Learn about the FANS 1A+ mandate, timelines, aircraft upgrades

What does this mean to operators who are making daily crossings over the North Atlantic?  What aircraft upgrades are needed?  What operational approvals or training is required?  Here’s what you need to know to about the FANS 1A+ mandate, timelines for compliance and aircraft upgrades.  

FANS 1A+ allows air traffic control (ATC) to create a pseudo-radar environment in the non-radar and oceanic airspace for automatic position reporting and communication between ATC and the aircraft via satcom uplinks and downlinks to an ATC facility. Being able to instantly pinpoint the aircraft position and instant messaging allows more aircraft in the airspace, instant ATC communications and increased safety. Equipment on the aircraft requires a capable flight management system (FMS) for the crew interface and automatic position reporting, a communications management unit to correctly collect route the data and messaging, a level-D Inmarsat or iridium satcom system to transmit and receive the up and down linked data, and a data link cockpit voice recorder to record messages and data on and off the aircraft.  

The first phase of the NATS FANS 1A+ mandate was implemented Feb. 7, 2013. It requires aircraft flying on the two designated tracks between FL 360 - FL 390 to be equipped for FANS.                                

There are three additional phases of proposed FANS 1A+ tracks:

• 2A – Feb. 5, 2015. throughout the tracks in the NATS between FL 360 – FL 390.
• 2B – Dec. 7, 2017, throughout the North Atlantic Region between FL 350 – FL 390.
• 2C – Jan. 30, 2020, all MNPS airspace throughout all ICAO North Atlantic airspace FL 290 and above. Data Link Timeline  

Honeywell has been equipping aircraft with FANS 1A+ solutions since 1996. FANS 1A+ upgrades are currently available for the Dassault Falcon EASy II, Embraer 600/650, Lineage 1000 and Gulfstream Planeview aircraft. Honeywell expects to have certifications completed for the legacy SPZ-8000/8400/8500, Primus 1000/2000 aircraft throughout 2014.

For additional information contact Jeff Gayon (jeff.gayon@honeywell.com)

Resource Links:

FAA NAT Resource Guide

North Atlantic Operations Bulletin 2012 provides guidance for FANS 1A+ requirements within the NATS