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In an effort to reduce Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System Resolution Advisories for aircraft on approach to Runway 16R and Runway 16L at the Denver International Airport (DEN) the FAA is implementing a three-degree lateral offset for approaches to Runway 16R. The NBAA shared the recent change on Monday, explaining the change in procedure.
InFO 23010 alerts pilots to procedural revisions, like the lateral offset degree change. The FAA will use the offset approach course on Runway 16R when both of the runways are in use and at least one aircraft is making a visual approach. The InFO stresses the importance of maintaining course alignment to mitigate TCAS Ras and the use of TCAS Traffic Advisory RA mode. Radar monitored data analysis had revealed a large number of TCAS RAS when aircraft were established on straight-in approaches to Runways 16R and 16L. These RAs resulted in unstabilized approaches, aircraft forced down below minimum crossing altitudes, go-arounds and resequencing.
"Recent studies have shown that utilizing a 3-degree lateral offset approach course to runway 16R at DEN will prevent TCAS RAs while allowing for the use of TA/RA mode," the InFO said.
The FAA will publish two RNA effective Nov. 30, three-degree lateral offset approaches to runway 16R, RNAV GPSY Runway 16R and RNAV Required Navigation Performance Z RWY 16R approaches will also be laterally offset by three degrees. The InFO includes a bulleted list of operational considerations like ATIS guidance, visual approach considerations and using straight-in ILS approaches to Runway 16R.
"When conducting a visual approach, pilots are not required to follow a specific track or vertical profile," the InFO said. "However, to assist in mitigating the present KDEN runway 16R/16L TCAS RA issue, it is recommended that flight crews navigate via the lateral and vertical path of the appropriate instrument approach procedure. Remaining on the lateral path is compatible with operating the TCAS in TA/RA mode. Navigating the vertical path (or complying with the minimum at-or-above altitudes) permits the aircraft to conduct a stabilized approach and remain within Class B airspace."
Operators are encouraged to review risk assessments of TCAS policy and procedures, including their use of the TCAS TA/RA when DEN ATC is conducting concurrent approach operations to Runways 16L and 16R using the Runway 16R offset procedures.