Communications, Navigation & Surveillance (CNS)
-
Automatic Dependent Surveillance -
Broadcast (ADS-B)Automatic Dependent Surveillance (ADS-B) is widely recognized as a cornerstone technology for monitoring aircraft in the skies and on the ground in the continuing transformation to a Next Generation (“NextGen”) aviation system.
-
Mode S Transponders
Mode S Elementary Surveillance (ELS) and Mode S Enhanced Surveillance (EHS) transponders provide additional flight parameters to air traffic control thus improving the quality, detection, identification and altitude reporting of aircraft within the airspace.
-
Cockpit Voice Recorders (CVRs)/Flight Data
Recorders (FDRs)A Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) records radio transmissions and sounds in the aircraft’s cockpit, such as the pilot’s voices and engine noises while a Flight Data Recorder (FDR) records aircraft parameters such as altitude, airspeed and heading.
-
Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS)
Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) is an airborne system that operates independently from the ground-based Air Traffic Control (ATC) system. TCAS was designed to increase cockpit awareness of proximate aircraft and to serve as a “last line of defense” for the prevention of mid-air collisions.
-
Reduced Vertical Separation Minima (RVSM)
View news and references for domestic and international Reduced Vertical Separation Minima (RVSM) airspace.
-
Performance-Based Navigation (PBN)
Information related to the use of Area Navigation (RNAV) Standard Instrument Departures (SIDs), RNAV Standard Terminal Arrivals (STARs), and Required Navigation Performance Authorization Required (RNP AR) Approaches.
-
Electronic Flight Bags (EFBs)
An Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) is an electronic device that allows flight crews to perform a variety of functions that were traditionally accomplished by using paper references.
-
Emergency Locator Transmitters (ELTs)
Emergency Locator Transmitters (ELTs) are emergency beacons carried aboard aircraft to notify search-and-rescue personnel when an aircraft is down. There are several types of ELTS, and most U.S. civil aircraft are required to carry one.
APC Communications Services
-
CNS Timeline
This timeline of pending CNS/ATM changes has the best available dates for each of the listed programs.
-
Terrain Awareness and Warning Systems (TAWS)/Ground Proximity Warning System (GPWS)
Turbine-powered airplanes with 6 or more passenger seats are required to have Terrain Awareness and Warning System (TAWS)/Ground Proximity Warning System (GPWS) equipment on board.
-
8.33kHz Channel Spacing
Aircraft flying in the ICAO European Region after October 7, 1999 at flight level (FL245) and higher are required to have VHF Communications radios capable of 8.33KHz channel spacing.
-
FM Immunity
Very High Frequency (VHF) radios used on aircraft operating within the European region have had to meet FM Immunity requirements since January 1, 2001.
-
Minimum Navigation Performance Specification (MNPS)
Aircraft operating within MNPS Airspace in the North Atlantic are required to meet Minimum Navigation Performance Specifications (MNPS) in the horizontal plane through the mandatory carriage and proper use of a specified level of navigation equipment.
-
Mobile Satellite Users Association (MSUA)
The MSUA was established in 1992 as a non-profit association to promote the interests of users of mobile satellite communications worldwide. It fosters effective communication among Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) users, suppliers of equipment and services, operators of the satellite systems, and the various governmental entities that may affect the future of the industry. Membership is not limited to USA entities, and is open to organizations worldwide engaged in any of these activities.
