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CNS Manual Flight Inspection V1 Signed
CNS Manual Flight Inspection V1 Signed
1
__________________________________________________________________________________
Published by
Afghanistan Civil Aviation Authority
RECORD OF AMENDMENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Table of Contents........................................................................................................................3
Introduction................................................................................................................................5
Abbreviations..............................................................................................................................6
1.4 Enquiries............................................................................................................................... 7
4.2 Technical Details of Calibration Aircraft: Aircraft Type and Registration ..............................19
ABBREVIATIONS
LT Laser Tracker
MLAT Multilateration
CHAPTER 1
GENERAL
Purpose of this document is to provide information and guidelines pertaining to flight inspection of
CNS facilities, which are essential for the provision of safe and efficient air traffic services by
Afghanistan Civil Aviation Authority (ACAA) (ACAA). It is published for use and guidance of its CNS
Maintenance and operational personnel
Directorate of Communication will control this Manual electronically through ACAA website. A
current copy of the Manual will be published on Civil Aviation Authority of Afghanistan website.
Address: www.acaa.gov.af.
1.4 Enquiries
Director (CNS)
E-mail: h.stanakzai.fsacaa@gmail.com
CHAPTER 2
FLIGHT CALIBRATION
2.1 Requirements
Flight inspection and calibration of CNS facilities is mandatory as per the Air Navigation Order ANO
(COM) A.1, Paragraph 2.7. It is a requirement that all navigation facilities installed at different
airports in Afghanistan will be periodically inspected and calibrated by flight inspection team with
suitably equipped aircraft. The work will be done under the direct supervision of the ACAA technical
personnel.
2.2 Process
(a) As the organization has no such flight inspection aircraft, the Civil Aviation Authority of
Afghanistan will perform calibration work through tender for flight inspection services with Local or
international agent of flight inspection unit of participating country/organization having proven
experience for at least 7 (Seven) years of carrying flight calibration in his own country and abroad
and has the fully automatic system with PDGPS (Phase Resolution Differential GPS) installed at
dedicated flight inspection aircraft. In addition, the flight inspection unit must have back up aircraft
with standby system.
(b) The Navigation General Management will prepare schedule of flight inspection in coordination
Director of CNS .
(i) ACAA will carry out flight calibration at least twice a year as per schedule of the work and time.
(iii) Special flight calibration may be required for commissioning of newly installed equipment or due
to major overhauling, reinstallation of antenna system or change in environment that causes change
in characteristics of signal in space.
(c) Director (CNS) will appoint one Coordinator and one Assistant Coordinator for flight inspection
well prior to a flight calibration work.
(d) The Coordinator will remain responsible and will have further coordination with ATM
Department. He/she will plan, arrange for coordination meetings and coordinate the total progress
of the inspection work. He will coordinate with all the internal and external offices and authorities
related to or may impact on the progress of inspection work. The following offices and authorities
will be given due attention:
(i) Directorate of Inspection and Flight Safety for flight safety related activities regarding inspection
aircraft and flight crews and for flight clearance.
(iii) Directorate of ATM and Aerodromes for parking and air traffic control services including issuing
of NOTAM.
(vi) Border Police commander of each airport for State security clearance and surveillance.
(vii) General Management of Navigation for carrying out the inspection work.
(x) Airport administrations that own and maintain the navigation aids.
(xi) Security sections of airports for providing security to the calibration aircraft.
(xii) Motor Transport sections of ACAA to arrange for transport and vehicles.
The flight check profiles required for calibration for various parameters of navigation facilities should
be submitted by General Management of Navigation as Flight Calibration Report.
Note: The detailed report of Flight Inspection submitted by GMN will be available at the
Directorate of CNS.
(a) As needed the flight inspection unit may be required to undertake any of the following three
types of inspection.
(ii) Commissioning
(b) Site Evaluation Inspection: Site Evaluation flight inspections are carried out to determine the
suitability of a site for installation of a Navigation Aid.
obtain complete information regarding all aspects of performance of a Navigation Aid. The facility
can’t be declared operational before this check.
(d) Periodic/Routine Inspection: Periodic/Routine inspection is carried out to ensure that Navigation
Aid facility is being maintained within tolerance limits in spite of the inherent drift in the equipment.
