Term Definition Runway Visual Range (RVR) An instrumentally derived value based upon standard calibrations that represents the horizontal distance a pilot will see down the runway from the approach end. (reference FAA Order 6560.10) Stop Bar Stop bar lights consist of elevated and in-pavement red fixtures that are installed at the runway holding position or instrument landing system (ILS) critical area holding position marking. Stop bars may be controllable by ATC and will include a system of in-pavement green taxiway centerline/lead-on lights at locations where aircraft will enter or cross a runway.
Surface Movement Radar (SMR) Radar with a high update rate that is capable of providing surveillance of all aircraft and vehicles in an airport movement area.
Surface Movement Surveillance System (SMSS) A system which provides positive identification and accurate positional information on all aircraft and vehicles.
Surface Painted Direction Sign Pavement markings that are configured the same as the associated sign and provided when it is not possible to provide taxiway direction signs at intersections. (reference AC 150/5340-1) Surface Painted Holding Position Sign Pavement marking which is used to identify a specific runway.
These markings are configured the same as the associated sign.
(reference AC 150/5340-1) Surface Painted Location Sign Pavement markings that are configured the same as the associated sign and are used to supplement the signs located alongside the taxiway and assist the pilot in confirming the designation of the taxiway on which the aircraft is located. (reference AC 150/5340-1) Synthetic Vision System (SVS) An electronic means to display a synthetic vision image of the external scene topography to the flight crew. An SVS display does not provide an independent, real-time source of forward scene information.
Taxi lanes Apron areas which provide taxiing aircraft access to and from parking positions. Taxi lanes may be movement areas, and have associated restrictions.
Taxi Route In this document, a specific sequence of lighted taxiways used by aircraft during low visibility operations.
Touchdown RVR The RVR visibility readout values obtained from RVR equipment serving the runway touchdown zone.
Unserviceable In this document, refers to equipment, which is inoperative, obscured (i.e., by ice, snow, sand), degraded, not operating B-4
Term Definition normally (e.g., abnormally low intensity), or not performing its intended function.
Airport LVO/SMGCS Working Group The airport operator/authority’s LVO/SMGCS planning group (including airport tenants, other airport operations and support personnel, and are interested stakeholders) that assists the airport in researching, developing, implementing an LVO/SMGCS Plan, and operating an LVO/SMGCS program.
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Table B-2. Acronyms Term Definition ADO Airport District Office ARFF Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Capability ASDE-X Airport Surface Detection Equipment, Model X ASSC Airport Surface Surveillance Capability ATC Air Traffic Control ATCT Airport Traffic Control Tower AVS Aviation Safety CFR Code of Federal Regulations CVS Combined Vision System EFVS Enhance Flight Vision System FLIR Forward Looking Infrared FS FAA, Flight Standards Service HDD Head Down Display HUD Head Up Display HWD Head Worn Display ICAO International Civil Aviation Organization LOA Letter of Agreement LVO Low Visibility Operations M, m Meters RGL Runway Guard Light RVR Runway Visual Range (in feet) SMGCS Surface Movement Guidance and Control Systems SMR Surface Movement Radar SMS Safety Management System SMSS Surface Movement Surveillance System SVGS Synthetic Vision Guidance System SVS Synthetic Vision System B-1
Appendix C. Checklist for Operations Less Than RVR 1200 Feet This sample checklist is provided for reference only for LVO/SMGCS operations less than RVR 1200 ft (350 m) down to and including RVR 500 ft (150 m). We encourage you to use this checklist and tailor it to your specific airport and operational needs. Refer to appendix E, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport LVO/SMGS Plan, for an example of an accepted LVO/SMGCS Plan.
