Automatic dependent surveillance (ADS) operations across the North Atlantic progressed from trial phase to operational on 29 January.
Operational implementation by Nav Canada and the UK National Air Traffic Services (NATS) in the Gander and Shanwick flight information regions followed a successful trial period of waypoint position reports made using FANS-1/A ADS backed up by traditional HF voice reports. The move to the operational phase means that ADS becomes the primary means to provide waypoint information from ADS-capable aircraft, and pilots no longer need to provide HF voice reports. Iceland is continuing to trial ADS reporting.
Implementation has occurred as planned with no problems, and "excellent" data and transmission times, says the Gander area control centre. On the first day of implementation almost 100 aircraft, or 25% of the 400 operating on the eastbound flow across the Atlantic, including Boeing 747-400s, 777s, Airbus A340s and A330s, reported their positions via satellite communication-based ADS.
Source: Flight International
