Europe will extend its 8.33kHz channel-spacing programme to 21 more countries from 31 October, 2002, to further relieve congestion in the air.
The mandatory carriage of 8.33kHz-compatible airborne radio equipment came into effect above flight level 245 (24,500ft/7,300m) in seven European states – Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Switzerland – in October 1999. The switch from 25kHz to 8.33kHz channel-spacing in VHF voice communications is designed to free additional radio frequencies to allow air traffic controllers to handle more traffic.
The horizontal expansion of 8.33kHz channel-spacing, above FL245, will involve Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, the Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Yugoslavia and the UK.
The first stage of Europe's 8.33kHz programme was hindered by slow equipage by operators resulting in the implementation deadline slipping twice. It has, however, provided "significant frequency management benefits" – more than 40 new upper area control centre frequencies, says Eurocontrol. Horizontal expansion is expected to create a further 150.
Around 11,000 aircraft are equipped with 8.33kHz radios and a further 800 non-equipped aircraft are expected to be affected by the expansion.
Eurocontrol is studying extending 8.33kHz vertically below FL245, with study results expected in the middle of next year.
Source: Flight International
