Direct Access To ATC Computers Added To Service Menu

The FAA has authorized Air Routing International to connect directly to the FAA’s host ATC system for flight planning data access. While this access has been granted to Part 121 airlines in the past, ARI is one of a few firms to be granted authority to provide such service to business aviation customers.

ARI provides flight planning, dispatch and handling service to corporate operators from its Houston based tracking and information center, seen in the photos.

FAA began to allow direct access to the ATC system to the Part 121 airlines only in 1996, and to operators other than 121 airlines not until last year. Airline dispatch offices, and now approved flight planning contractors like ARI, can send flight plan intent messages directly to ATC. Such messages include flight plan schedules, updates, changes, and cancellations.

ARI was initially approved for direct flight planning data access in August, 2005. At the time, ARI VP Tim Maystrik said it would "[n]ot only... increase our client’s efficiency,it will also put their flight operations planning and scheduling capability into the safest and most accurate ops model currently available."

The company points out that this new relationship with FAA shows that FAA trusts corporate operators to operate in the National Airspace System as equal partners to the scheduled airlines.

The objective of all parties, of course, is safety. "Improved safety and efficiency are benchmarks we always strive for. The FAA has recognized this in us and allowed us to work together in that common goal," Maystrik said.

ARI has offices, and is represented by agents, in many corporate aviation hubs worldwide. It began almost thirty years ago providing weather service, and now provides comprehensive support services for corporate aviation.

Air Routing International will be promoting its range services during the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) Convention in Orlando, Florida this week from November 9 to 11. ARI is in Booth 2208.

FMI: www.airrouting.com