4 Europe
8.33 KHz BELOW FL195
Europe expands mandatory 8.33 kHz frequency spacing
^ by Bogdan Petricel, EUROCONTROL The date for mandatory 8.33 kHz voice channel spacing communications below FL195 is approaching. Europe still has a shortage of voice communication frequencies, and the situation is expected to worsen in the coming years. The consequences of this shortage are significant: air traffic delays, difficulties to implement safety improvements, loss of flexibility in introducing operational enhancements etc. These have the potential to constrain the European economic development. Extending the use of 8.33kHz voice channel spacing below flight level 195 is the only way to meet Europe’s aeronautical mobile communication frequency needs in the medium- to long-term. The European Commission’s Implementing Regulation (EU) No 1079/2012 (VCS Regulation) lays down the requirements for the coordinated introduction of air-ground voice communications, based on 8.33 kHz channel spacing. It applies to: 44All voice communication radios operating in the aeronautical VHF band; 44Flight data processing systems serving general air traffic; 44All flights operating as general air traffic.
The regulation covers interoperability, performance and deployment obligations; it sets application dates for air navigation service providers, operators and other aeronautical radio users, Member States and the Network Manager.
Who?
Ground radio stations (including radios used for Operational Communications (OPC) and mobile/hand held stations) operating in the aeronautical mobile communications service band have to be 8.33kHz capable. All airborne radios on board aircraft operating under VFR and/or IFR, as General Air Traffic (GAT) within the ICAO EUR airspace where EU Member States are responsible for the provision of air traffic services have to be 8.33kHz capable.
Where?
The regulation will be applied in the ICAO EUR Region where Norway, Switzerland and the EU Member States are responsible for the provision of air traffic services. Several other states, within the ICAO EUR region may decide to implement 8.33kHz channel spacing requirements below FL195 in the near future.
When?
From 1 January 2018, aircraft may not be operated in the airspace where radio carriage is required unless the aircraft radio equipment has 8.33kHz channel spacing capability. By 31 December 2018, Member States shall ensure that all aeronautical mobile
State aircraft (transport and non-transport) planned to operate beyond 31 December 2025 shall be equipped with radios having 8.33kHz channel spacing capability. Specific exemptions and temporary derogations may apply.
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