THE CONFERENCE debated the rapid increase in flights over Africa and the several critically deficient air-traffic-control systems in the region. Manoeuvres initiated because of TCAS warnings have occurred, IFALPA notes, and selection of the TCAS display to maximum range was debated, but rejected as a policy because of the varying capabilities of existing equipment.
The procedures for, and timing of, reports under the International Air Transport Association's in-flight broadcast procedure on 126.9MHz over Africa was reviewed in the light of this greater traffic in an area with poor en route communications on high-frequency wavebands. It was decided that the timing of broadcasts, which at present are recommended to be made 10min before reaching the next reporting point, should be changed to 5min, which would have more impact on those receiving the message.
Source: Flight International
