Tue, Jul 12, 2011
Move A Step Toward "Cost-Effective" Oceanic Controller/Pilot
Data Link Communications (CPDLC)
The FAA has authorized aircraft operating in oceanic airspace to
use Iridium Communications' satellite data services for critical
air traffic control communications. The company says this marks
completion of the FAA process of evaluating aircraft flying in
airspace under its jurisdiction to use Future Air Navigation System
(FANS) 1/A over Iridium (FOI) to meet communications requirements
for air traffic control. The decision is considered an important
milestone in providing corporate and commercial aircraft a
cost-effective alternative for implementing FANS 1/A
communications. Iridium’s fully global coverage provides the
aviation industry with an attractive alternative for long-range
voice and data communication systems.
“After five years of study, validation and extensive
in-flight testing, we are thankful to all stakeholders that
participated in this achievement – including the FAA’s
Performance-based Operations Aviation Rulemaking Committee
Communications Working Group (PARC CWG), our extensive ecosystem of
aviation partners, participating airlines, the International Civil
Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Radio Technical Commission for
Aeronautics (RTCA)," said Iridium CEO Matt Desch. "We believe the
FAA’s decision validates our position as the optimal
satellite service for aircraft operational communications, and
opens up significant new opportunities for Iridium in the aviation
market. FOI, when implemented, has the potential to enable aircraft
operators to reduce their capital investment by half.”
In a letter to the FAA, Dave Nakamura, PARC chairman, wrote,
“The global air transportation system will benefit from FANS
1/A over Iridium (FOI) as it provides a practical alternative for
Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs) to expand data link
service and for commercial and business aviation markets to equip
their fleets more quickly. FOI hardware is a significantly lower
cost solution than other Aeronautical Mobile Satellite (Route)
Service (AMS(R)S) alternatives. Iridium-based equipment is easier
to retrofit, draws less power, is lighter in weight, and provides
global coverage, including the Polar Regions.”
In a response to Nakamura, Margaret Gilligan, FAA associate
administrator for aviation safety, wrote, “The FAA accepts
FOI as a viable means for air traffic service communications,
particularly in accordance with performance specifications for
reduced oceanic separations based on automatic dependent
surveillance-contract (ADS-C).” Gilligan added, “The
Air Traffic Organization (ATO) will take appropriate action to
remove restrictions on FOI operations in its oceanic airspace. The
FAA will also advocate removal of any restrictions imposed by other
air navigation service providers. FAA aircraft certification and
flight standards offices will continue to certify aircraft with FOI
installations…”
The FAA accepted the recommendations of the PARC following
satisfactory completion of a year-long operational evaluation of
FOI technology. Other ANSPs are expected to follow the FAA’s
lead and accept Iridium as a viable option to meet communication
needs in their own airspace in the near future.
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