Periodic/Routine inspections do not normally involve major adjustments unless the performance is
observed to have drifted either close to, or beyond the applicable tolerance limits.
(COM) A.1 and ANO (COM) A.4 and ICAO Doc. 8071 (Manual on Testing of Radio Navigation Aids),
and complying with the general and special terms and conditions of the tender document. The
following CNS facilities will be subject to flight calibration:
(a) Instrument Landing System will be flight inspected and calibrated at least twice a year.
(b) All CNS facilities mentioned in Paragraph 2.5 except ILS will be flight inspected and calibrated at
least once a year.
(a) Director (CNS) and GMN will be responsible for preparing schedules and monitoring of
conducting preflight inspections, checks and adjustments of the navigation aids.
(b) Following are the points to be observed during preflight inspection preparation:
(i) Ensure that the result of all possible ground calibration and checking of equipment are
satisfactory.
(ii) Maintenance personnel should be available to make corrections and adjustments during flight
inspection.
(iii) The PDGPS and LT Platform should be constructed, as advised by the GMN, along with suitable
power supply points. Such positions should be maintained properly for subsequent flight checks. The
position of LT reference reflector or its bracket should also be maintained properly.
(iv) Availability of dedicated transport for equipment and personnel should be ensured during the
entire course of flight check.
(v) Ensure all special tools and instruments are available at the site.
(viii) In case the facility is not expected to be ready as per the regular scheduled inspection, GMN
must be advised accordingly.
(ix) NOTAM action for withdrawal of facility during flight inspection must be taken without fail in
coordination with local ATC authorities.
During the inspection, Flight Inspector will advise maintenance personnel of observed conditions
which require adjustment of ground equipment. Request for adjustment will be specific and readily
understandable by ground personnel. Normally the Flight Inspector is not expected to diagnose the
fault, but will furnish sufficient information to enable the maintenance team to make the corrective
adjustment, when the aircraft is airborne. Record the adjustments done, for post analysis. Take
down relevant measurements on ground for establishing a meaningful correlation with the flight
check results after each run.
(ii) Take down relevant measurements on ground for establishing a meaningful correlation with the
flight check results.
(iv) Intimate higher authority regarding any major change in the facility
(a) Directorate of CNS and GMN will analyze the Flight Inspection Report and prepare a correction
plan without delay and carryout all necessary corrective actions as detailed by the
GMN in the report as soon as reasonably possible. GMN will inform Director (CNS) of the plan and
the actions taken.
(b) The GMN will also prepare a Note of Suggestions, if deemed required, for the next calibration. It
should contain the problems faced in the current inspection work and suitable remedies for future.
CHAPTER 3
(iii) The name of work is flight inspection and calibration of radio and visual navigation aids installed
at different civil airports of Afghanistan.
(vi) The work will be done through open tender or can be added to the TOR of Airspace Control.
3.2.1 Introduction
The Afghanistan Civil Aviation Authority (ACAA), here in after referred to as “The ACAA’’ intends
(a) The flight inspection service shall be conducted in accordance with the procedures described in
ICAO Doc. 8071 (Manual on Testing of Radio Navigation Aids), Air Navigation Order ANO (COM) A.1,
ANO (COM) A.4 and Guidance Materials contained in ICAO Annex 10, Volume I and IV on evaluation
of aeronautical navigation aids.
(b) The FIU should have minimum experience of 7 (seven) years of doing flight calibration in his own
country and abroad. The flight inspection should be carried out with fully automatic system with
PDGPS (Phase Resolution Differential GPS) installed at dedicated flight inspection aircraft. This
service contract can be for each airport or all airport or the specific duration of time. The FIU must
have the backup aircraft with standby system. If for any reason main aircraft cannot be operated
then backup aircraft should be deployed to complete the mission immediately.
(c) The FIU shall consist of crew with sufficient knowledge and experience and shall employ 2-
turbine/jet Engine. Calibration aircraft should be fully equipped and instrumented for night
instrument flights. The FIU must use their own and operated flight calibration aircraft. They must
include in the tender proposal the backup aircraft and system, and the type of ground and airborne
calibration equipment/systems to be used in flight inspection.
(d) Qualification of the flight crew and specification of aircraft will be as per ICAO Standards which
will be checked by CNS Directorate, GMN and Inspection Board of ACAA. Both crew and aircraft will
have to meet the requirements of Flight Safety of ACAA and be approved and cleared by it prior to
commencement of flight inspection work.
