1. General
(i) Take-off minima established by the operator must be expressed as visibility or RVR limits, taking into account all relevant factors for each aerodrome planned to be used and the aeroplane characteristics. Where there is a specific need to see and avoid obstacles on departure and/or for a forced landing, additional conditions (e.g. ceiling) must be specified.
(ii) The commander shall not commence take-off unless the weather conditions at the aerodrome of departure are equal to or better than applicable minima for landing at that aerodrome unless a suitable take-off alternate aerodrome is available.
(iii) When the reported meteorological visibility is below that required for take-off and RVR is not reported, a take-off may only be commenced if the commander can determine that the RVR/visibility along the take-off runway is equal to or better than the required minimum.
(iv) When no reported meteorological visibility or RVR is available, a take-off may only be commenced if the commander can determine that the RVR/visibility along the take-off runway is equal to or better than the required minimum.
2. Visual reference
The take-off minima must be selected to ensure sufficient guidance to control the aeroplane in the event of both a discontinued take-off in adverse circumstances and a continued take-off after failure of the critical power unit.
3. Required RVR/visibility
(i) For multi-engined aeroplanes, whose performance is such that, in the event of a critical power unit failure at any point during take-off, the aeroplane can either stop or continue the take-off to a height of 1 500 ft above the aerodrome while clearing obstacles by the required margins, the take-off minima established by an operator must be expressed as RVR/Visibility values not lower than those given in Table 1 below except as provided in paragraph 4. below:
Table 1
RVR/visibility for take-off
| Facilities | RVR/Visibility (Note 3) |
|---|---|
| Nil (day only) | 500 m |
| Runway edge lighting and/or centreline marking | 250/300 m (Notes 1 and 2) |
| Runway edge and centreline lighting | 200/250 m (Note (1) |
| Runway edge and centreline lighting and multiple RVR information | 150/200 m (Notes 1 and 4) |
Note 1: The higher values apply to Category D aeroplanes.
Note 2: For night operations at least runway edge and runway end lights are required.
Note 2: The reported RVR/visibility value representative of the initial part of the take-off run can be replaced by pilot assessment.
Note 4: The required RVR value must be achieved for all of the relevant RVR reporting points with the exception given in Note 3 above.
(ii) For multi-engined aeroplanes whose performance is such that they cannot comply with the performance conditions in subparagraph (a)(3)(i) above in the event of a critical power unit failure, there may be a need to re-land immediately and to see and avoid obstacles in the take-off area. Such aeroplanes may be operated to the following take-off minima provided they are able to comply with the applicable obstacle clearance criteria, assuming engine failure at the height specified. The take-off minima established by an operator must be based upon the height from which the one engine inoperative net take-off flight path can be constructed. The RVR minima used may not be lower than either of the values given in Table 1 above or Table 2 below.
Table 2
Assumed engine failure height above the runway versus RVR/visibility
Take – off RVR/visibility
| Assumed engine failure height above the take-off runway | RVR/visibility (Note 2) |
|---|---|
| ≤ 50 ft | 200 m |
| 51-100 ft | 300 m |
| 101-150 ft | 400 m |
| 151-200 ft | 500 m |
| 201-300 ft | 1000m |
| > 300 ft | 1500m (Note 1) |
Note 1: 1500 m is also applicable if no positive take-off flight path can be constructed.
Note 2: The reported RVR/visibility value representative of the initial part of the take-off run can be replaced by pilot assessment.
(iii) When reported RVR, or meteorological visibility is not available, the commander shall not commence take-off unless he can determine that the actual conditions satisfy the applicable take-off minima.
4. Exceptions to subparagraph (a)(3)(i) above:
(i) Subject to the approval of the Authority, and provided the requirements in paragraphs (A) to (E) below have been satisfied, an operator may reduce the take-off minima to 125 m RVR (Category A, B and C aeroplanes) or 150 m RVR (Category D aeroplanes) when:
(A) low visibility procedures are in force;
(B) high intensity runway centreline lights spaced 15 m or less and high intensity edge lights spaced 60 m or less are in operation;
(C) flight crew members have satisfactorily completed training in a Flight Simulator;
(D) a 90 m visual segment is available from the cockpit at the start of the take-off run; and
(E) the required RVR value has been achieved for all of the relevant RVR reporting points
(ii) Subject to the approval of the Authority, an operator of an aeroplane using either:
(A) an approved lateral guidance system; or,
(B) an approved HUD/HUDLS for take-off may reduce the take-off minima to an RVR less than 125 m (Category A, B and C aeroplanes) or 150 m (Category D aeroplanes) but not lower than 75 m provided runway protection and facilities equivalent to Category III landing operations are available.
Source: EU-OPS