FPL2012 Transition Phase Begins: CANSO Urges Readiness, Publishes Checklist for ANSPs
CANSO, the Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation, has urged ANSPs to be ready for the new ICAO Flight Plan format and has published a checklist to help them assess their progress. CANSO Director General (Interim) Samantha Sharif said: “The new Flight Plan format reflects enhancements to ground, aircraft and satellite-based services. This allows airspace users to take advantage of new ATM systems and procedures, in-line with CANSO’s mission of transforming ATM performance. We are therefore contacting ANSPs around the world to ensure they are prepared for the 15 November switchover deadline.” ANSPs use Flight Plan data to determine and ensure safe separation between aircraft, as well as to provide flight clearances. With today’s highly automated air traffic control systems, any corruption or loss of data integrity could lead to unacceptable safety risks. All possible steps must therefore be taken to ensure that the Flight Plan Format changeover is as seamless as possible. According to ICAO, ANSPs should be able to accept and process both the ‘NEW’ and ‘PRESENT’ Flight Plan formats from 1 July this year, when the Transition Phase for airspace user testing and implementation begins. The ‘PRESENT’ Flight Plan format will no longer be usable from 15 November. So far the majority of States have taken, or are taking the necessary steps to ensure compliance. However, several States have reported difficulties while others have not yet provided any information at all. CANSO and ICAO have held several joint regional workshops to raise awareness of these important changes to the Flight Plan format and to support ANSPs make the transition. According to Ms. Sharif, CANSO is making every effort through its Operations Standing Committee and Regional Directors to communicate with ANSPs that have not yet provided information. A checklist has also been developed to support them. “States can still prepare contingencies so they and their neighbours are able to process the NEW format in some way,” she said, “But time is running out. We urge ANSPs to make full use of resources available and contact CANSO for further assistance if needed. Download FPL2012 – Are You Ready? For more information about FPL 2012 visit the ICAO website.Contact: [email protected]
