Communications methods in aviationUnit 28 Aviation Communications

• Travel and Tourism
• Further Education (Key Stage 5)

Learning Outcome 1 

Communications methods in aviation

Unit 28 Aviation Communications

Learning Outcomes

- describe the role of three aviation regulatory bodies 

- describe two communication systems used by each regulatory body 

IATA 

IATA – what does this stand for?

 

IATA

IATA - who are IATA?

IATA stands for the International Air Transport Association. It is a trade association of airlines worldwide, representing around 290 airlines and accounting for about 82% of air traffic. IATA provides a variety of services and support to its member airlines, including the development of industry standards, the facilitation of global air travel through the creation of standardised procedures and systems, and the promotion of safety and efficiency in air transportation.

IATA - Communication Systems

1. IATA codes

IATA have created many codes including the Airline Designator Code, (two letter airline code) and the Location Identifier (three letter airport code). These codes are an integral part of the travel industry.

 

IATA Codes

Airline Designator Codes

Airlines use Designator Codes for reservations, schedules, timetables, telecommunications, ticketing, cargo documentation, legal, tariffs and/or other commercial/traffic purposes.

Activity

Match the airlines with the airline designator ode

EI

BA

EK

QF

AA

Aer Lingus

Emirates

British Airways

Qantas

American Airlines

IATA CODES

Location Identifier

IATA created Location Identifiers to simplify the identification of airports in booking, ticketing, and baggage handling systems.

Group Activity

In a group, without a search engine, work out which airport owns the following three letter codes. You have 3 minutes!

Group Activity

BHD	CDG	MBA
STN	AGP	MCO
EMA	ROM	ORD
IOM	LCA	HNK
JER	DLM	SIN

Communication Systems

2. AIDC – Air Traffic Services Interfacility Data Communication

AIDC is a data link communication service that exchanges data between Air Traffic System (ATS) units for example, ATC and MET Office for notification, coordination and transfer of aircraft between Flight Information Regions (FIRs). AIDC greatly reduces the need for voice coordination between ATC facilities, resulting in fewer errors and reduced workload

Note: FIR: a specified region of airspace in which flight information and alerting service are provided. Depending on size, FIRs can include one country, several countries and oceans

AIDC

FIR

SITA

SITA – what does this stand for?

SITA - who are SITA?

SITA stands for the Société Internationale de Télécommunications Aéronautiques (International Society of Aviation Telecommunications), it is a multinational information technology company that provides IT and telecommunication services to the aviation industry. The company provides its services to around 400 members and 2,500 customers worldwide, which is about 90% of the world's airline business.

SITA - Communication Systems

1. ANSPs – Air Navigation Service Providers

ANSPs manage seamless digital data exchanges between aircrafts and ATC. Communication between controllers and pilots could relate to, for example weather updates and departure clearances to operational data. ANSPs minimise the need for voice communications, instead focus on digital exchanges to foster a more seamless, data driven air traffic management system.

SITC have created different ANSP systems such as AIRCOMEvatis, AIRCOMEvamet, and AIRCOMClever

Benefits of digital communication
instead of voice communication
between ATC and pilots?

ANSPs

Benefits of digital communication instead of voice communication include:

- Better Decision Making: Mitigate/reduces risks of misinterpretations from poor voice quality and ensure information is accessible

- Reduced Workload: Automate data retrieval and updates, this eliminates the time and effort needed for transcription and having to provide critical information in written format

- Modernised Infrastructure: Adhere to global standards for seamless integration with future systems

MyFleet Cockpit

2. MyFleet Cockpit

MyFleet Cockpit is a communications service that enables an airline to monitor key information related to its fleet. MyFleet provides information on

a. configuration details

b. operational service status report

c. performance reports of their fleet

MyFleet Cockpit

a. configuration details

MyFleet Cockpit

b. operational service status

MyFleet Cockpit

c. performance report of fleet

Note: KPIs - Key Performance Indicators

ICAO

ICAO – what does this stand for?

ICAO - who are ICAO?

ICAO stands for International Civil Aviation Organisation, is a specialist agency of the United Nations set up to define international safety, environmental and operating standards for civil aviation. There are currently more than 190 countries ICAO members.

Communication Systems

1. ICAO codes - Both IATA and ICAO are international organisations that oversee civil aviation operations. However, the IATA generally supports the airline industry, while the ICAO provides global standards for air transport operations. IATA uses a different list of airport codes that passengers can easily relate to. On the other hand, the airport codes set by the ICAO are mainly used by pilots and air traffic controllers.

ICAO Codes

An ICAO code is a four-character alphanumeric sequence used to identify airports around the world. They are defined by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and are used by Air Traffic Control (ATC) and airline operations for flight planning.

ICAO Codes

In most parts of the world, ICAO codes are classified geographically by region or country. The first letter is used to identify the continent, the second letter generally represents a country, the third letter is used to identify the Flight Information Region (FIR) in which an airport is located, and the fourth character is for the airport. 

ICAO Codes

Examples

Edinburgh in Scotland has the ICAO code of EGPH - E for Northern Europe, G for United Kingdom, P for Scottish region and H is for the airport

Charles de Gaulle Airport in France has the ICAO code of LFPG - L for Southern Europe, F for France, P for Paris region and G for the airport (Charles de Gaulle)

Class Activity

Use the SKYbrary to find the ICAO code for the following airports (SKYbrary website link on next slide)

• Belfast International Airport
  
• Sydney Airport
  
• Los Angeles Airport
  
• Colombia
  
• Ho Chi Minh City
  

skybrary.aero

GNSS

2. GNSS – Global Navigation Satellite System

GNSS is a satellite system that communicates with the Pilot and ATC to navigate the aircraft.

GNSS

GNSS is better than the older Global Positioning Systems (GPS) for navigating aircrafts as it has access to just under 100 satellites, whereas GPS has access to approximately 31 satellites. GNSS tends to be more efficient, economical and sustainable

Benefits of GNSS include:

• can be more accurate and reliable

• enables most fuel-efficient route to be planned

• enables flight over complicated terrain at a low altitude to be planned.

• easy to use

• increases safety

Bibliography (links on Canvas)

IATA:

IATA - IATA Codes

PowerPoint Presentation

SITA:

SITA | Easy and safe travel every step of the way

SITA | ATC Systems

ICAO:

International organisations | UK Civil Aviation Authority

GNSS / GPS Technology Differences | TerrisGPS