Business aviation operators traveling to Japan should be aware a recently published Aeronautical Information Circular on Falling Objects. The full details on what the circular is and what you need to do to comply are below:

1. What is the Falling Objects Aeronautical Information Circular (AIC)?

As part of Japan’s efforts to prepare for the upcoming 2020 Olympic Games and increase runway slot capacity, more flights will now be routed over the city center. As a result, Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) has issued an AIC detailing requirements to eliminate the risk falling objects by General Aviation operations. (Diplomatic flight or Emergency flight may be exempt to this requirement.)

2. When does the requirement go into effect?

Effective March 30, 2019, GA operators, intending to operate into RJAA, RJBB, RJOO, RJGG, RJTT, RJCC, RJCW, RJCK, RJCH, RJSS, RJSN, RJOA, RJOT, RJOM, RJOK, RJFF, RJFR, RJFU, RJFT, RJFO, RJFM, RJFK, ROAH, RJCO, RJAH, RJNK, RJOH, RJOS, RJSM, RJOI or RJOY airport will be required to sign and submit two documents to respective airport authorities upon slot/parking application.

Note: The measures go into effect March 15, 2019 for charter operators.

3. How do operators comply with the AIC?

JCAB’s AIC is requiring operators sign two memorandums that affirm they will take measures to help reduce the occurrence of dropping aircraft parts, falling ice blocks or falling objects from in-flight aircraft during its taking off or landing at airports.

4. Memorandum 1: Statement to Prevent Objects Falling Off Airplane

The first memorandum details the inspection and maintenance steps aircraft operators must comply with to “prevent objects falling off airplane,” including:

• Daily inspection before and after flights
• Discharging excess fluids after servicing and ensuring lav and potable water doors are closed
• Inspecting for leakage and regular cleaning of fuel drain, which are prone to ice accumulation
• Removing rain and snow during cargo loading
• Following technical documents and service briefings on engine failure procedures to reduce risk of parts falling off

For the complete details in the Statement to Prevent Objects Falling Off Airplane memorandum, click here.

5. Memorandum 2: Agreement on Relief for Damage caused by Falling Objects from Aircraft

This memorandum serves as an agreement that the signer bears “responsibility for the amount of expenses for compensation of the damage, proportionally divided by the number of the acknowledged aircraft.” You can read the full memorandum here.

6. Your handler can sign these documents on your behalf

Universal Aviation Japan will be able to sign and submit these documents to respective airport authorities on behalf of the operator if the operator offers us relevant Power of Attorney. Please contact Universal Aviation Japan at japan@universalaviation.aero if you would like us to give us power of attorney to complete these memorandums. This can be completed via PDF.

If you decide to submit these documents on your own, you will need to do the following:

• • Submit Attachment 1 in advance as a PDF with original on arrival for each operation to each of the listed airports. Or, you may submit by post in advance for each operation to each of the listed airports

• • Also submit Attachment 2 would need to be submitted one time to each of the listed airports. (Please refer to the AIC for the listed airports)

7. What aircraft fall under these memorandums?

Operators of airplanes (airplanes with a maximum takeoff weight of more than 5,700 kg; hereinafter the same) shall sign the Statement to take the measures to prevent objects falling off airplanes.

Conclusion

The falling objects from aircraft AIC requirements go into effect March 15, 2019 for charter operators and March 30, 2019 for all other business aircraft. In order to comply, operators must sign and submit two memorandums. These can be completed by your handler but you must first provide power of attorney.