I checked the updates to the Japan eAIP and found a new supplement regarding the GPS navigation regulations below:

“AIC Nr 004/16 Operational Standard for the use of GPS when flying under Instrument Flight Rules GPS を計器飛行方式に使用する運航の実施基準”

The content is:

“1-3 　 Policy for the Use of GPS Because GPS do not fully meet the performance requirements applicable to a sole-means of navigation, they shall be augmented to be used for navigation, if needed.

1-4 　 Applicability of the Use of GPS as a Means of Navigation The pilots are not permitted to use GPS for precision instrument approach, except the case that they operate the initial approach segment using the GNSS when GNSS flight is approved in initial approach segment.”

Effective from February 4th of this year.

The main point is an emphasis that relying solely on GPS equipment is not sufficient, particularly because it does not qualify as a precision approach; therefore, it should be used in conjunction with other equipment. However, its use remains permitted during the initial approach segment.

The recent GPS navigation accident is likely the Asiana Airlines Flight OZ162 landing failure in Hiroshima. It is unknown if this new regulation is related to that accident.

Incidentally, eaipchina has switched to a registration system and appears to be no longer free to use. According to the explanation <a href=http://www.aischina.com/News.aspx?id=2F2C9C92809C272A&name=E40C1B0F64F8BE3AC1450D0CE22E7399EAB1DD6DAD4E292344C12B2F0B43D19F>here, the eAIP has practically become an intranet…

“If an airline is using the domestic Aeronautical Information Network Browser for the first time, they must first log in to the ‘Order and Distribution System’ of the Information Center and download the ‘Encrypted Network Version’ installer from the ‘Software Download’ section. For specific installation steps, please refer to the ‘Encrypted Network Version Installation Video Tutorial’ and ‘Network Version Installation Manual’. After correctly installing the network browser software, you need to download the ‘Machine USB Key Code Retrieval Tool’, run the software to extract the ‘Local Machine UUID’, and send it to the email: [email protected]. In the email, please clearly state: the Unit Name and Department Name, Contact Person Name, Telephone, Mobile Phone, and other information.”

End