Terms of Reference. Airspace and Communications Requirements in the South Oil Sands Area, Northern Alberta

Transcription

1 Terms of Reference Airspace and Communications Requirements in the South Oil Sands Area, Northern Alberta NAV CANADA Aeronautical Studies and Analysis Air Operations Centre Edmonton International Airport Edmonton, AB T5K 2J8 March 2012 The information and diagrams contained in this Terms of Reference are for illustrative purposes only and are not to be used for navigation.

2 SIGNATURE PAGE Originated by: Brian Stockall Manager Aeronautical Studies and Analysis Reviewed by: Marcel Pinon, Manager Airspace and Service Requirements Reviewed by: Jeff MacDonald, Director Operations Planning and Programs Reviewed by: Dave Mastel General Manager Edmonton FIR Reviewed by: Trevor Johnson, Assistant Vice President Service Delivery Approved by: Title: Signature: Date: Rudy Kellar Vice President, Operations

3 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.0 Purpose Scope of the study Background Methodology Study Safety Management Plan Human Resources Work Management Plan Finance Resources Materiality of the changes Consultation Authority... 3

4 1.0 Purpose The purpose of this Terms of Reference (TOR) document is to initiate an aeronautical study to review the airspace classification and introduce an aerodrome traffic frequency area in the vicinity of the oil sands area south of Fort McMurray in northern Alberta. 2.0 Scope of the study The aeronautical study will assess the requirement to increase the classification of the airspace and investigate the introduction of a common use low-level frequency in northern Alberta in an area encompasing the oil sands plants at Kirby Lake, Christina Lake and Conklin. 3.0 Background Devon Energy, Cenovus Energy and MEG Energy operates SAGD oil sands plants at three sites in north-eastern Alberta. Wihile these sites are accessible by road, personnel and timesensitive cargo is transorted by air with employees being flown into the sites from the airports at Edmonton and Calgary. Aircraft used include Bombardier DHC and DHC-8-300, Beech 200, 1900C and 1900D and BAE Jetstream 31. Additionally, there is a considerable amount of helicopter activity assocciated with resource exploration, forestry and wildlife management. Furthermore, there is a significant amount of military jet aircraft activity due to the proximity of the Department of National Defense Cold Lake Air Weapons Range. All of the aircraft operators flying in the area have requested that a common low-level frequency area be defined and published, similar to that which was established in the oil sands area of north-eastern Alberta. 4.0 Methodology An aeronautical study assesses and analyzes information through data collection and customer/stakeholder consultation. The aeronautical study team will: Confirm stakeholder requirements for. Analyze the concerns and issues raised by the stakeholders, Develop possible solutions and/or options, Conduct a HIRA as required, Present recommendations to senior management for approval, Coordinate with the appropriate managers who would be involved with the technical and operational implementation of the proposed service change, and Coordinate with Transport Canada. The study team will ensure that consultation with customers and affected or interested stakeholders is sufficient prior to making any recommendations to senior management. A business case will be developed to validate the recommendations. 1

5 A risk management team will conduct the risk assessment and may call upon stakeholders to contribute to the analysis of some risk scenarios. 5.0 Safety Management Plan The manager responsible for implementing any decisions resulting from this aeronautical study will prepare a project safety management plan. The plan will include mitigation and monitoring actions identified through this study that are required to implement the change in service. 6.0 Human Resources The team will be based on a multi-disciplined, matrix organization. Representation will be obtained on an as needed basis for key technical, operational and support areas. Additional members will be identified during the course of the work and will be expected to participate on specific tasks on an as required basis. The duration of those tasks may vary from a few days to two weeks. A key focus of the project manager will be to minimize the impact of all work assignments on other projects underway. The level of effort and duration will be calculated during the planning phase of project. Team Leader Manager, Aeronautical Studies and Analysis Others Team Members: Manager, Airspace and Service Requirements Specialist, Airspace and Service Requirements GMFIR Edmonton ACC, UPS AIS (as required) 7.0 Work Management Plan Terms of Reference approval: March 2012 If the study is approved, the following will be undertaken: 1. Develop Communication and Consultation Plan April Study commencement April Consultation Fall Assess consultation input Fall Conduct HIRA Fall Finalize Aeronautical Study Report Winter Management Approvals Winter Circulate to Transport Canada for safety oversight review Winter 2013 Following Transport Canada review 9. Implement TBD 10. Prepare AIS Submission TBD 11. Prepare and publish AIC TBD 2

6 12. Prepare and publish Notice TBD 13. Monitoring Post implementation Reviews (conducted at post 90 days and 1-year) 8.0 Finance Resources Each responsibility manager is accountable for travel and related expenses, and the management of overtime. Service design changes may generate an engineering support requirement. These requirements will be identified as the review progresses and an Opportunity Identification Form (OIF) generated to initiate project planning. 9.0 Materiality of the changes There is the potential that some of the service delivery options may represent a material change. Formal notifications per the Civil Air Navigation Services Commercialization Act should apply Consultation An appropriate communications plan incorporating a full consultation plan will be prepared. Aviation organizations representing airport, general aviation, business aviation and others as appropriate will be consulted during the Aeronautical Study. A complete list of customers and stakeholders consulted will be attached to the aeronautical study Authority Vice President Operations 3