The flight inspection of navigational aids shall consist of flight tests to determine if the operational
performance of the facilities meets the standard and requirements of ANO (COM) A.1 and ANO
(COM) A.4 for safe air navigation by aircraft.
(a) The FIU will be required to schedule the flight check of each of the specified navigational facilities
in close consultation with the ACAA. The suitable time for flight inspection in Afghanistan is between
January to March or a suitable time in clear weather so that next calibration will take place
immediately after the contract. During the long term contract, ACAA will send a written notice to the
FIU before three months that they are ready for the calibration. Then the FIU will make the aircraft
available for flight calibration. If FIU fails to make the aircraft available, then ACAA could proceed for
the cancellation of the agreement.
(b) Advance notification of any changes to the flight calibration schedule shall be a responsibility of
each party, that is, the FIU and the ACAA and such changes shall be made by mutual consent only.
(a) The flight check crew shall be responsible for recording the results of each flight check on
standard formats covering all relevant parameters required to determine facility performance and
certification.
(b) Two designated representative of the Government shall be permitted on board the calibration
aircraft as observer, during any or all phases of the flight inspection mission.
(c) A briefing and debriefing session shall be conducted between the FIU and the representatives of
the ACAA before and just after the flight calibration is completed. In the debriefing session, the FIU
shall analyze and discuss the results and follow-up actions as required. After debriefing and before
leaving Afghanistan, a provisional flight inspection report shall be submitted by the FIU to the
Director (CNS).
(d) Within 30 days following the completion of the flight inspection of all specified facility, the FIU
shall provide a written final report, on the mission, to the ACAA. The report shall provide a record of
the activities and the findings of the mission and include an elaborate technical and operational
analysis on the flight check data. The final report shall contain copies of the chart recordings
obtained during the flight inspection to assist the ACAA in the preparation and maintenance of
station performance histories. The report shall also contain suggestions and recommendations for
corrective actions or for improvements in facility performance as may be appropriate.
(e) Information about the FIU shall have to be furnished along with the tender. Refer to Chapter 4
for details.
(iv) Necessary portable VHF equipment for air-ground communication during flight calibration.
2 (two) copies of photograph of each personnel and photocopy of the pages of the passport
containing information of the holder.
(b) The FIU will ensure clearance of over flights during the ferry flights.
(c) Aircraft to follow approved ATS routes while flying from one airport to another in
Afghanistan.
(d) The calibration aircraft must be able to restart its engine in all domestic airports
without ground support and if ground support required the FIU will be responsible for the charges.
(e) The contractor will meet the cost of all international ferry flight.
(f) All costs of subsistence, allowances hotel accommodation and transportation of the crews will be
borne by the contractor.
(g) Ground handling charges (if any) for the flight inspection aircraft will be borne by the contractor.
Landing, parking and navigational charges are exempted.
(h) All costs of the fuel consumed by the inspection aircraft in the flight inspection will be borne by
the contractor and he shall ensure the availability of required quantity of the aircraft fuel.
(i) No fuel facilities will be available at any airport except in Kabul, Herat, Mazare Sharif and
Kandahar.
Hence aircraft fuel tank must be able to store sufficient fuel to return to Kabul, Herat, Mazare Sharif
and Kandahar from other airports.
(i) 1 (one) Coordinator and 1 (one) Assistant Coordinator for over all
(ii) 1 (one) senior navigation aids maintenance engineer for technical cooperation during flight
calibration.
(iii) Technical and support personnel as required for the attainment of the specified tests.
(b) The ACAA will also be responsible for the following provisions:
(i) In-country clearance for aircraft and crew as required for conducting the flight inspection works
under the contract document.
(ii) Preparation and readiness of facilities for flight inspection on scheduled dates.
(iii) Availability of maintenance personnel to monitor and make corrections and adjustments of
ground facilities during inspection.
(iv) Permanent marker aligned with magnetic north or any reference point from the facility antenna
where applicable.
(v) Geographical coordinates of the facility positions, frequencies, identifications and maps covering
the areas to be flown.
(vii) Over flying clearance of flight inspection aircraft near the country’s borders.
