[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 113 (Tuesday, June 14, 2005)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 34416-34417]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-11670]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 71


Federal Aviation Administration Flight Information Services (FIS) 
Policy Statement

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Notice of policy statement; request for comment.

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SUMMARY: This statement summarizes the major changes and the 
implications of publishing the revised policy, and background on the 
need for a revised policy.
    The revised FIS Policy updates the existing 1998 FAA Airborne FIS 
Policy to reflect the current FIS data link status and provides the 
basis for transition from the current (FAA) industry Flight Information 
Services Data Link (FISDL) service to the planned evolution of an FAA 
FIS data link service using National Airspace System (NAS) technologies 
such as the Universal Access Transceiver (UAT) and/or Next Generation 
Air-Ground Communication (NEXCOM). During the transition, the revised 
FIS Policy supports continuation of the FISDL service by temporarily 
extending the current use of VHF channels through FAA-industry 
agreement.
    In 1998 the FAA Administrator published the current Airborne Flight 
Information Services Policy Statement (see attachment). That policy 
provided the basis for implementing the existing FISDL service through 
FAA-industry agreement. Under the agreement, FAA provides two VHF 
frequencies and management oversight while industry (Honeywell) 
provides the FISDL network and cockpit products. In 2002 the FAA 
published the Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) Link 
Decision which includes providing FIS-B services via the UAT network. 
The Safe Flight 21 program is developing the ADS-B technology and has 
intalled a ``pocket'' UAT network along the East Coast.
    The major purpose for publishing the revised FIS Policy is to 
establish a strategy for transitioning from the existing industry-
government FIS data link service to one or more FAA-only FIS data link 
services. The existing industry-government service, called FIS Data 
Link (FISDL), is owned and operated by Honeywell Inc. The replacement 
FAA-only system(s) will be the Universal Access Transceiver (UAT) and/
or NEXCOM. During the transition to an FAA FIS data link service, the 
FAA will provide temporary extension of two VHF channels for 
continuation of the FISDL service.

DATES: Comments must be received by June 30, 2005.

ADDRESSES: Send all comments on the proposed policy to the individual 
identified under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sandra Schmidt, Weather Policy and 
Standards, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Ave., SW., 
Washington, DC 20591; telephone number (202) 385-7709; Fax: (202) 385-
7701; e-mail: [email protected]. Internet address: http:[email protected]">//www.[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    The FAA invites interested parties to comment on the proposed 
policies. Comments should identify the subject of the proposed policy 
and be submitted to the individual identified under the FOR FURTHER 
INFORMATION CONTACT. The FAA will consider all comments received by the 
closing date before issuing the final policies.

Background

    After the cancellation of the Mode S Data Link Processor in the 
mid-1990's, the FAA had no definite plans for providing FIS data link 
services. Industry providers and users urged the FAA to work with 
industry to facilitate early implementation of FIS data link services. 
As a result, in May 1998 the FAA published the current FISDL policy. It 
provided the basis for implementing the existing FIS Data Link (FISDL) 
service through a Government-Industry Project Performance Agreement (G-
IPPA) with Honeywell.
    In July 2002, the FAA issued the ADS-B Link Decision that included 
FIS broadcast (FIS-B) as a NAS service using the Universal Access 
Transceiver (UAT) technology. In 2004, the FAA Safe Flight 21 program 
began installing a UAT network ``pocket'' along the East Coast that 
includes initial FIS-B services.
    The basic national FISDL network was completed during 2004. Also, 
the G-IPPA between the FAA and Honeywell has been extended to provide 
continuity of service during the development of the strategy for 
transition to an FAA FIS-B service. The revision to the FIS Policy 
establishes the provisions for further extending the

[[Page 34417]]

FISDL service and aligns the FIS Policy with the ADS-B Link Decision.