C.1 Sig ns, Markings, and Visual Aids C.1.1 Movement Area
• Runway guard lights
• Taxiway edge or centerline lights
• Taxiway signs
• Runway hold markings
• Surface painted direction or location signs
• Intermediate holding position markings and lights
• Geographic position markings C.1.2 Non-movement Area
• No additional requirements C.2 Guidelines and Review Items C.2.1 Review Purpose of LVO/SMGCS AC 120-57 C.2.2 Determine Applicability of LVO/SMGCS AC 120-57 to the airport C.2.3 Review Pertinent FAA Regulations and Resources. (i.e., appropriate AC150 series, FAA Order 8000.94) C.2.4 Review Definitions Pertinent to LVO/SMGCS C.2.5 Take Actions to Establish Airport LVO/SMGCS Working Group
• Appoint chairperson of Airport LVO/SMGCS Working Group
• Establish Airport LVO/SMGCS Working Group
• Perform airport evaluation C-1
• Identify LVO/SMGCS low visibility taxi routes
• Identify and establish needed facilities
• Identify and establish needed procedures
• Identify responsibilities of participants
• Flight Standards (FS)
• Airports (ARP)
• Air Traffic Organization (ATO)
• Airport Operator
• Airport Users
• Airport Tenants
• Formulate LVO/SMGCS Plan C.2.6 Considerations in Establishing and Maintaining a LVO/SMGCS Plan C.2.6.1 Runways
• Minimum length and width
• Paved overruns or blast pads
• Gradients within standards
• High intensity runway lights
• Centerline lighting and marking
• Lead-on lighting and marking
• Lead-off lighting and marking
• Number of runway exits (2 or 3; plus runway end) C.2.6.2 Taxiways
• Minimum width
• High speed exits, if appropriate C-2
• Connectors meet gradients standards
• Edge lighting, reflectors
• Determine if elevated lights are required due to snow or other factors
• Lighted connector taxiways must have the proper configuration of runway guard lights at the runway holding position (elevated or in-pavement)
• Taxiway centerline marking enhancements: 12-inch yellow reflective stripe with 6-inch black borders. Glass beads may be used to increase the conspicuity of markings (1.5 or 1.9 index of refraction)
• Taxiway designator markings
• Taxiway holding position markings and guidance signs
• Signs and marking denoting boundary of ILS critical area
• Surface painted holding position sign
• Vehicle roadway markings
• Movement area boundary markings
• Taxi guidance signs
• Taxi guidance markings C.2.6.3 Aprons/non-movement areas
• Appropriate lighting
• Taxi lanes, properly marked (reflective) and identified
• Vehicle roadway markings C.2.6.4 Inspection and monitoring of lights and visual aids
• Maintenance program within standards
• ATC Personnel training for use of system
• Monitoring within standards
• Inspection before entering low visibility conditions
• Re-inspection every four hours down to RVR 500 ft (150 m) C-3
C.2.6.5 Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF)
• Review existing procedures and determine if enhancements are required
• ARFF should have a LVO/SMGCS annual training program C.2.6.6 Low Visibility Taxi Routes
• Determine primary and alternate exits from runway(s) and taxi route(s) in support of landing operations less than RVR 1200 ft (350 m) down to and including RVR 500 ft (150 m).
• Determine taxi route(s) and entrance(s) to runway(s) for takeoff operations less than RVR 1200 ft (350 m) down to and including RVR 500 ft (150 m). Consider exits and routes for runway abort.
• It is recommended not to have runway crossings at other than 90-degree intersections.
• Assure airport operators coordinate development of the LVO/SMGCS low visibility taxi routes chart(s).
C.2.6.7 Snow Removal Equipment
• Routing
• Priorities C.2.6.8 Re-Positioning of Aircraft
• Determine routes to be used
• Determine visibility limitations
• Determine taxi/tow/follow-me procedures for air carrier operators
• Determine follow-me procedures for Part 91 operators
• Determine specific operational limitations, i.e., no passengers on board
• Require personnel to have documented LVO/SMGCS training and use LVO/SMGCS low visibility taxi chart(s)
• Determine whether additional lighting; including stop bars, markings, signs, or restrictions are necessary C-4
C.2.6.9 Air Traffic Control Procedures
• Internal coordination procedures for monitoring visibility trends, and making decisions to initiate and terminate LVO/SMGCS operations down to and including RVR 500 ft (150 m)
• Procedures for notification of the airport operations and pilots of initiation or termination of specific LVO/SMGCS Plan operations, by landline, ATIS, NOTAM, or voice communication
• Procedures for surface movement surveillance
• Procedures for informing pilots of outages of required equipment by voice communications, ATIS, NOTAM, or TMS, as appropriate
• Review of procedures for coordinating ARFF response in low visibility conditions
• Procedures for coordinating airfield lighting inspections
• Procedures for use of emergency generator/alternate electrical source C.2.6.10 Detailed Airfield Lighting/Marking/Signs Diagrams
• Submit as an attachment to the LVO/SMGCS Plan C.2.6.11 LVO/SMGCS Low Visibility Taxi Routes Chart(s)
• Submit as an appendix to the LVO/SMGCS Plan C.2.6.12 Ensure NOTAM System Procedures Are Established and Understood.
• It can be critical to aircraft operational safety and capacity that pilots and dispatchers are timely made aware of outages in the LVO/SMGCS system which might adversely affect the usability of the lowest published landing and/or takeoff minima for a runway or airport. NFDC NOTAM issuance is critical to enable wide area distribution.
C.2.7 Submit LVO/SMGCS Plan to FAA For Review and Acceptance through Flight Technologies and Procedures Division.
