) in design approval
- Documentation and submission process to Civil Aviation Authorities