symposium 2012-sessions

EUROCAE Annual Symposium 2012

This year's Symposium will cover the following subjects in four dedicated sessions:

Session 1. Datalink – first steps towards total integration of ATM

The use of data communication to enhance exchange of information between pilot and controller or aircraft and ground systems has been underway for more than 30 years. The initial standardised data link for ATC purposes was based on FANS 1/A protocol. Global interoperability and benefits for all airspace users could be achieved only through standardisation at which organisations such as EUROCAE were at the heart.
Future ATM concepts rely on greater integration of the aircraft systems with those on the ground through data communication. These concepts are being introduced in Europe through the Single European Sky Implementing Rule over the next few years.
Beyond that the next generation of applications to support trajectory management are being developed. EUROCAE has developed, and is developing, standards that support current and future applications which will help meet the challenge of increased air traffic growth whilst improving efficiency and safety.

Session 2. The Flight Object, an essential step towards ATM Interoperability

Current state-of-the-art ATM systems still suffer from inconsistent flight data causing performance problems onto the entire ATM network. The Flight Object concept will assure that each ATM system has visibility on the same set of accurate Flight Data including a 4D-Trajectory. At the same time the introduction of a SWIM environment across the ATM network will grant the access to Flight Objects to each SWIM equipped ATM system. Already in 2004, iTEC and Coflight ANSPs have started work to define a high level architecture and interfaces describing the Flight Object. These work results were input into EUROCAE WG-59 to produce an initial Flight Object Interoperability Specification ED-133. This Flight Object concept is currently subject of validation within the SESAR Program. This validation is understood as the main input for a final ED-133 version and the deployment of Flight Object equipped ATM systems.

Session 3. Successes for EUROCAE in enabling CNS implementation/modernisation

The key enabling technologies of Communications, Navigation and Surveillance form the backbone of a coherent collaborative ATM system. This session highlights an example from each area. The standards for safety, performance, interoperability (both ground-ground and air-ground) and equipment approval have been developed by EUROCAE WGs.
In 2004 EUROCAE launched WG-67 to focus on VoIP Communication activity. The WG has delivered Operations and Technical requirements, Interoperability requirements at component and network level, and Test Specifications that have been used by both FAA and ETSI for equipment and system validation. This material is now referenced by ICAO and used by ANSPs and suppliers preparing to deliver operational systems.
The seeds of GNSS Navigation, were sown nearly 20 years ago at ANC10. EUROCAE standards developed by WG-28 have led to the first worldwide fully operational GNSS Landing System (GLS) approach to CAT I decision height, which was made by an AirBerlin flight to Bremen airport in Germany on 9th of February. DFS obtained the first full operational approval for a GBAS ground system, including the most critical approach and automatic landing phases.
The longer term future of Surveillance will depend heavily on ADS-B, for both ground surveillance and especially for airborne surveillance. EUROCAE WG-51, jointly with RTCA SC-186, has delivered standards that have led to operational use of ADS-B ground surveillance since 2009. On 7 February 2012, the first commercial flight in Europe equipped with a certified traffic situational awareness system took place, providing the pilots with real-time surveillance information on surrounding traffic. SESAR and NextGen will continue to build on these achievements.

Session 4. Success through Cooperation

This session will focus on the achievements realised thanks to cooperation between EUROCAE and our European and worldwide partners. Discussion will be centred on alliances with partner standardisation bodies as well as on the more political level and our partnerships with European and international organisations such as the European Commission, EASA, ICAO, RTCA and Eurocontrol.
The European Commission’s coordination responsibility, via the framework of the Single European Sky, recognises EUROCAE’s role as the primary European aviation equipment standards development organisation working with the ESOs. Organisations like ICAO and EASA rely on EUROCAE standards as a new way of collaboration.