[Federal Register: July 15, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 135)]
[Notices]               
[Page 42494]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr15jy04-117]                         

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

 
Proposed Advisory Circular (AC) 20-FIS-B, Safety and 
Interoperability Requirements for Initial Domestic Flight Information 
Service-Broadcast

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (DOT).

ACTION: Notice of availability and request for public comment.

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SUMMARY: This notice announces the availability of and requests 
comments on a proposed Advisory Circular (AC) 20-FIS, Safety and 
Interoperability Requirements for Initial Domestic Flight Information 
Service-Broadcast (FIS-B). This proposed AC supports the use of Flight 
Information Service-Broadcast weather and other aeronautical data link 
products for enhance situational awareness. In it, we (1) describe a 
standardized way to identify the data communications operations 
environment, (2) how to execute an operational hazard assessment, and 
(3) allocate resulting safety and interoperability requirements for 
installing FIS-B equipment.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before August 9, 2004.

ADDRESSES: Send all comments on the proposed AC to: Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Aircraft Certification Service, Aircraft 
engineering Division, Avionic Systems Branch, AIR-130, 800 Independence 
Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20591. Attn: Mr. Kevin Mattison. Or deliver 
comments to: Federal Aviation Administration, Room 815, 800 
Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20591.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Kevin Mattison, AIR-130, Room 815, 
Federal Aviation Administration, Aircraft Certification Service, 
Aircraft Engineering Division, 800 Independence Avenue, SW., 
Washington, DC 20591. Telephone (202) 385-4636, FAX: (202) 385-4651. 
Or, via e-mail at: Kevin.mattison@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    Interested persons are invited to comment on the proposed AC listed 
in this notice by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as 
they desire to the above specified address. Comments received on the 
proposed AC may be examined, before and after the comment closing date, 
in Room 815, FAA Headquarters Building 800 Independence Avenue, SW., 
Washington, DC 20591, weekdays except Federal holidays, between 8:30 
a.m. and 4:30 p.m. All communications received on or before the closing 
date will be considered by the Director of the Aircraft Certification 
Service before issuing the final Advisory Circular.

Background

    For many years, the Aircraft Communication Addressing and Reporting 
(ACARS) has given aircraft operators a means of digitally up-linking 
weather and National Airspace System (NAS) status information for 
display in text format. The FAA's goal for FIS in the cockpit is to use 
digital data link to deliver information to the pilot, and in so doing, 
improve safety, reduce costs to users and the FAA, and increase the 
utility, efficiency, and capacity of the NAS. Timely delivery or high 
quality, accurate, and consistent information is essential for sound 
operational decisions by pilots, controllers, and dispatchers. As such, 
the objective of this proposed AC is to give pilots strategic 
information to help with their in-flight planning before arriving or 
departing the terminal area.

How To Obtain Copies

    You may get a copy of the proposed AC from the Internet at: http://www.airweb.faa.gov/rgl.
 Once on the RGL Web site, select ``Advisory 

Circular'', then select the document by number. See section entitled 
For Further Information Contact for the complete address if requesting 
a copy by mail.

Susan J.M. Cabler,
Assistant Manager, Aircraft Engineering Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 04-16106 Filed 7-14-04; 8:45 am]

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