AMC1 SPA.HOFO.125 Airborne radar approach (ARA) to offshore locations

CAA ORS9 Decision No. 47

Text in magenta in force from 30 October 2025

[Editor's note: The title of this AMC will change on 30 October 2025 to: AMC1 SPA.HOFO.125 Offshore standard approach procedures (OSAPs)]

Note: alternative approach procedures using original equipment manufacturer (OEM) certified approach systems are not covered by this AMC.

GENERAL [Editor's note: The title of this AMC will change on 30 October 2025 to: AIRBORNE RADAR APPROACH (ARA)]

  1. Before commencing the final approach, the pilot-in-command/commander should ensure that a clear path exists on the radar screen for the final and missed approach segments. If lateral clearance from any obstacle will be less than 1 NM, the pilot-in-command/commander should:

    1. approach to a nearby target structure and thereafter proceed visually to the destination structure; or

    2. make the approach from another direction leading to a circling manoeuvre.

  2. The cloud ceiling should be sufficiently clear above the helideck to permit a safe landing.

  3. Minimum descent height (MDH) should not be less than 50 ft above the elevation of the helideck:

    1. the MDH for an airborne radar approach should not be lower than:

      1. 200 ft by day; or

      2. 300 ft by night; and

    2. the MDH for an approach leading to a circling manoeuvre should not be lower than:

      1. 300 ft by day; or

      2. 500 ft by night.

  4. Minimum descent altitude (MDA) may only be used if the radio altimeter is unserviceable. The MDA should be a minimum of the MDH + 200 ft, and be based on a calibrated barometer at the destination or on the lowest forecast barometric pressure adjusted to sea level (QNH) for the region.

  5. The decision range should not be less than 0.75 NM.

  6. The MDA/MDH for a single-pilot ARA should be 100 ft higher than that calculated in accordance with (c) and (d) above. The decision range should not be less than 1 NM.

  7. For approaches to non-moving offshore locations, the maximum range discrepancy between the global navigation satellite system (GNSS) and the weather radar display should not be greater than 0.3 NM at any point between the final approach fix (FAF) at 4 NM from the offshore location and the offset initiation point (OIP) at 1.5 NM from the offshore location.

  8. For approaches to non-moving offshore locations, the maximum bearing discrepancy between the GNSS and the weather radar display should not be greater than 10° at the FAF at 4 NM from the offshore location.