Few other new aviation systems have generated as much controversy and opposition from the airspace user community as EGNOS, the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service. Like the US Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS), EGNOS enables precision approach procedures to be implemented using only space-based signals. As such, it is one possible future replacement of ILS.… Continue reading EGNOS is here now – should you care?
Category: Buzzwords explained
Articles explaining the new terms used in air traffic management
ADS-B and MLAT – No technology war
There will still be people who remember what a VHS cassette looked like and a few who remember the epic technology war between Betamax, System2000 and VHS. More recently, the Blu-Ray disc won in a similar battle in the consumer electronics field only to face quick extinction as the world moves towards on-line entertainment distribution.… Continue reading ADS-B and MLAT – No technology war
Is an aircraft an aeroplane or the other way round? The importance of proper terminology.
The word game A lot of air traffic management related material passes through our hands, usually to be checked with a view to ensuring quality of content and consistency of the terminology. There is a disturbing trend that is becoming more and more evident with the passage of time. The documents show a deteriorating level… Continue reading Is an aircraft an aeroplane or the other way round? The importance of proper terminology.
Performance Based Navigation (PBN) – Why the "N" should be an "O"
The abbreviations game In aviation we seem to be creating abbreviations at a rate that raises the specter of our grandchildren not having any usable combinations left any more. This remark from a well respected colleague of mine who used to work for UPS airlines does in fact indicate a few problems that go beyond… Continue reading Performance Based Navigation (PBN) – Why the "N" should be an "O"
8.33 kHz Channel spacing – what is this?
The radio spectrum, a scarce resort One of the most basic activities in a cockpit is tuning the radio to the assigned frequency of whoever we want to talk to. Contacting ground control, the tower or one’s own company is done by turning a few knobs until the right numbers show in the radio control… Continue reading 8.33 kHz Channel spacing – what is this?
The ICAO Flight Plan – changes are coming!
The basics If you are working in aviation, chances are you have seen an ICAO Flight Plan. Something that looks like the example here. It is a strange looking document showing clearly its origins in a world where clattering teletype machines were considered modern communications means. The double chevrons pointing left indicate “carriage return” and… Continue reading The ICAO Flight Plan – changes are coming!
The transition from AIS through AIM to IM – What is this?
A global congress with this title will make even the aficionados of abbreviations shiver… AIS, AIM, IM… What is next? UR? Well, the funny thing is, the title is perfectly correct and abbreviations or not, it reflects one of the most profound changes ever in the way information is collected, promulgated and used in international… Continue reading The transition from AIS through AIM to IM – What is this?
Trajectory Based Operations (TBO) – what is this?
We have all grown up with the idea that airspace was the most important single thing aircraft needed. While it is true that aircraft need both air (in which the wings can generate lift) and space (the room to move around in) but airspace? This word has grown over the years and held us hostage… Continue reading Trajectory Based Operations (TBO) – what is this?
Enterprise Architecture and service orientation – what is this?
Few abbreviations connected with the future air traffic management system have given rise to so many questions and misunderstandings as EA (Enterprise Architecture) and SOA (Service Oriented Architecture). In the United States both concepts are part and parcel of air traffic management system development since the marching orders were given by the Federal Government. In… Continue reading Enterprise Architecture and service orientation – what is this?
A short (unofficial) history of air/ground digital link – 3
Pioneers to the rescue In spite of the positive business case, airspace users were not exactly rushing to equip with air/ground digital link. Because of the slow down of traffic growth in the wake of 9/11, the expected ACARS problems did not materialize and the ATC frequency congestion was also pushed far into the future.… Continue reading A short (unofficial) history of air/ground digital link – 3