(a) The contract may remain in force for a period of time as specific in the contract.
(b) The ACAA will pay the calibration charge on completion of the calibration tasks as
(d) Normal Calibration Schedule: The FIU will carry out flight calibration twice a year as
(f) Special flight calibration may be required for commissioning of newly installed equipment.
(g) Both the parties are allowed to terminate this contract if:
(h) The flight inspection unit must have back up aircraft with standby system.
(i) This service contract will be for specific duration of time as per contract and which may be
extended up to another time duration as per rules.
CHAPTER 4
(a) Flight Inspection System must be fully automatic and comply with ICAO Doc 8071 requirements.
This automatic flight inspection system must be installed in an Aircraft, which is dedicated for the
flight inspection role and the aircraft specifically modified by the AFIS manufacturer for this purpose
as per applicable airworthiness standards/rules of EASA/FAA.
This TYPE certificate must be provided with the airworthiness of the aircraft.
(b) FIS must have Dual NAV Receivers (VOR/ILS) exclusively used for flight inspection
system and dedicated flight inspection antennas, not shared with primary aircraft equipment.
(c) Flight inspection system must have the PDGPS (Phase Resolution Differential GPS)
(d) Flight Inspection System shall have a spectrum analyzer from measurement o frequency
spectrum of each navigation aid and for interference detection. Spectrum plots must be able to be
printed during flight.
(h) The Flight Inspector must have valid license for inspecting and calibrating air navigation aids and
Radar.
Aircraft Information
Date of Manufacture
Life Time
Date of Manufacture
Life Time
Date of Manufacture
Life Time
Date of Manufacture
Life Time
Date of Manufacture
Life Time
N. B: All the above information shall be supported by valid authentic document. In addition to the
above, following documents / statements are required:
(viii) A Statement from the 'State of Registry' stating that the aircraft is qualified to carry out
calibration flight in order to calibration navigational aids of airport.
(ix) A statement from the Operator stating that all applicable mandatory modification / inspect and
Airworthiness Directives are complied with within specified period.
2. Type of License.
3. License Number.
3. License Number.
CHAPTER 5
5.1 A briefing and debriefing session shall be conducted between the FIU and the representatives of
the ACAA before and just after the flight calibration is completed to analyze and discuss the results
and follow-up actions as required. After debriefing a provisional flight inspection report is to be
submitted to the ACAA DGCA.
5.2 Within 30 days following the completion of the flight inspection of all specified facility, the FIU
shall provide a written final report, on the mission, to the ACAA. The report shall provide a record of
the activities and the findings of the mission and include an elaborate technical and operational
analysis on the flight check data. The final report shall contain copies of the chart recordings
obtained during the flight inspection to assist the ACAA in the preparation and maintenance of
station performance histories. The report shall also, contain suggestions and recommendations for
corrective actions or for improvement of facility performance as may be appropriate.
CHAPTER 6
(i) Identification
(vii) Monitors
Purpose: To confirm that mod balance and mod depth are set properly. On centre line of LLZ
the DDM should be zero and Mod sum should be 40%. Final adjustments of Mod Balance and Mod
depth are carried out during approaches.
Purpose:
During Commissioning checks the Course width is adjusted for nominal value.
During Routine checks, it is ensured that the course width is within tolerance.
(ii) To check off-course clearance (in the sector 10° - 35° either side of clearance)
Purpose:
(i) To check the alignment of localizer (radio) center line with the physical runway center line.
(ii) To check that the quality of course signals is satisfactory. Course bends, Roughness, scalloping (all
combined together) should be within tolerance limits of the applicable category.
Monitor alarm limits are cross-checked. Ground maintenance personnel actuate alignment
monitor alarm condition with Mod-Balance control. Calibration aircraft detects the deviation
Purpose: To confirm that Localizer provides coverage to the defined service volume even when
operating at Half Power (Monitor Alarm).
Purpose: To confirm that no adverse effect will be encountered while flying on LLZ course due to
undesired vertical polarization component. The desired polarization of LLZ is Horizontal.
Purpose: To confirm that course width an either side of centre line is symmetrical within prescribed
limit. This check is done only during commissioning. After the flight Inspection is completed the
ground staff should ensure that both the transmitters are balanced on Monitors.
