[Federal Register: June 14, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 113)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 34416-34417]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr14jn05-32]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 71
Federal Aviation Administration Flight Information Services (FIS)
Policy Statement
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Notice of policy statement; request for comment.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This statement summarizes the major changes and the
implications of publishing the revised policy, and background on the
need for a revised policy.
The revised FIS Policy updates the existing 1998 FAA Airborne FIS
Policy to reflect the current FIS data link status and provides the
basis for transition from the current (FAA) industry Flight Information
Services Data Link (FISDL) service to the planned evolution of an FAA
FIS data link service using National Airspace System (NAS) technologies
such as the Universal Access Transceiver (UAT) and/or Next Generation
Air-Ground Communication (NEXCOM). During the transition, the revised
FIS Policy supports continuation of the FISDL service by temporarily
extending the current use of VHF channels through FAA-industry
agreement.
In 1998 the FAA Administrator published the current Airborne Flight
Information Services Policy Statement (see attachment). That policy
provided the basis for implementing the existing FISDL service through
FAA-industry agreement. Under the agreement, FAA provides two VHF
frequencies and management oversight while industry (Honeywell)
provides the FISDL network and cockpit products. In 2002 the FAA
published the Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) Link
Decision which includes providing FIS-B services via the UAT network.
The Safe Flight 21 program is developing the ADS-B technology and has
intalled a ``pocket'' UAT network along the East Coast.
The major purpose for publishing the revised FIS Policy is to
establish a strategy for transitioning from the existing industry-
government FIS data link service to one or more FAA-only FIS data link
services. The existing industry-government service, called FIS Data
Link (FISDL), is owned and operated by Honeywell Inc. The replacement
FAA-only system(s) will be the Universal Access Transceiver (UAT) and/
or NEXCOM. During the transition to an FAA FIS data link service, the
FAA will provide temporary extension of two VHF channels for
continuation of the FISDL service.
DATES: Comments must be received by June 30, 2005.
ADDRESSES: Send all comments on the proposed policy to the individual
identified under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sandra Schmidt, Weather Policy and
Standards, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Ave., SW.,
Washington, DC 20591; telephone number (202) 385-7709; Fax: (202) 385-
7701; e-mail:
Sandra.Schmidt@faa.gov Internet address: http:http://www.Sandra.Schmidt@faa.gov.">//www.Sandra.Schmidt@faa.gov..
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites interested parties to comment on the proposed
policies. Comments should identify the subject of the proposed policy
and be submitted to the individual identified under the FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION CONTACT. The FAA will consider all comments received by the
closing date before issuing the final policies.
Background
After the cancellation of the Mode S Data Link Processor in the
mid-1990's, the FAA had no definite plans for providing FIS data link
services. Industry providers and users urged the FAA to work with
industry to facilitate early implementation of FIS data link services.
As a result, in May 1998 the FAA published the current FISDL policy. It
provided the basis for implementing the existing FIS Data Link (FISDL)
service through a Government-Industry Project Performance Agreement (G-
IPPA) with Honeywell.
In July 2002, the FAA issued the ADS-B Link Decision that included
FIS broadcast (FIS-B) as a NAS service using the Universal Access
Transceiver (UAT) technology. In 2004, the FAA Safe Flight 21 program
began installing a UAT network ``pocket'' along the East Coast that
includes initial FIS-B services.
The basic national FISDL network was completed during 2004. Also,
the G-IPPA between the FAA and Honeywell has been extended to provide
continuity of service during the development of the strategy for
transition to an FAA FIS-B service. The revision to the FIS Policy
establishes the provisions for further extending the
[[Page 34417]]
FISDL service and aligns the FIS Policy with the ADS-B Link Decision.
Airborne Flight Information Services Policy
This policy statement replaces the Administrator's Airborne Flight
Information Services (FIS) Policy Statement, dated May 1, 1998, and
affirms FAA's objective to encourage the evolution of FIS data link
services.