• Host initial inspection of LVO/SMGCS
• Correct discrepancies in plan/system
• Receive LVO/SMGCS Plan "acceptance" notification
• Correct specified conditions C-5
C.2.8 Determine Readiness of LVO/SMGCS and Participants.
• Training reported as complete and documented by participating responsible entities.
• LVO/SMGCS taxi route(s) chart(s) distributed and available for airport vehicle operators.
C.2.9 Accomplish Regular Reviews of the LVO/SMGCS Plan.
• Maintain documentation of training for inspection under Part 139.
• Correct discrepancies discovered or brought to the attention of the Airport LVO/SMGCS Working Group Chair.
• Carry out planning for future LVO/SMGCS operational capabilities as listed in the plan or as agreed upon by the Airport LVO/SMGCS Working Group.
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Appendix D. Checklist for LVO/SMGCS Operations Less Than RVR 500 Feet Th is sample checklist is provided for LVO/SMGCS operations less than RVR 500 ft (150 m).
We encourage you to use this checklist and tailor it to your specific airport and operational needs. Refer to appendix E, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport LVO/SMGS Plan, for an example of an accepted LVO/SMGCS Plan.
D.1 Signs, Markings, and Visual Aids.
D.1.1 Movement Area.
• Stop Bar Lights
• Runway guard lights
• Taxiway centerline lights
• Clearance bar lights
• Taxiway hold markings
• Surface painted direction or location signs
• Geographic position markings D.1.2 Non-movement Area.
• Taxiway centerline lights or taxiing assistance D.2 Guidelines and Review Items listed less than are in addition to Appendix C.
D.2.1 Considerations in Establishing and Maintaining a LVO/SMGCS Plan.
D.2.1.1 Runways
• Grooved (saw cut) surface or porous friction course (PFC) surface
• Number of runway exits (1 or 2; plus runway end) D.2.1.2 Taxiways
• Pavement fillets to enable oversteering on taxiway
• Centerline lighting recommended and should be continuous even when crossing a runway D-1
• Centerline lighted taxiways should be used unidirectional or be physically separated.
• Stop bar lights should be installed on all lighted taxiways at runway holding positions.
• Determine stop bars which are to be controllable or non-controllable by the ATCT.
• Determine where lead-on lighting to the runway will be associated with a controllable stop bar.
• At intersections offering a choice of routes, the angle of divergence must be clearly apparent, and distinct identification markings for each choice must be visible on the pavement, or the centerline lights must be controllable by the ATCT for channeling the aircraft in the cleared route direction.
• Alternating yellow/green centerline lights within the ILS critical area
• Clearance bar lights and markings
• Geographic position "pink spot" markings
• Taxi assistance available by follow-me or tow
• Use of glass beads or retroreflective paint markings for at least geographic position markings D.2.1.3 Aprons/non-movement areas
• Gate designators and lead in gate lead-in markings
• Apron Traffic Management Plan specifying restrictions, controls, ground support vehicle operations, training, and its documentation
• Taxi assistance available by follow-me, tow, and/or ground marshalling D.2.1.4 Inspection and monitoring of lights and visual aids
• Maintenance program within standards
• Monitoring within standards
• Inspection before entering low visibility conditions
• Re-inspection every two hours D-2
D.2.1.5 Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF)
• Review existing procedures and determine if enhancements are required
• Consider pre-positioning of ARFF vehicle(s) as an option D.2.1.6 Surface Movement Surveillance System (SMSS)
• ASDE-X or equivalent installed in ATCT and functioning
• Backup system of geographical position "pink spot" markings, clearance bars, and hold markings associated with ATC’s geographic positioning procedures D.2.1.7 Low Visibility Taxi Routes
• Determine the exit from the runway(s) and the taxi route(s) in support of landing operations less than RVR 500 ft (150 m)
• Determine taxi route(s) and entrance(s) to runway(s) for takeoff operations less than RVR 500 ft (150 m)
• Determine taxi route(s) in support of re-positioning of aircraft from maintenance/parking areas to aprons
• Taxi routes should be physically separated or used unidirectional D.2.1.8 Snow Removal Equipment
• Routing
• Priorities D.2.1.9 Air Traffic Control Procedures
• Internal coordination procedures for monitoring visibility trends, and making decisions to initiate and terminate LVO/SMGCS operations less than 500 ft (150 m)
• Procedures for geographic positioning of aircraft, using the system of geographic position "pink spot" markings, clearance bars, holding positions, and voice communications D.2.1.10 Re-Positioning of Aircraft
• Determine routes to be used
• Determine visibility limitations D-3