CNS News
RNP4 and RNP10 Aircraft Operating in WATRS+ Airspace Asked to Include Details in Remarks Section of Flight Plan
May 8, 2008
Operators operating in the WATRS+ (West Atlantic Route System) control areas that have RNP4 or RNP10 certified aircraft are asked to include this information in the remarks section of the ICAO flight plan. Users should enter the remarks NAV/RNP4 or NAV/RNP10 in section 18 of the ICAO flight plan in addition to listing the letters R and Z in section 10. The reduced lateral separation standards will only be applied to operators/aircraft that annotate the correct RNP information in the remarks field and in section 10. The WATRS+ route structure redesign and separation reduction will commence on June 5, 2008. More details on the WATRS+ route redesign can be found on the FAA's WATRS Plus web page.
WATRS Plus Route Structure Redesign and Separation Reduction Project Update
April 21, 2008
On June 5, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will introduce a redesigned route structure and reduced lateral separation standard on oceanic routes or areas in the Western Atlantic Route System (WATRS) Plus Control Areas to enhance operator access to time/fuel-efficient routes and altitudes and enroute capacity. One part of the initiative will implement required navigation performance (RNP) 10 and 50 NM lateral separation of traffic. Initially, the RNP 10 requirement will be voluntary, but operators without RNP 10 authorization may experience diversions of route or time. The FAA also has released documents outlining the WATRS Plus operational policy and procedures along with route-and-fix data. For more information, contact NBAA's Operations Service Group at info@nbaa.org or visit the FAA's WATRS Plus web page.
New EuroControl RNAV Web Resource Available
April 8, 2008
EuroControl, the European Organization for the Safety of Air Navigation, has created a new web-based resource which summarizes the various area navigation (RNAV) technologies in use within Europe. The resource allows users to view country-specific information regarding basic area navigation (B-RNAV), precision area navigation (P-RNAV), and required navigation performance (RNP) approaches, precision approaches, implementation plans and associated web links. To view this web resource, visit:
http://www.ecacnav.com/Future_Applications/RNAV_Interactive_Map
FAA Releases Cockpit Voice and Flight Data Recorder Final Rule
March 17, 2008
On March 7, the FAA published its final rule for modifications to cockpit voice recorders (CVR) and flight data recorders (FDR). The final rule, effective April 7, will require modifications to CVR and FDR recording time, power supplies, sampling rates and installation locations. Due largely in part to objections raised by NBAA, the FAA will not require CVR retrofits that incorporate a two-hour recording capability and an independent power supply, for aircraft currently in operation under FAR Parts 91 and 135. Aircraft operators must address other aspects of the final rule by April 7, 2012. For additional information, contact NBAA’s Operations Service Group at info@nbaa.org, or visit:
Termination of 121.5 MHz ELT Beacons for Satellite Alerting Approaching
September 6, 2007
On 1 February 2009, the International Cospas-Sarsat Organization (U.S. included) will terminate processing of distress signals emitted by 121.5 MHz Emergency Locator Transmitters (ELTs). This means that pilots flying aircraft equipped with 121.5 MHz ELTs after that date will have to depend on pilots of over flying aircraft and or ground stations monitoring 121.5 to hear and report distress alert signals, transmitted from a possible crash site. For further information concerning the termination of 121.5 MHz data processing visit http://web.nbaa.org/member/ops/cns/elt/1215_termination.php.
FAA Issues New Advisory Circular for Electronic Flight Bag Use under Part 91
July 26, 2007
Advisory Circular 91-78 was recently issued by the FAA to provide guidance on the use of Class 1 or Class 2 Electronic Flight Bags under Part 91 and the removal of paper aeronautical charts and other documentation from the cockpit. For more information, visit the NBAA EFB Web Resource.
RNP 10 to Be Implemented in WATRS Plus Airspace June 2008
July 18, 2007
On June 5, 2008, a redesigned route structure and 50 nm lateral separation between aircraft authorized RNP 10 or RNP 4 will be implemented in the WATRS Plus control areas. The FAA will accommodate a small percentage of flights by aircraft that are not RNP 10 endorsed, but eligible operators are urged to obtain operational approval for RNP 10 or RNP 4 by May 5, 2008. U.S. operators will continue to obtain operational approval using the guidance in FAA Order 8400.12A (RNP 10 Operational Approval). FAA Order 8400.12A and an 8400.12A-based job aid for U.S. operators and FAA inspectors are posted on the WATRS Plus web site at:
http://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/ato/service_units/enroute/oceanic/WATRS_Plus/
Can I still fly in Europe after March 31 if my aircraft is not yet equipped with Mode S EHS?
