1.1 Definition

An aircraft proximity (AIRPROX) is defined as a situation in which, in the opinion of a pilot or air traffic services personnel, the distance between aircraft as well as their relative positions and speed have been such that the safety of the aircraft involved may have been compromised (ICAO Doc 4444-ATM/501, chapter 1).

1.2 Obligation to report

In case an AIRPROX took place involving any aircraft within the flight information region Amsterdam, the initial AIRPROX report shall be submitted immediately by radio, the full report shall be submitted within 72 hours to the Occurrence Reporting Bureau of CAA-NL (ILT) by:

• the pilot of an aircraft involved in an AIRPROX.
• any person involved in the provision of air traffic control or flight information service and who has provided services to the aircraft.

The obligation to report is elaborated in The Notification of Incidents in Civil Aviation Regulations.

1.3 Purpose of reporting

To promote the safety of air traffic by recommending where necessary to the appropriate authorities or aircraft operators any action which needs to be taken to avoid similar occurrences. The trend for the reports which are classified as ‘incident’ will be closely monitored by the CAA-NL. If necessary; corrective actions will be taken by the authorities.

In addition, if an AIRPROX is considered as being a serious incident, the purpose of the investigation by the Safety Board is to make sure that lessons can be learned from the serious incident investigated, in order to avoid its repetition. Wherever necessary, the Safety Board makes relevant recommendations to the appointed authority or authorities or aircraft operator(s).

1.4 AIRPROX reporting procedures

An AIRPROX should be reported by means of:

• Radio transmission, or by telephone directly after landing, to the appropriate ATC/ATS unit stating at least:
  1. Aircraft identification reporting 'AIRPROX'.
  2. Horizontal and vertical closest distance.
  3. Time and position of the incident (UTC).
  4. Heading, speed, altitude/level and altimeter setting, destination.
  5. Aircraft movement and avoiding action.
  6. Other aircraft type, registration or description, its relative movement.
• In writing, within 72 hours, completing the form 'Report aircraft proximity' which can be found at:

  URL: https://e-loket.ilent.nl/formulier/en-GB/Portaal/MLu_008.aspx

AIRPROX reports must be forwarded via email to the CAA-NL (Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate - ILT):

1.5 In case of a serious incident

Notwithstanding the above, if an AIRPROX qualifies as a serious incident, according to the resolution on the Dutch Safety Board the reporter of the AIRPROX is also obliged to report separately to the Dutch Safety Board (https://onderzoeksraad.nl/en) by means of: