|
|
|
|
Mode S and the Aircraft Identification Programme |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unambiguous and continuous aircraft identification is an essential and basic requirement for the provision of Air Traffic Control services in the European region.
The current method of using Mode 3/A codes managed though the Originating Region Code Assignment Method (ORCAM) suffers from a number of shortcomings which have been observed over the past years such as code shortages, code conflicts (with a subsequent potential loss of identification) and the necessity for, frequent changes of code for a given flight
In May 2008, the EUROCONTROL Provisional Council requested the Air Navigation Services Board (ANSB) to examine the issues and problems of aircraft identification and to propose a way forward. It was determined that downlinked aircraft identification was the most effective long-term solution to meet the objective of guaranteeing the unambiguous and continuous identification of individual aircraft within European airspace.
|
|
|
The 2012 Initial Operating Capability |
As this solution could not be reasonably implemented across the region before the year 2020, an Initial Operational Capability strategy was developed, consisting of a mixed environment of Elementary Surveillance (ELS), along with more efficient use of the Mode 3/A codes through a Centralised Code Assignment & Management System (CCAMS) and, where necessary, an enhanced ORCAM (E-ORCAM) capability. This strategy could be implemented by 2012, and would be a first step to realising the long term 2020 goal.
The 2012 Initial Operating Capability will be underpinned by EC Regulation and by ICAO and EUROCONTROL agreements for non EC states.
|
|
|
The Aircraft Identification Programme |
The Aircraft Identification Programme is managed by EUROCONTROL and oversees the coordinated development and introduction of ELS, CCAMS and E-ORCAM to achieve the Initial Operating Capability the expected benefits of the Aircraft Identification Programme are:
- Unambiguous and continuous aircraft identification for ATC services is assured;
- Elimination of Mode 3/A code conflicts in the EUR Region;
- Significant reduction in Mode 3/A code changes required (workload reduction for pilots and controllers);
- Elimination of Mode 3/A code shortages in the EUR Region;
- Avoidance of delays induced by code shortages.
|
|
|
The following map shows the infrastructure capability for ELS, CCAMS and E-ORCAM, by 9th February 2012:
|
|
|
|
|
|
For more information on the ELS element within the Aircraft Identification Programme, return to the Mode S Homepage:
| | |
