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NextGen

The Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics (RTCA) Task Force Five is moving toward consolidating the proposed NEXTGEN capabilities.  The task force will be recommending a prioritized set of operational capabilities that can be delivered by 2018 along with a business case. It will also recommend when, where and how the FAA and operators should implement the required infrastructure, avionics, policies, procedures, training and other actions required for mid-term implementation. 

For the assessment, the task force is using a weighting system applied to each capability to determine readiness, risk and confidence. This will lead to a further reduction in the number of capabilities and ultimately to the recommendations to come out of the task force. 

IATA is participating in several assessments, including the final assessment. The next phase includes an assessment to determine if there is adequate benefit to justify any costs that may be required to invest in new technology for aircraft.  The target date for the final report is the end August 2009.

For more information, contact infrastructure@iata.org.

The Importance of Radio Spectrum

One of the most priceless commodities in the world today is radio spectrum.  Aviation uses radio spectrum for communications, navigation and surveillance and appropriate spectrum is essential to our safe operations. The business world is paying giga-bucks for gigahertz that can be used for wireless communications and such commercial needs must be balanced with aviation's requirements for non-interference into safety services. 

Global allocations of radio spectrum, including that for aviation, are agreed by the states forming  the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) at the World Radiocommunication Conferences (WRCs), which meet every three to four years. See the draft position on aviation spectrum (pdf) that IATA has prepared for the next WRC scheduled for 2012 in Geneva, Switzerland. 

More information on IATA's mission in radio spectrum and WRC Process.

The WRC Process

The ITU Radiocommunication Bureau (ITU-R) is responsible for preparations of the WRC. These are carried out by regional preparatory groups, with each region preparing common positions that the majority of its States will adhere to during the WRC.

• CITEL - Americas
• CEPT - Europe
• ATU - Africa
• ASMG - Arab States
• RCC - Russian Federation
• APT - Asia/Pacific

ICAO, IATA, EUROCONTROL and other aviation bodies take part in ITU-R meetings as “sector members” or observers. As an observer, IATA cannot vote and must convince the State Regulatory authorities to include aviation priorities in their positions. Spectrum for aviation is considered a “safety of life service” under the ITU and this has helped protect aviation requirements.

IATA is already preparing for WRC11 and has prepared a draft position on aviation spectrum that is being circulated among member airlines for review and comment.  .

Those airlines wishing to review the current draft position or know more on IATA’s mission in radio spectrum should contact infrastructure@iata.org.

Promoting Civil / Military Cooperation

Airspace is a natural resource with finite capacity for which demand from all users is constantly increasing. However, worldwide, there is a significant amount of airspace permanently restricted and reserved for exclusive military use, even during periods with no military operations.

To foster civil/military airspace management that includes dynamic sharing of airspace, IATA, ICAO, CANSO, NATO, US DoD, Eurocontrol and ATCA are organizing the first Global Air Traffic Management Forum on Civil/Military Cooperation.  ICAO is hosting this event 19-21 October 2009 in Montreal, Canada.  The forum will bring together high level civil and military policy makers, regulators, air navigation service providers and airspace users to share their experiences on successful sharing of civil and military operations in common airspace. 

IATA is fully engaged in this initiative, being involved on the development of the forum program and also on developing the outline for guidance material on best practices for establishing civil/military cooperation, which will be completed by civil and military stakeholders.