AERONAUTICAL COMMUNICATIONS PANEL (ACP)

Working Group F – 15th meeting

Cairo, Egypt

7th – 13th June 2006

Review of Aeronautical Radio Systems

Presented by John Mettrop

1.0Background

Within the UK a review of government spectrum holdings has been ongoing commonly referred to as the “Cave Audit”. As a result of this work a report “Independent Audit of Spectrum Holdings” has been producedand a government response produced. Copies of these two documents can be found at and

2.0Discussion

Recommendation 6.10 proposes that “Ofcom, CAA and MoD should undertake a joint review of navigation aids and landing systems to consider whether any rationalisation of multiple allocations is feasible. The opportunities identified should be pursued through pressing for changes at a regional or global level, and through the use of market mechanisms where possible”. In it’s response the government proposes to task the CAA with conducting such a review and taking this forward internationally.

The CAA have yet to decide exactly how to progress this work, which will naturally include consultation with the aviation industry within the UK including aircraft operators, service providers, general aviation etc. However the CAA can envisage that such a review may bring a number of advantages to the industry if it is proven that one or more existing systems can be removed. These advantages would include:-

  • Reduced equipage requirements on aircraft, saving weight, reducing the number of antennas required, reduced maintenance requirements and hence reduced operating costs.
  • Reduced cost of ground infrastructure
  • Clarification of the spectrum that might be available to support new systems such as the future communication system
  • Justification for the spectrum allocated to aeronautical services that will be supported by the radio regulator.
  • Clear guidance on dates for systems implementation/decommissioning.

The CAA will be initiating this work shortly and would hope to develop a spectrum road map firstly in conjunctionwith the aviation industry within the UK and then our international partners. Hopefully this work will produce UK inputs to SESAR (Single European Skies ATM Research) programme, EANPG and other relevant groups. As the work progresses it is the CAA intention to keep members of WG F fully briefed.