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Current Activities

WG-M/16, Paris - May 17-19, 2010.

[July 2010] WG-M/16 dealt with a number of proposed changes to the documentation suite. Many of these dealt with the results of validation activities. Changes to UAT and VDL Modes 2 and 4 were considered. The changes to the VDL Mode 2 documentation were needed to accommodate multi-frequency operation and the new applications being considered by SC-214/WG-78/OPLINKP. Security provisions were also discussed. Changes to 9880 will be made based on the security validation activities that have been conducted. A proposal for security provisions to be applied to the ATN Dialogue Service instead of the ULCS was discussed and will be considered in the future. The message sets and user requirements of the CPDLC application will be removed from Doc 9880. Once the updated ADS-C and FIS applications have been validated by RTCA SC-214/EUROCAE WG-78 provisions for these will be included in Doc 9880.

The CCB will be resurrected however since a single group cannot deal with all of the WG-M issues the CCB, will have a number of expert groups with each group having a clear leader. The groups will be as follows: Air-Ground Applications; VDL; Ground-Ground Applications; Security; ICS. The group will also work on proposals to put forward the 12th Air Navigation Conference planned for late 2012. Among those being considered are: an update on progress of the future communication system (including AP17 output and follow on activities); the concept of use for voice communications in the future data- focused environment; digital voice incorporation in the FCI; Efficient usage of the aviation bands. Read more...

ACP WG-I/12, Paris, May 19-21, 2010

[July 2010] WG-I/12 took place in Paris over May 19-21, 2010. The main focus of the meeting was on Document 9896 (ATN using IPS standards). Key items were the work done to incorporate technical provisions for VoIP. Much of this was the result of close collaboration between the FAA, EUROCONTROL and EUROCAE. The technical provisions for VoIP are expected to be completed by the end of 2010. Following that work will commence on comprehensive guidance material dealing with such matters as IPS security and addressing.

Given the extensive work programme for the group, priority items were identified along with group members who would act as focal points. The key items were IPS Addressing; PIV4-V6 transition; Security; DNS. The meeting was also presented with information on the successful validation tests conducted by Sweden on IPV6 over VDL-M4. Read more...

Publication of the AMS(R)S Manual

[July 2010] Doc 9925, the Aeronautical Mobile Satellite (Route) Service Manual has now been published. This manual provides an overview of, and implementation guidance for specific satellite systems operating in the AMS(R)S, and supplements the ICAO AMS(R)S SARPS contained in Annex 10, Vol III, Part I, Chapter 4. The manual is divided into the following three parts:

General Information on AMS(R)S, including information on applications, user requirements, potential operational benefits, and information on standardization activities undertaken by ICAO and aviation industry bodies.
Iridium Satellite Network describes the aeronautical mobile satellite communications provided by the Iridium satellite network, and information is provided on Iridium compliance with the AMS(R)S SARPs.
Inmarsat and MTSAT Classic Aero provides a technical overview and guidance material on the "Classic Aero" satellite system as operated globally by Inmarsat and regionally by the Japanese Civil Aviation Auhtority

Publication of the IPS Manual

[June 2010] The Manual on the Aeronautical Telecommunication Network (ATN) using Internet Protocol Suite (IPS) Standards and Protocols is now available in print. This document defines the data communications protocols and services to be used for implementing the ATN using the IPS. This material supplements the ICAO SARPs as contained in Annex 10, Vol III.

Edition 2, with further updates including material on VOIP is expected to be submitted for publication by the end of 2010. This will be followed by Edition 3 (late 2011) which will provide comprehensive guidance material on IPS implementation issues such as addressing and security.

New edition of the ICAO RF Handbook is now available

[June 2010] The long-awaited 5th edition of the ICAO Handbook on Radio Frequency Spectrum Requirements for Civil Aviation (Doc 9718) has now been published, providing assistance in national and international discussions on matters relating to the use of radio frequency spectrum by international civil aviation. The handbook introduces the subject of radio frequency spectrum management, describes international aspects and relationships between the main participants, provides information on frequency bands and its use by aviation, and addresses elements of a framework of rules and preventive measures for the regulation and control of radio interference. In addition, the handbook contains the ICAO position on matters of interest to aviation on the agenda of ITU WRC-12, as approved by ICAO Council. The handbook is published in separate English, French, Russian and Spanish editions.

The fastest way to order ICAO publications is online at http://www.icao.int/index.html.

ACP WG-F/22 and NAM/CAR/SAM Regional Preparatory Meeting (NCSRPM) for ITU WRC-2012.

[April 2010] The First Regional Preparatory Meeting in preparation for the ITU WRC-2012 in the NAM/CAR/SAM Region (NCSRPM) was held in Mexico City, Mexico, 21 – 22 April 2010. The objective of the meeting was to provide a forum for the contact points designated by the States, responsible for the preparation of the WRC-12, and to facilitate a more effective participation at the national and regional level forums within the NAM/CAR/SAM Regions in support of the ICAO position. The agenda and presentations from this meeting can be found as IPs 1 through 11 on the ACP WG-F/22 webpage.

In conjunction with the NCSRPM, the ACP WG-F/22 was held in Mexico City, Mexico, 26 – 30 April 2010 (the meeting was initially planned to start on April 23, but due to the disruption of air traffic caused by volcanic ashes in the previous days, the opening of the meeting was postponed to April 26. Full report of this meeting can be found on the the ACP WG-F/22 webpage. The main highlights include:

WRC-12 Agenda Item 1.3: A liaison statement from ITU-R WP5B introducing a potential AMS(R)S system in the MLS band (5030-5091 MHz), which had been referred to the Navigation Systems Panel Spectrum Sub-group (NSP SSG) by ACP WG-F/21 for further study, was reviewed in light of the NSP SSG output and a reply was formulated for submission to WP5B (ITU-R document 5B/491). Furthermore, the group developed an additional input document to WP5B (ITU-R document 5B/492) addressing spectrum requirements for Unmanned Aircraft Systems, and reiterating that the links between the UA and the satellite must be provided in an AMS(R)S allocation as per the stated ICAO position, while the links between the satellite and the UA control station could either be provided directly under an AMS(R)S allocation or via an FSS allocation as currently used for existing AMS(R)S systems. In either case the SARPs will ensure that the end-to-end performance meets the relevant safety requirements.
WRC-12 Agenda Item 1.4: The meeting developed an input document for ITU-R WP5B on spectrum requirements for AM(R)S in the 5 GHz band (ITU-R document 5B/493). The document concluded that, while future studies will continue to refine the exact amount of spectrum necessary and the applications that will be supported by airport surface local area network, it is expected, based on the above-mentioned contributions, that the 5 091-5 150 MHz band is not sufficient to satisfy the AM(R)S spectrum requirements for that system.
WRC-12 Agenda Item 1.7: The group discussed at length and developed potential input material to the ITU-R on the possible role of ICAO in any future AMS(R)S coordination process and possible changes to ITU-R Resolution 222. The Secretariat will consider this material when developing input material for the upcoming ITU-R WP4C in June-July 2010. Further coordination of the material developed by the meeting will be conducted by correspondence.
The meeting developed a reply to Liaison Statements (LS) from ITU-R WP5B on specifications of “Man Overboard” Devices, for submission to WP5B (ITU-R document 5B/490).

Other issues addressed during this meeting of the ACP WG-F, included, inter alia, use of the band 112 – 117.975 MHz by VDL Mode 4, and material on frequency assignment planning for inclusion in a future Part II of Doc 9718.

Next meeting of the ACP WG-F has been tentatively scheduled for 19 - 27 September 2010 in Cairo, Egypt, including a Frequency Spectrum Workshop on WRC-12 preparations.

ACP – Highlights of the third meeting of the Working Group of the Whole

[January 2010] (ACP WG-W/3, 18 – 22 January 2010)
A number of deliverables finalised since the ACP WG-W/2 in April 2008:

ICAO Position and Policy for ITU WRC-2012
Updates for Ed.5 of Doc 9718, the Frequency Spectrum Handbook
Manual for the ATN, using Internet Protocol Suite (IPS) Standards and Protocols, Doc 9896
VDL Mode-4 Frequency Planning Criteria

Items to be finalised in 2010:

Transfer and rework of selected ATN/OSI material from the old Doc 9705 to the new Doc 9880
Completion of Part III of the manual on AMS(R)S, including resolution on possible RF compatibility issues between Inmarsat, MTSAT and Iridium satellite systems
Update to Doc 9896, including provisions for VoIP (based on EUROCAE ED136-138)

Work to commence in 2010:

Continued preparation for ITU WRC-2012
Interference issues and other items which may affect access to spectrum by Civil Aviation
Provisions for Protected Mode ADS-C and FIS
Amendments to Provisions for VDL Modes 2 and 4 as well as AMHS, based on validation activities and implementation experience
Guidance material for Document 9896, including OSI->IPS transition issues, implementation guidance, ICAO addressing scheme, etc
Annex 10, Vol III and V updates to remain in synch with ITU provisions

New Working Group (S) – Surface:

A new Working Group, WG-S (Surface) will be formed to develop SARPS and Guidance Material for the Airport Surface Datalink
- This is a high priority task as it is an early requirement of the NextGen and SESAR programmes
- The lifetime of this working group will be brief as it will only deal with high-level aspects of the airport surface datalink and makes extensive use of references to industry standards (IEEE 802.16e) as called for in Assembly Resolution A36-13
- Group to become active when the industry groups (RTCA/EUROCAE) finish development of some basic technical standards

The full report of ACP WG-W/3 and all working papers are available at the following link: Read more...

ACP WG-F/21 and Asia Pacific RPG on WRC-2012.

[December 2009] The First Regional Preparatory Group (RPG) meeting in preparation for the ITU WRC-2012 in the APAC Region was held in Bangkok Thailand, 8 – 9 December 2009. The objective of the meeting was to provide a forum for the contact points designated by the States, responsible for the preparation of the WRC-12, and to facilitate a more effective participation at the national and regional level forums within the Asia Pacific Region in support of the ICAO position. The agenda and presentations from this meeting can be found as IPs 0 through 8 on the ACP WG-F/21 webpage.

In conjunction with the RPG, the ACP WG-F/21 was held in Bangkok Thailand, 10 – 18 December 2009. Full report of this meeting can be found on the webpage for ACP WG-F/21. The main highlights include:

WRC-12 Agenda Item 1.3: The group agreed that as work of the UASSG is still in its early days, that beyond the official ICAO position, ICAO is not in a position to identify particular frequency bands at this time. A liaison statement from ITU-R WP5B introducing a potential AMS(R)S system in the MLS band (5030-5091 MHz) was referred to the Navigation Systems Panel Spectrum Sub-group (NSP SSG) for further study before a reply could be formulated at the next meeting of the ACP WG-F in April 2010.
WRC-12 Agenda Item 1.7: The group discussed at length and developed potential input material to the ITU-R on the possible role of ICAO in any future AMS(R)S coordination process and possible changes to ITU-R Resolution 222. The Secretariat will consider this material when developing input material for the upcoming ITU-R WP4C in March 2010.
A number of Liaison Statements (LS) from the ITU-R were addressed and draft responses developed. The most noteworthy of those was a LS from the chairman of ITU-R Study Group 4 on ICAO activities related to use of the Radionavigation-Satellite Service (RNSS) for aeronautical radionavigation purposes.

Other issues addressed during this meeting of the ACP WG-F, include, inter alia, Wireless Avionics Intra-Communications, Interference from non-aeronautical sources, Power Line Telecommunications (PLT), and potential amendments to Annex 10, Vol V.

Next meeting of the ACP WG-F has been tentatively scheduled for 21 – 30 April 2010, including a Frequency Spectrum Workshop on WRC-12 preparations, in Mexico City.

ITU World Radiocommunication Conference 2011 (WRC-2011)

[July 2009] The ICAO position for the ITU World Radiocommunication Conference 2011 (WRC-11) (now tentatively scheduled in January 2012) was approved by Council on 22 June 2009 (187/9). The ICAO Position addresses all regulatory aspects on aeronautical matters on the agenda for the upcoming WRC-2011 and aims at protecting aeronautical spectrum for radio-communication and radionavigation systems required for current and future safety-of-flight applications.
Items of main concern to aviation include regulatory measures to facilitate introduction of new aeronautical mobile (R) services in a number of frequency bands, spectrum requirements for unmanned aircraft systems, long-term spectrum availability and access to spectrum to meet the requirements of the aeronautical mobile satellite (R) service, and review of footnotes to the table of frequency allocations.
The ICAO Position was developed by the ACP Working Group F and the Air Navigation Commission (ANC) in 2008, reviewed by States in early 2009, and subsequently given a final review by the ACP WG-F, ANC and Council in the second quarter of 2009. The position, as approved by Council, was communicated to States on 30 June 2009.

Attachments:
ICAO SL 09/61, containing the ICAO Position for WRC-11
ITU-R Resolutions (WRC-2007) referenced in the ICAO Position for WRC-2011
A presentation on “Aviation Frequency Spectrum & ITU WRCs”
ICAO Assembly Resolution A36-25 (36th ICAO Assembly, 2007)

Manual for the ATN using IPS Standards and Protocols (Doc 9896)

[February 2009] Doc 9896, the Manual on ATN/IPS has now been approved by the Secretary General and submitted for publication. An Unedited Advance version of the Manual has been made available on the ICAO-NET. The document can also be downloaded here.

ACP Progress 2008/2009

[January 2009] ACP-Memo/8 discusses ACP activities undertaken in 2008 and the development of a work plan for 2009.

ACP WG-M Maintenance of existing SARPs and Manuals

[December 2008] ACP WG-M (Maintenance) met in Montreal twice this year, WG-M/12 16-20 June and WG-M/13 18-21 November. A summary of the issues addressed during the two meetings is as follows:
Complete part 3 of the manual on AMS(R)S, including addressing the identified RF compatibility issues between Inmarsat/MTSAT and Iridium satellite systems.
An analysis of Inmarsat and Iridium Aeronautical Services in the Same Oceanic Airspace was reviewed in June. The analysis investigates the potential for interference to Iridium AMSS/AMS(R)S avionics from Inmarsat AMSS/AMS(R)S transmissions on separate aircraft in a 30/30 RNP4 oceanic airspace. The group agreed that the analysis is conservative due to worst case assumptions used. The following conclusions were agreed to by the group.

The probability of Inmarsat AMSS/AMS(R)S causing a service interruption that would affect the availability of Iridium AMSS/AMS(R)S operating on separate aircraft in oceanic airspace is very small
In oceanic airspace, Inmarsat AMSS/AMS(R)S out of band emissions from one aircraft do not cause harmful interference to Iridium AMSS/AMS(R)S on another aircraft
There should be no obstacle to operation of Inmarsat AMSS/AMS(R)S services and Iridium AMSS/ AMS(R)S services in the same 30/30 RNP4 oceanic airspace. It is now expected that Inmarsat/MTSAT, together with the ICAO Secretariat will finalize Part III of the AMS(R)S Manual. Once finalized, Part III will be circulated amongst ACP members for their comments, before publication.

It is now expected that Inmarsat/MTSAT, together with the ICAO Secretariat will finalize Part III of the AMS(R)S Manual. Once finalized, Part III will be circulated amongst ACP members for their comments, before publication.
Status on Data Communication Programs.
The FAA provided details of their Data Comms Programme and the upcoming Screening Information Request for a national air-ground datalink system. EUROCONTROL presented info on their datalink deployment along with information on the recently approved Implementing Rule for Air-Ground datalink equipage.
Finalize frequency assignment planning criteria for VDL mode 4.
Results of testing to determine the frequency planning criteria for VDL Mode 4 vs VDL Modes 2, 3, 4 and DSB-AM were presented and agreed to by WG-M, and updates were made to the existing “Frequency assignment planning criteria for VDL Modes 2, 3 and 4” on the basis of the conclusions reached (previous material can be found in the report of ACP WG-W/1). With those updates, the group agreed that this agenda item has now been completed. This material will be included in the currently planned Part II of the Frequency Handbook, Doc 9718.
VDL Mode-4 testing in the 112-118 MHz band.
Changes to the VDL Mode 4 SARPS and the ICAO RF Handbook are in order, The former due to changes resulting from WRC 2007. The latter to include amendments dealing with compatibility between FM Broadcasting and VDL-4 and also Frequency Planning Criteria for all modes of VDL. Testing thus far, on interference between VDL-4 and GBAS was also discussed. These tests have been inconclusive. This matter will be raised again after the NSP/SSG meets and more information is available.
VDL4 and IPS
A paper was presented indicating that IPS can be incorporated into the VDL-4 SARPs with only editorial changes. This finding is subject to further validation, so lets keep our fingers crossed.
Document 9880
The transfer of material from Doc 9705 is on-going. A number of changes to Part IV ATN Directory are underway one of which is an extension to the ATN Facility Name. Part III – ATN/OSI Communication Services; material approved at the last meeting to be included and obsolete older material to be deleted, ie; IDRP Air-Ground Security.
A presentation was given on the European MESANGE Project, the aim of which is to implement AMHS. As implementation is now underway, the group was urged to expedite the publication of Part IIB.
It was agreed that selected material on G-G AMHS security in Doc 9705 should be transferred to Doc. 9880 Part IVB. The situation regarding Air-Ground security is a little more complex. A proposal was made to use the replace the current approach with that used for the ATN IPS. Also proposed was a “secure mode” of communication with authentication tags on messages replacing the current approach based on the upper layers”. Although there was no opposition to this, it was agreed that it required further review. The general view was that the near-term focus should be on ground-ground communication as that is where the implementation activity is underway.
Maintenance of VDL Mode-2.
Numerous papers were submitted on items needed to bring 9776 into synch with AEEC Spec 631. These changes were largely due to problems with operation on multiple frequencies. These changes are subject to validation via flight tests and will be included into Doc 9776 if successful.
Also reported at the meeting was the news that Sweden will implement a certified ADS-B solution based on ATN/IPS and that Russia was planning a Wake Vortex capability based on the Air-Air Capability of VDL Mode 4.
New Rapporteur
At WG-M/13, Robert Frazier advised the group that he would be unable to continue as Rapporteur. It was agreed that subject to ratification by the ACP, that Brent Phillips would take over that role.
Read more...

Drafting of the ICAO Position for the ITU World Radiocommunication Conference 2011 (WRC-2011)

[November 2008] The ACP WG-F met in Montreal twice this year, WG-F/18 12-22 May 2008 and WG-F/19 13-19 September 2008 to develop the initial draft ICAO Position for the next ITU WRC.

The ICAO position for a WRC is established as early as possible after the agenda for that WRC is established. The position presents the ICAO views on all agenda items of interest to international civil aviation, with particular regard to the impact on safety, regularity and efficiency of flight. Technical and operational information is provided as required to support the position.

The ICAO Position aims at protecting aeronautical spectrum for radio-communication and radionavigation systems required for current and future safety-of-flight applications. In particular, it stresses that safety considerations dictate that before any frequency bands allocated to safety critical aeronautical systems can be considered for sharing, adequate protection against harmful interference as well as future spectrum capacity must be ensured. To accommodate the continuing growth in air traffic and the potential need for additional spectrum by new technologies such as Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), it may also include proposals for new, or modifications to existing aeronautical allocations.

The draft Position, as developed by the ACP WG-F includes a discussion on the following WRC-11 Agenda Items, which have been identified as being relevant to aviation:

Important aviation issues: 1.3, 1.4 and 1.7
Direct threats to aviation: 1.12, 1.19, 1.21, 1.22 and 1.23
Potential threats to aviation: 1.2, 1.5, 1.9, 1.14, 1.15 and 1.25, 4
Other items of importance to Aviation: 1.1

On 18 Nov 2008 the Air Navigation Commission undertook a preliminary review of the Draft ICAO Position. The Commission agreed that the draft ICAO Position for WRC-11 be submitted to all ICAO Contracting States and relevant international organizations for comment and use in preparation for the conference.

The Secretariat will finalize the Position in March/April 2009, based on comments received from States, and with the help of ACP WG-F. The final Draft Position will be submitted to the ANC and the ICAO Council for approval in May/June 2009. Following approval by Council, the Position will be dispatched to all Contracting States and relevant international organizations and submitted to the ITU WRC-11.

Other Frequency Spectrum Related issues addressed within ACP WG-F
Other issues addressed during the ACP WG-F/18 and ACP WG-F/19 include the development of material for ITU-R meetings on issues such as Wireless Avionics Intra-Communication (WAIC) systems, Agenda Item 1.3 on Spectrum Requirements for UAS, Agenda Item 1.4 on Regulatory Measures to facilitate introduction of new AM(R)S services and systems, and Agenda Item 1.7 on AMS(R)S spectrum requirements in the L-band.

ACP WG-I delivers the draft Manual on the ATN using the Internet Protocol Suite

[November 2008] ACP WG-I, during its 9th meeting (20-23 Oct 2008), finalized the draft “Manual for the ATN, using Internet Protocol Suite (IPS) Standards and Protocols (Doc 9896)”. This document has been written in support of amendment 83 to Annex 10, which becomes applicable in November 2008. Amendment 83 enables implementation of the ATN, solely based on the IPS.

The primary objective of WG-I was the development of the ATN/IPS “Network”, which will facilitate easy development and implementation of applications, by the sub-regional, regional or global user communities and ICAO Standardization Panels.

The working group has had five meetings this year, January in Bangkok Meeting #5, March in Montreal Meeting #6, June in Montreal Meeting #7, August in Montreal Meeting #8 and October in Montreal Meeting #9.

The draft Manual has now been delivered to the ICAO Secretariat for publication. To facilitate implementation of the ATN/IPS, a pre-published version of the Manual will be made available shortly on the ICAO-NET and in the Repository Section of the ACP website.

During 2009, three meetings are foreseen to finalize the two outstanding issues, which are

ATN/IPS Requirements for VoIP (based on EUROCAE ED136-138?)
Further work on an ATN/IPS Adressing Plan for A/G Communications

Once these issues have been finalized, edition 2 of the Manual will be published.

The next meeting has tentatively been scheduled for Mar/April 2009 in Montreal. The draft Report and working papers for WG-I/9, including the latest version of the draft Manual, can be found here Read more...

ACP – Second meeting of the Working Group of the Whole (ACP WG-W/2).

[April 2008] The main issues addressed during this meeting were:

The Conclusion of the Future Communication Study (FCS),
Part III (Inmarsat/MTSAT) of the AMS(R)S Manual
Progress of work within WG-I (IPS) and potential future work on IPS based air-ground and ground-ground applications.

1. Conclusion of the Future Communication Study (FCS): In the period since ACP/1, the ACP has mainly been concerned with technology selection for a future communication system in support of the European and US SESAR and NEXTGEN programs respectively. It has been concluded that no single technology can meet the future ATM needs in all areas of operation and hence a group of technologies that best suit the different environments will be needed:

A single technology in the C- band (5.091-5.150 GHz) has been agreed to support airport surface operations, especially in high density areas.
Two technologies are currently under consideration for the L-band (960-1164 MHz). It has not been possible to agree on a final choice of technology for the L-band, foreseen as the main terrestrial component of the Future Communication Infrastructure (FCI) for all phases of flight. The group agreed that until such time as the spectrum compatibility between the proposed systems and the legacy systems has been proven it would not be possible to complete this activity. This will require the development of prototypes in order that testing in a real environment against operational legacy equipment can be carried out.
The group also agreed that a Satellite component is required to support the oceanic and remote areas, and possibly provide complementary support to TMA and enroute phases.
Due to the current spectrum congestion in some regions in the VHF communications band (117.975 MHz-137MHz), the potential use of the VHF band for new technologies was not considered viable within the same timeframe as the bands mentioned above.

In line with the 11th Air Navigation Conference (2003), directions and recommendations which request to standardise mature and technically proven technologies which provide proven operational benefits, the WG-W/2 concluded that there is no need for ICAO in the immediate or short term to develop specifications at the ICAO ACP level for the VHF-band, L-band, C-band and Satellite systems identified as a part of the FCI. Such development work can await the further maturing of such proposals and the clear identification of the operating environment.
Work outside ICAO, including industry as well as other standardisation bodies will continue for the next couple of years, primarily driven by stakeholders with close coordination between them. Nevertheless the international coordination of theses activities is critical as these activities are directly impacting global interoperability. Therefore, it is important to ensure that there are opportunities for comment and input from the wider aviation world. It is proposed that ACP provide a forum in ICAO in which the progress of the work will be discussed and reviewed at some regular (yearly) intervals.
The outcome was summed up in two Recommendations:

Develop ICAO material for the VHF-band, L-band, C-band and Satellite systems in support of the Future Communications Infrastructure as soon as relevant material is available from Industry and external Standardisation bodies.
Provide a technical forum within the ACP to monitor the progress of the FCI development

2. Part III (Inmarsat/MTSAT) of the AMS(R)S Manual. A paper developed by Inmarsat introduced a Volumetric Analysis approach to quantify potential interference from Inmarsat equipped aircraft to adjacent aircraft equipped with Iridium systems. In the absence of a detailed presentation of the findings of this analysis, no conclusion could be drawn at this time as to the validity of the analysis, nor its outcome. The upcoming ACP WG-M (June 2008) will address this matter further.
3. Progress of work within WG-I (IPS) and potential future work on IPS based air-ground and ground-ground applications. SARPs in support of IPS have been approved by the ICAO Council and will become applicable in November 2008. WG-I is in the process of finalising Doc 9896 (IPS Manual). The work will be completed by November 2008. The Autonomous System Numbering Plan and IPv6 Address Plan, are dependent on IANA providing a block of IPv6 Addresses. The VoIP requirements are dependent on EUROCAE WG-67 making their document available for review by WG-I.
The WG-W/2 discussed a potential way ahead on ground-ground messaging applications. It was agreed that the ACP needs to consider the future evolution of systems in support of future ground-ground messaging requirements. This matter will be put on the agenda for the next ACP WG-W meeting, tentatively foreseen to take place in one year’s time.

The full report of ACP WG-W/2 and all working papers are available at the following link: Read more...

Final review revision ATN SARPs using TCP/IP

[December 2007] The Air Navigation Commission (ANC) undertook a final review of the amendments to the ATN SARPs that introduce in the ATN the standards of the Internet Protocol Suite as developed by the Internet Society (ISOC). The amendments, and in particular the ATN/IPS SARPs, are expected to become applicable in November 2008. The amendments were developed by the Aeronautical Communications Panel (ACP) which is currently completing the relevant manuals (on detailed technical specifications and implementation aspects). The target date for completion is November 2008. ACP is also considering the most efficient way to move current ATN applications to native IPS applications, thus constructing a complete ATN that can be based on the modern and current IPS standards and protocols. It is expected that this development will transform the ATN into a flexible network that can keep up with any new development in Internet-working. Implementation of ATN based on the IPS is already in progress in most parts of the world. ATN/IPS standards are the preferred implementation of ATN.

Manual on detailed technical specification for the ATN/OSI - ATSMHS

[December 2007] [December 2007] Part IIB (ATSMHS) of the Manual on detailed technical specifications for the ATN/OSI Doc. 9880 has been approved. Pending editing and formal publication by ICAO it has now been placed in the section Repository of the ACP website. This publication makes the relevant material on ATSMHS, as contained in Doc. 9705, Sub-Volume III, Section 3.1 obsolete. Read more...

