The ‘S-PWS’ solution for Approach and Departure, developed under the SESAR2020 programme as PJ02.01.04 (S-PWS-A) in distance, and PJ02.01.06 (S-PWS-D) in distance or time, is a refinement from RECAT-EU, delivering further separation reduction of 0.5NM or 1NM in distance, or up to 30 seconds less on departure, for some frequent aircraft pairs, and supporting increased runway throughput.
The minima are derived on the basis of the same methodology as used in RECAT-EU (and endorsed by EASA), however aligning the wake turbulence encounter risk on a pair-wise basis. On this, EUROCONTROL has produced a generic Safety Case, submitted to EASA for review and recommendations, in support of regulatory acceptance of local deployments.
There are several ways to operate the RECAT-EU-PWS scheme: on a pair-wise basis (with ATC separation delivery tool support), on a categorical system basis (with/without ATC separation delivery tool support), or on a procedural basis for selected aircraft type pairs in view of upgrading the applied wake categorisation scheme and bringing quick wins.