FIS is defined as the non-control, advisory information needed by
pilots to operate more safely and efficiently within the National
Airspace System (NAS). FIS includes weather and airspace status
information applicable for preflight planning and en route decision-
making. The FAA seeks to use digital data link technology to provide
FIS information in a timely manner directly to the pilot, thereby
enhancing flight safety and efficiency as well as increasing the
general utility, efficiency, and capacity of the NAS. The timely
provision of current and consistent FIS information is essential to
support sound operational decisions by all NAS users.
FIS product for delivery to the cockpit include text and/or graphic
presentations of information on the status of the NAS (e.g., Notices to
Airmen, Temporary Flight Restrictions, Special Use Airspace) and
meteorological information. This policy supports the inherent
efficiency of providing FIS through automated data communications to
complement voice communications.
The FAA policy is to promote all modes of FIS delivery appropriate
for aviation use whether provided commercially or over the evolving FAA
data link communications. This policy is consistent with FAA's
Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) Data Link Decision
of July 1, 2002. Under the ADS-B Link Decision, the FAA chose to
provide future FIS-Broadcast (FIS-B) services through the Universal
Access Transceiver (UAT) 978MHz network; additional details are
available at the FAA Web site (http://www.faa.gov/asd/ads-b/). Any
transition to the UAT network will include an orderly phase-out of the
existing Government-Industry Project Performance Agreement (G-IPPA)
that set aside segments of the VHF spectrum for the broadcast of FIS.
The FAA intends to temporarily extend the current VHF channels for FIS
data link (FISDL) use during transition to a national UAT on 978 MHz
and/or Next Generation Air/Ground Communications (NEXCOM) based FIS
data link service. The current VHF spectrum supporting FISDL is
required for future airspace redesign requirements. Avionics based on
the current VHF channels supporting FISDL will no longer receive FIS
data when the VHF spectrum supporting this data link is no longer
available.
FAA encourages public and private collaboration to provide users
with new and affordable FIS products; and to offer opportunities for
industry to participate in FIS product development, production and
dissemination. The FAA also supports the evolution and use of private
sector FIS data link capabilities using alternative media, such as
satellite broadcast.
The FAA recognizes that effective pilot training is a critical
element in the responsible use of FIS data link services. When used
responsibly, FIS information can materially enhance a pilot's overall
situational awareness and thus contribute to enhanced pilot judgment
and better pilot decision-making. To ensure the maximum benefits from
FIS data link services, the FAA encourages manufacturers to develop,
and users (e.g., pilots and operators) to make use of appropriate
training materials.
Under the framework provided by this policy statement, the roles
and responsibilities of the government, industry, and the users are as
follows:
Government
Plans to develop and deploy an FAA FIS data link service
using evolving NAS technologies, such as UAT and NEXCOM.
Will temporarily extend the current use of VHF channels
for FIS data link service through the existing government-industry
agreement until transition to the above FAA service.
Will work with other Government agencies, users, and
industry to develop guidelines and standards for the display and
training associated with the use of FIS products in the cockpit.
Will make appropriate NAS status and Federal
meteorological data accessible to aeronautical users and service
providers.
May acquire commercially developed and produced FIS
products.
Will lead and coordinate the establishment of
certification and operational approval criteria, and national and
international standards for delivery of FIS via data link; thereby
promoting interoperability between various FIS providers, products and
equipment suites.
Industry
Will manufacture avionics for the processing and display
of FIS products in the cockpit.
May develop FIS products and/or deploy commercial networks
for delivery of FIS data link services.
Will develop pilot education and training materials and
encourage their use, as well as assist the FAA in the publication of
appropriate directives.
Users
Will select their preferred FIS data link service from FAA
and/or the marketplace, and will acquire the appropriate data link
equipment.
Will complete appropriate training and use FIS data link
equipment and products in a responsible manner as described in FAA and
industry publications.
Issued in Washington, DC, on May 31, 2005.
Richard J. Heuwinkel,
Manager, Weather Policy and Standards.
[FR Doc. 05-11670 Filed 6-13-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-M