February 22, 2007
NBAA has received calls from operators asking if the deadline for implementation of the Mode S Enhanced Surveillance (EHS) will again be delayed. The answer is no, it will be implemented as currently scheduled. However, certain practical issues have been identified (such as the late arrival of SBs or other technical issues) which preclude some operators from achieving equipment installation on their aircraft by the required date. To address these issues, additional arrangements are being proposed to enable those aircraft operators, whose implementation program is unavoidably delayed, to receive temporary permission to continue operating their aircraft without the imposition of the Mode S mandates. For more information, contact Eurocontrol’s Remedios Fernandez-Plaza at remedios.fernandez-plaza@eurocontrol.int or visit the NBAA website at web.nbaa.org/member/ops/cns/modes.
FAA Creates Web Page for RNP 10 Implementation
January 29, 2007
The FAA recently established the WATRS Plus web page to address issues related to WATRS Plus Airspace, which is defined as the West Atlantic Route System (WATRS), Miami Oceanic airspace in the Atlantic and the San Juan Flight Information Region. The new web page contains information such as the FAA notice announcing the intent to implement RNP 10 in WATRS Plus airspace, guidance on aircraft and operator authorization for RNP 10 and the draft concept of operations. For more information, contact FAA's Justo Casablanca at Justo.Casablanca@faa.gov or view the web page at:
http://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/ato/service_units/enroute/oceanic/WATRS_Plus/.
Mode S Transponder Equipage Deadline Approaching for European Operations
January 16, 2007
The March 31, 2007 deadline to be in compliance with the Eurocontrol requirement for operators of aircraft with a maximum takeoff weight greater than 12,566 lbs. or a maximum cruise true airspeed greater than 250 knots to equip their aircraft with Mode S Elementary (ELS) and Enhanced (EHS) Surveillance for flights in European airspace is fast approaching. For more information, visit the NBAA website at http://web.nbaa.org/member/ops/cns/modes/
RNP-10 to be Implemented in WATRS Plus Airspace in 2008
December 4, 2006
On June 5, 2008, the FAA plans to introduce a redesigned route structure and a reduced lateral separation standard in WATRS Plus airspace. WATRS Plus airspace includes the West Atlantic Route System (WATRS), Miami Oceanic airspace in the Atlantic and the San Juan FIR. Although the airspace will initially be non-exclusionary, some access restrictions may apply to those without dual RNP-10 capable long-range navigation systems. For more information, visit the FAA web site at:
http://www.faa.gov/ats/ato/cns.htm
Scientists Issue Unprecedented Forecast of Next Sunspot Cycle
March 13, 2006
The next sunspot cycle will be 30 to 50 percent stronger than the last one and begin as much as a year late, according to a breakthrough
forecast using a computer model of solar dynamics developed by the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR). The next solar cycle, known as Cycle
24, will produce sunspots across an area slightly larger than 2.5 percent of the visible surface of the sun. The scientists expect the cycle to begin in
late 2007 or early 2008 and reach its peak by about 2012. Predicting the sun's cycles helps plan for active bouts of solar storms, which can slow satellite
orbits, disrupt communications and bring down power systems. Review the NCAR press release.
European Union RNAV Requirements and Implementations
November 23, 2005
Since January 1998, Basic RNAV (B-RNAV) capability has been mandated for operations in European en route airspace. As a
means of overcoming the current inconsistencies in European Civil Aviation Conference terminal airspace, Eurocontrol has
produced a plan for the implementation of Precision RNAV (P-RNAV) operations. P-RNAV provides the navigational performance
and functionality required for RNAV terminal area procedures and offers the ability to use RNAV functionality in all phases
of flight except final approach and missed approach. Though there is currently no mandate for P-RNAV, and conventional terminal
area procedures will continue to be provided, operators with P-RNAV approval may experience operational advantages in European
terminal airspace. More.
FAA Takes Step Towards Implementing ADS-B for Future Surveillance
in U.S.
