09/2005 — 8.33 kHz CHANNEL SPACING ABOVE FL 195 IN THE ICAO EUR REGION FROM 15 MARCH 2007
1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 This AIC provides advanced notification to airspace users in respect of the implementation of 8.33 kHz channel spacing above FL 195 in the ICAO EUR region.
1.2 The mandatory carriage and operation of 8.33 kHz channel spacing capable radio equipment above FL 245 in the ICAO EUR Region came into effect on 7th October 1999. Currently, 30 States enforce the mandatory carriage of 8.33 kHz radio equipment above FL 245 in their airspace.
1.3 The demand for VHF assignments in the aeronautical mobile radio communication service band 118 to 137 MHz continues to grow due to:
- The creation and modification of ATC sectors;
- The creation and modification of air traffic services such as approach, tower and ATIS;
- The provision of backup services and avoiding interference;
- The provision of aeronautical operational control (AOC) services;
- Accommodating VHF Digital Link services in the band 136.600 to 137 MHz.
1.4 In response to the increasing VHF frequency congestion, the ICAO European Air Navigation Planning Group 44 meeting, held in December 2002, decided to proceed with a phased approach to 8.33 kHz vertical expansion below FL 245.
2 IMPLEMENTATION OF 8.33 KHZ ABOVE FL 195 IN THE ICAO EUR REGION
2.1 The Eurocontrol Member States have supported a recommendation to implement 8.33 kHz channel spacing above FL 195 in the ICAO EUR Region with a carriage date of 15 March 2007, and to amend their respective national legislation before the end of 2006 ( Permanent Commission Recommendation No. 05/06). The corresponding amendment to ICAO Doc 7030 is expected before end 2005.
2.2 Eurocontrol has developed an implementation plan for 8.33 kHz above FL 195 in the ICAO EUR Region. The plan foresees that initially France and UK will implement 8.33 kHz channels in their airspace above FL 195, and that other States may implement at a later date. Importantly, the plan also foresees that in order to create a homogeneous area of operations, the mandatory carriage of 8.33 kHz radio equipment above FL 195 is enforced in all those States that enforce mandatory carriage above FL 245.
2.3 A revised 8.33 kHz policy for State aircraft has been approved by the Eurocontrol Civil-Military Interface Standing Committee. The policy aims to maximise the 8.33 kHz equipage of "transport-type" State aircraft, and for new aircraft procurements and planned retrofits.
3 IMPLEMENTATION OF 8.33 KHZ ABOVE FL 195 IN SLOVENIA
3.1 In Slovenia, the Mandatory carriage and operation of 8.33 kHz channel spacing capable radio equipment for aircraft operating as GAT above FL 195 has an effective date of the 15th March 2007.
4 EQUIPAGE RECOMMENDATIONS
It is recommended that:
4.1 4.1 Airspace users note the date and prepare for 8.33 kHz mandatory carriage above FL 195.
4.2 4.2 Given that further phases of vertical expansion below FL 195 are under consideration, all airspace users equip with 8.33 kHz capable radio equipment where new aircraft are purchased, or where the replacements of existing radios are planned.
5 FURTHER INFORMATION
For further information on the policy, planning and implementation of 8.33 kHz spaced channels in Slovenia can be obtained from:
| Post: |
Civil Aviation Authority of Slovenia
P.O. BOX 318
SI-1001 Ljubljana
SLOVENIA |
General information on the 8.33 kHz Programme - policy, planning and co-ordination of 8.33 kHz channel spacing implementation can be obtained from:
