SADISOPSG/9-WP/28

30/4/04

SATELLITE DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM OPERATIONS GROUP (SADISOPSG)

NINTH MEETING

Dakar, Senegal, 1 to 4 June 2004

Agenda Item	4:	Content of the SADIS broadcast
4.1:	OPMET information

IATA REQUIREMENTS FOR OPMET DATA

(Presented by the International Air Transport Association (IATA))

SUMMARY
Since the introduction of SADIS, the Annex 1 of the SADIS User Guide is the basis of the OPMET data distribution on SADIS. During the past years only few revisions or updates of the Annex 1 were considered or introduced. The airlines requirements have changed and the availability of OPMET data has increased since the introduction of Annex 1.

This paper outlines the changes to IATA requirements for OPMET data and IATA invites the SADISOPG to consider the implementation of this requirements.

1.	INTRODUCTION

1.1	Since SADIS became operational in the 90's, it evolved into a more and more reliable source of weather data. Beside the distribution of WAFS products it is used for broadcasting OPMET data. Basis for the data distribution via SADIS is the SADIS User Guide and the Annex 1 to this guide.

1.2	SADIS has the task to provide all necessary or requested weather data to aviation users so that SADIS can be considered as a single source of data.

1.3	SADIS is a dedicated ICAO system, regulated and controlled under ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices. It forms part of the Aeronautical Fixed Services (AFS) to ensure that aviation data are distributed without conflict and with the appropriate priority.

2.	DISCUSSION

2.1	Since the operational start of SADIS many airlines are linked (directly or indirectly) to SADIS as a primary and single source of weather data and products for aviation. Products prepared by the WAFC are clearly identified and described. Other data like scheduled and non-scheduled OPMET data are depending on their availability and the user requirements.

2.2	For several years, the requirements for OPMET data described in Annex 1 of the SUG havenot been revised very often. Therefore IATA has identified a need to issue a revision of this Annex. In the attachment to this WP IATA has listed the requested changes to the SUG Annex 1.

2.3	The attachment contains insertion and deletion of Non-AOP-aerodromes, because it is assumed that all AOP aerodromes are automatically added to SUG Annex 1. However, one AOP aerodrome is listed for insertion.

2.4	All available OPMET data means that IATA does not make any differentiation of METAR and TAF in their requirements.

2.5	The IATA requirement for distribution of all available OPMET for airports listed in the attachment does not imply any change of status in the AOP table for these airports.

3.	ACTION BY THE SADISOPSG

3.1	The SADISOPSG is invited to:

a)	note the changes of IATA requirements for OPMET data exchange;

b)	discuss the IATA requirements for OPMET data exchange;

c)	adopt changes in the attachment as changes to Annex 1 of SUG;

d)	approach the SADIS provider to undertake all efforts to fulfil the requirements of Annex 1; and

e)	ask the secretary to give a feedback to IATA about the accepted changes and the update of SUG Annex1.

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Appendix available in pdf.