CHAPTER 7
Following are the various Flight Inspection Checks carried on GP Routine/Periodic check:
(v) Clearance
(vii) Monitors
Purpose: To confirm and correct (if required) the height of G/P Antenna elements above ground.
This check is performed during commissioning or after major maintenance of antenna.
Purpose: To establish that correct quadrature phase relationship between CSB and SBO
signals exists.
Purpose: To determine the Glide angle, sector width and adjust glide path equipment, if necessary.
Purpose:
(ii) To confirm that the G.P. bends, roughness and scalloping are within tolerance.
Purpose: To confirm that the Angle Alarm is adequately sensitive to detect a change of Glide
Purpose: To confirm that width alarm is adequately sensitive to detect an out-of tolerance change in
sector width value.
Purpose: To confirm that usable signal is available in the ± 8° azimuth zone (With the extended
center line as the reference).
This check is carried out only during commissioning or after major maintenance of the
antenna.
CHAPTER 8
Following are the various Flight Inspection Checks carried on DVOR Routine / Periodic check /
Commissioning
(i) Identification
(v) Orbit
(vi) Coverage
(viii) Monitors
Identification check is carried out to see the correctness, clarity and to ensure that there is no
adverse effect on VOR course structure. This check is performed anytime while flying a radial.
(a) The purpose of this check is to assure proper orientation of the antenna; Proper connection of its
RF feed lines. Course azimuth increases in a clockwise direction and ‘TOFROM’ indications are
correct.
(b) Flight Inspection aircraft flies any outbound radial to check sensing. After sensing is checked,
Orbit check starts.
(c) If it is found to be incorrect, the most probable cause would be reversed sideband antenna feed
cables.
Purpose: To confirm that modulation levels of 30 Hz AM, 9960 Hz Sub-carrier and the 30 Hz
FM (deviation ratio of 9960 Hz sub-carrier) are set properly. 8.5 Orbit Checks
8.5.1 5 NM Orbit
Purpose: This check is carried out during Commissioning and routine flight checks.
(i) To evaluate the error in azimuth alignment, the roughness and scalloping of sectors and the signal
strength over the orbit.
(ii) To determine the accuracy and overall alignment error distribution of the radials over 360
degrees.
Purpose:
(i) To check that the quality of course signals is satisfactory. Course bends, roughness, scalloping (all
combined together) should be within tolerance limits
(ii) Minimum 8 radials with at least one radial in each quadrant including ATS routs are checked
during commissioning. During Routine inspections, only ATS routes are checked.
Purpose: To confirm, that no adverse effect will be encountered, while flying on course due to
undesired vertical polarization component. The desired polarization of VOR is horizontal.
Purpose: To confirm that VOR provides coverage to the defined service volume even when
(a) Monitor alarm limits are cross checked. Ground maintenance personnel actuate alignment
monitor alarm condition with North Alignment Control. Calibration aircraft detects the deviation to
confirm that the deviation is within the tolerance limits.
(b) Calibration A/C flies on any radial either inbound or outbound. Give the equipment on alarm with
north alignment control when advised by flight inspector. Normalize the equipment after Alarm
check.
CHAPTER 9
(i) Identification
(ii) Coverage
(iii) Accuracy
All DME Checks are carried out in conjunction with checks on their associated facilities
9.2.1 Identification
The identification code should be clear and correct through out the area of coverage. The ID
9.2.2 Coverage
The area of coverage of the DME will be at least that of its associated facility (VOR & ILS)
The signal strength must be at least –82 dBm throughout the area of coverage.
No false replies should be present which could result in false locks-ons within the area of coverage.
This may occur at any location especially in the presence of vertical nulls.
(i) Identification
(iii) Coverage
9.4.1 Identification
The identification code should be clear and correct throughout the area of coverage. If voice is
installed, it should be readable to at least two thirds of the rated usable distance.
9.4.2 Coverage
Needle oscillations will not exceed ± 10 degrees to the maximum usable distance published for the
facility.
Needle oscillations will not exceed ± 5 degree throughout the approach or holding procedure.
CHAPTER 10
VASI/PAPI CALIBRATION
Following flight Inspection checks are carried out on the PAPI/VASI equipment.
Purpose: To confirm that the elements of the PAPI/VASI system are properly aligned and the
Purpose: To determine the approach slope and adjustment of the angle if required.