ITU World Radio Conference (WRC), 2007

[November 2007] The ITU World Radiocommunication Conference (2007) (WRC-07) was held from 22 October to 16 November in Geneva, Switzerland. In total, over 2800 delegates from 164 ITU Member States and 104 international organizations participated in the work of the conference. A detailed report on the results of interest to aviation is now available (link below). Amongst the main results for aviation are the following:

Allocations to the aeronautical mobile (route) service (AM(R)S) were agreed to in the bands 112 – 117.975 MHz, 960 – 1164 MHz and 5091 – 5150 MHz. This satisfies the ICAO position, which was based on the bandwidth requirements identified in the Future Communications Study conducted by the Aeronautical Communications Panel, with the exception of the 5 GHz band where more bandwidth may be needed. All the new AM(R)S allocations are in bands which are also allocated to the aeronautical radio navigation service (ARNS) and used (or planned to be used) by VOR, DME, SSR, UAT and MLS. The allocations are subject to not causing harmful interference to, nor claiming protection from stations operating in the ARNS. The allocations are limited to ICAO standardized systems. The AM(R)S allocation in the 5 GHz band is limited to airport surface operations and is shared with allocations for aeronautical mobile telemetry (AMT) and aeronautical security transmissions (AS). AS is an application which provides a wide bandwidth link from an aircraft to the ground, i.e. a video feed, in case of an unlawful intervention.
The Conference agreed to remove a provision providing precedence to MLS over any other usage in the band 5091-5150 (MLS extension band). This was opposed by ICAO.
An allocation for AM(R)S in the band 5000-5030 MHz was explored and potential compatibility issues with the radionavigation-satellite service (RNSS) (mainly Galileo) were identified. It was agreed to invite the ITU-R to study this band in time for WRC-2011, with the view of a possible new allocation for the AM(R)S in this band at that Conference.
To satisfy the needs for aeronautical mobile telemetry (AMT) for flight testing, the Conference agreed to a global allocation in the 5091 – 5150 MHz band (MLS extension band). Frequency bands in the 4 and 6 GHz range as well as the band 5150-5250 MHz were also allocated for AMT on a regional or sub-regional basis.
A Recommendation on the Use by civil aviation of frequency allocations on a primary basis to the fixed-satellite service was developed. In this Recommendation it is recognized that VSAT networks operating in the fixed satellite service can also be used for aeronautical safety applications. Administrations, in particular in developing countries are urged to recognize the importance of VSAT operations to the modernization of civil aviation telecommunications systems and to encourage the implementation of VSAT systems to support aeronautical communication requirements. Administrations in developing countries are encouraged, to the maximum extent possible, to expedite the authorization process to enable aeronautical communications using VSAT technology.
The Conference agreed to invite the ITU-R to conduct, in time for consideration by WRC-11, the appropriate technical, operational and regulatory studies to ensure long-term spectrum availability for the aeronautical mobile-satellite (R) service (AMS(R)S) including the existing and future spectrum requirements.
The Conference agreed to invite the ITU-R to study, in time for consideration by WRC-11, the spectrum requirements and possible regulatory actions, including additional allocations, to support operations of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).

Panel Meetings

The first meeting of the Aeronautical Communication Panel (ACP/1) was held in Montreal, Canada from 10 to 18 May 2007. The report of ACP/1 as well as the working papers are available from this website.

Other panel meeting reports from AMCP as well as reports from ATNP and AMSSP could be downloaded here.

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Background

The ACP is developing Standards and Recommended Practices, as well as guidance material for air-ground and ground-ground aeronautical communications, both voice and data. It also develops the draft ICAO position for ITU Radiocommunication Conferences and coordinates, as required, the ICAO input to meetings of the ITU Study Groups and Regional Telecommunication Organizations.

The Aeronautical Communication Panel (ACP) was created in 2003 by the Air Navigation Commission (162-13), after a merging between the Aeronautical Mobile Communications Panel (AMCP) and the Aeronautical Telecommunications Network Panel (ATNP). A limited number of reports from the ATNP can be found here. This website is a continuation of the website, originally established for the AMCP and includes older AMCP reports and, as available, reports of working groups.