Using ERSA for Runway Information
Introduction to the En Route Supplement Australia (ERSA)
The En Route Supplement Australia (ERSA) is an essential resource for pilots operating within Australian airspace, providing detailed information necessary for both flight planning and safe in-flight navigation. This section focuses on using ERSA to determine runway data for any given airport, fulfilling the basic aeronautical knowledge requirements for navigation documentation necessary for the CASA RPL pilot license theory exam.
Accessing ERSA
Steps to Access ERSA
- Visit the Website: Begin by navigating to the ERSA page on Airservices Australia.
- Subscribe to ERSA: Access requires a subscription through Airservices Australia to obtain detailed aerodrome and runway data. Use the provided subscription link.
- Download Entries: Individual aerodrome PDFs, including runway data, are downloadable, along with the Runway Distance Supplement (RDS) entries.
For technical support:
- Email: data.airservices@airservicesaustralia.com
- Phone: Australia: 1300 301 120 | International: +61 2 6268 4111
Understanding Runway Data in ERSA
Key Data Sections in ERSA
1. Runway Designation and Identification
- Runway Designation (RWY): Identified by the magnetic direction rounded to the nearest 10 degrees. Parallel runways may include additional identifiers like Left (L) or Right (R).
Examples:
- Runway 09 at an airport aligns approximately with a 90-degree magnetic heading.
- Runway 18L indicates a left parallel runway aligned with a 180-degree magnetic heading.
2. Runway Bearings and Dimensions
- Bearings: Expressed in degrees magnetic, aligning with the runway designation.
- Dimensions: Include specified lengths such as Takeoff Run Available (TORA), essential for determining the runway usage.
3. Declared Distances
Understanding declared distances is critical for assessing runway usability:
- TORA (Takeoff Run Available): Length of runway available for a takeoff run.
- TODA (Takeoff Distance Available): TORA plus the length of any remaining clearway.
- ASDA (Accelerate-Stop Distance Available): Length of runway available for an aborted takeoff.
- LDA (Landing Distance Available): Utilizable length of runway for landing.
4. Runway Lighting and Surface
- Information on High Intensity Approach Lights (HIAL), Precision Approach Path Indicators (PAPI), and runway surface characteristics, indicated by the Aircraft Classification Number (ACN)/Pavement Classification Number (PCN).
Interpreting Runway Data
An Example ERSA Entry Interpretation
Consider the following hypothetical ERSA entry snippet for Runway 09/27 at XYZ Airport:
| Parameter | Runway 09 | Runway 27 |
|---|---|---|
| Bearing (° magnetic) | 090 | 270 |
| TORA (meters) | 2,500 | 2,400 |
| TODA (meters) | 2,700 | 2,600 |
| ASDA (meters) | 2,500 | 2,500 |
| LDA (meters) | 2,400 | 2,300 |
| HIAL | Yes | No |
| Surface Type | Asphalt | Asphalt |
| Lighting | PAPI on both | PAPI on both |
In this entry, pilots ascertain runway directions, distance parameters, lighting, and surface type crucial for flight operations planning at XYZ Airport.
Conclusion
Understanding and applying ERSA data is indispensable for navigating and operating safely and efficiently within Australian airspace. By mastering how to access, interpret, and utilize runway data from ERSA, pilots ensure compliance with safety and operational standards, enhancing flight safety and performance.
For further information and updates, refer to the detailed documentation available through Airservices Australia’s platform and confirm dynamic conditions through NOTAMs and direct contact with aerodrome operators as necessary.