Airborne Flight Information Services Policy

    This policy statement replaces the Administrator's Airborne Flight 
Information Services (FIS) Policy Statement, dated May 1, 1998, and 
affirms FAA's objective to encourage the evolution of FIS data link 
services.
    FIS is defined as the non-control, advisory information needed by 
pilots to operate more safely and efficiently within the National 
Airspace System (NAS). FIS includes weather and airspace status 
information applicable for preflight planning and en route decision-
making. The FAA seeks to use digital data link technology to provide 
FIS information in a timely manner directly to the pilot, thereby 
enhancing flight safety and efficiency as well as increasing the 
general utility, efficiency, and capacity of the NAS. The timely 
provision of current and consistent FIS information is essential to 
support sound operational decisions by all NAS users.
    FIS product for delivery to the cockpit include text and/or graphic 
presentations of information on the status of the NAS (e.g., Notices to 
Airmen, Temporary Flight Restrictions, Special Use Airspace) and 
meteorological information. This policy supports the inherent 
efficiency of providing FIS through automated data communications to 
complement voice communications.
    The FAA policy is to promote all modes of FIS delivery appropriate 
for aviation use whether provided commercially or over the evolving FAA 
data link communications. This policy is consistent with FAA's 
Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) Data Link Decision 
of July 1, 2002. Under the ADS-B Link Decision, the FAA chose to 
provide future FIS-Broadcast (FIS-B) services through the Universal 
Access Transceiver (UAT) 978MHz network; additional details are 
available at the FAA Web site (http://www.faa.gov/asd/ads-b/). Any 
transition to the UAT network will include an orderly phase-out of the 
existing Government-Industry Project Performance Agreement (G-IPPA) 
that set aside segments of the VHF spectrum for the broadcast of FIS. 
The FAA intends to temporarily extend the current VHF channels for FIS 
data link (FISDL) use during transition to a national UAT on 978 MHz 
and/or Next Generation Air/Ground Communications (NEXCOM) based FIS 
data link service. The current VHF spectrum supporting FISDL is 
required for future airspace redesign requirements. Avionics based on 
the current VHF channels supporting FISDL will no longer receive FIS 
data when the VHF spectrum supporting this data link is no longer 
available.
    FAA encourages public and private collaboration to provide users 
with new and affordable FIS products; and to offer opportunities for 
industry to participate in FIS product development, production and 
dissemination. The FAA also supports the evolution and use of private 
sector FIS data link capabilities using alternative media, such as 
satellite broadcast.
    The FAA recognizes that effective pilot training is a critical 
element in the responsible use of FIS data link services. When used 
responsibly, FIS information can materially enhance a pilot's overall 
situational awareness and thus contribute to enhanced pilot judgment 
and better pilot decision-making. To ensure the maximum benefits from 
FIS data link services, the FAA encourages manufacturers to develop, 
and users (e.g., pilots and operators) to make use of appropriate 
training materials.
    Under the framework provided by this policy statement, the roles 
and responsibilities of the government, industry, and the users are as 
follows:

Government

     Plans to develop and deploy an FAA FIS data link service 
using evolving NAS technologies, such as UAT and NEXCOM.
     Will temporarily extend the current use of VHF channels 
for FIS data link service through the existing government-industry 
agreement until transition to the above FAA service.
     Will work with other Government agencies, users, and 
industry to develop guidelines and standards for the display and 
training associated with the use of FIS products in the cockpit.
     Will make appropriate NAS status and Federal 
meteorological data accessible to aeronautical users and service 
providers.
     May acquire commercially developed and produced FIS 
products.
     Will lead and coordinate the establishment of 
certification and operational approval criteria, and national and 
international standards for delivery of FIS via data link; thereby 
promoting interoperability between various FIS providers, products and 
equipment suites.

Industry

     Will manufacture avionics for the processing and display 
of FIS products in the cockpit.
     May develop FIS products and/or deploy commercial networks 
for delivery of FIS data link services.
     Will develop pilot education and training materials and 
encourage their use, as well as assist the FAA in the publication of 
appropriate directives.

Users

     Will select their preferred FIS data link service from FAA 
and/or the marketplace, and will acquire the appropriate data link 
equipment.
     Will complete appropriate training and use FIS data link 
equipment and products in a responsible manner as described in FAA and 
industry publications.

    Issued in Washington, DC, on May 31, 2005.
Richard J. Heuwinkel,
Manager, Weather Policy and Standards.
[FR Doc. 05-11670 Filed 6-13-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-M