October 31, 2005
In the October 2005 issue of RTCA Digest, Charlie Keegan, FAA Air Traffic Organization vice president, operations
planning, contributed an article outlining recent actions taken by the FAA Joint Resources Council in moving the agency
closer to a decision on implementation of ADS-B technology in the United States. In part, Keegan states, "The FAA’s
Joint Resources Council has taken an initial step toward development of the Next Generation Air Transportation System or
NGATS Initiative by selecting ADS-B as the preferred option for the future surveillance system. ADS-B was selected over
other surveillance alternatives because of its ability to provide pilots enhanced situational awareness and to support a
broad range of new air traffic control applications. In its most basic form, ADS-B supports core surveillance functions
performed today by secondary radar, while providing more cost-effective performance due to its high accuracy, integrity
and update rate." View the full article (407 KB, PDF)
NBAA is represented on several RTCA working groups where these and other issues important to the business aviation community
are discussed to obtain consensus positions for industry to recommend to the FAA. RTCA, Inc. is a private, not-for-profit
corporation that develops consensus-based recommendations regarding communications, navigation, surveillance, and air traffic
management (CNS/ATM) system issues. RTCA functions as a Federal Advisory Committee. Its recommendations are used by the
FAA as the basis for policy, program and regulatory decisions and by the private sector as the basis for development, investment
and other business decisions. You can learn more about RTCA at www.rtca.org.
Eurocontrol Pushes Back Mode S Deadline
Updated January 20, 2005
Eurocontrol is postponing its timetable requiring Mode S Elementary and Enhanced Surveillance of IFR flights in European
airspace. Among other modifications, the deadline for aircraft to be equipped with Mode S Elementary Surveillance (ELS)
has been extended by 24 months from the original March 31, 2005 date to a March 31, 2007 deadline. Although the requirement
to equip with ELS has been delayed to 2007, operators of aircraft with a maximum takeoff weight greater than 12,566 lbs.
or a maximum cruise true airspeed greater than 250 knots that are not equipped with either ELS or EHS are still required
to have an exemption to EHS if they wish to operate in the airspace of the United Kingdom or Germany after March 31, 2005.
More.
CNS Resources
CNS/ATM Implementation Timeline
View the CNS/ATM Implementation Timeline. This chart of pending changes has the best available dates for each of the listed programs.
RVSM News and References
View news and references for domestic and international Reduced Vertical Separation Minima (RVSM).
FMS/Charting Documents
View documents related to flight management system (FMS) and charting issues.
Emergency Locator Transmitter Requirements
All U.S. registered civil airplanes having a maximum payload of less than 18,000 pounds, including turbojet-powered aircraft, are required to install an emergency locator transmitter (ELT). Additionally, to comply with ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices, operators must have an ELT that transmits on 121.5 and 406 MHz when operating in oceanic airspace and any designated remote areas.
8.33kHz Channel Spacing Information
ICAO’s 8.33kHz naming scheme for VHF radios.
TCAS Guidance for NBAA Members
ARINC Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) transition program industry alert bulletin (PDF).
ACAS (TCAS) Training References
View an Aircraft Collision Avoidance System (ACAS) training package and ACAS II bulletin developed by Eurocontrol.
Eurocontrol Mode-S and ACAS Program
Guidance from Eurocontrol about Mode-S and the Aircraft Collision Avoidance System (ACAS).
Terrain Awareness and Warning System: Final Rule
Review the FAA’s final rule that mandates the installation of TAWS equipment on FAR Part 91, 135 and 121 aircraft
Development of Crew Operating Prodcedures for Advanced Cockpit Aircraft
Guidance from the NBAA FMS/Charting Subcommittee.
RNAV/RNP Resources
This page provides information related to the use of Area Navigation (RNAV) Standard Instrument Departures (SIDs), RNAV Standard Terminal Arrivals (STARs), and Required Navigation Performance (RNP) Special Aircraft and Aircrew Authorization Required (SAAAR) Approaches around the U.S.
N8100-60, GPS s a Primary Means of Navigation for Oceanic/Remote Operations
Guidance from the FAA Aircraft Certification Service (PDF, 47 KB).
FAA AFS-420 Home Page
AFS-420 is responsible for developing rules, standards, policies, and criteria governing the operational aspects of en route, terminal, and instrument flight procedures including Terminal Instrument Procedures (TERPS) Handbook FAA Handbook 8260.3, United States Standard for Terminal Instrument Procedures (TERPS), and related FAA 8260-series orders.
Mobile Satellite Users Association (MSUA)
The MSUA was established in 1992 as a non-profit association to promote the interests of users of mobile satellite communications worldwide. It fosters effective communication among Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) users, suppliers of equipment and services, operators of the satellite systems, and the various governmental entities that may affect the future of the industry. Membership is not limited to USA entities, and is open to organizations worldwide engaged in any of these activities.
APC Communications Services
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