Tango Transponders

On January 30, 2020, Phase 2c of the North Atlantic Data Link Mandate (NAT DLM FL290-FL410) went into effect. CPDLC is still required on T213, T13, and T216 in the SE corner of Shanwick Oceanic. Routes T9 and T290 positioned just west of the BOTA airspace do not require CPDLC but have specific Transponder requirements.

 

ICAO has published an updated version of the NAT Doc 007, applicable from July 2020, with some minor changes regarding the Tango Routes. The specifics of these changes are found in Chapter 6, sections 6.8.1 and 6.8.2.

 

Mexico Reopening Status

The following information regarding Mexico's reopening status is from Manny Aviation, a full-service handling company based in Mexico:

New European CPDLC Mandate .. and the exemptions

Beginning 5 February 2020, a new data link requirement goes into effect in the Single European Sky airspace. This new mandate requires aircraft to be equipped with CPDLC ATN-VDL Mode 2 (Aeronautical Telecommunications Network Very High Frequency Data Link Mode 2).

 

Mexico Inspections Go Nuclear on International Aircraft

We have told you in the past about the escalation of ramp inspections in Mexico over the past year. There have been several interesting developments over the past few months that have made this topic go from a nuisance to a full-blown operational concern going forward.

The following has been published by Manny Aviation, an established ground handler in Mexico.

“Civil Aviation Authority in Mexico (fka DGAC) has changed its name to AFAC (Civil Aviation Federal Agency) as of October 16th. As part of its change, part of broader overhaul authorities are undergoing, some departments within the agency have changed the way they operate and some procedures are being modified.

Unfortunately, it is yet too soon to brief you accurately on specific changes. Moreover, some changes might be overturned in the end due to its lack of practical application. What we can share with you so far is the following:

  1. Strategic Lateral Offset Procedure changes with Nat Doc 007 v.2019-3
  2. Decommissioning of OpSpec/MSpec/LOA A153 & A353 ADS-B Out Operations
  3. Mexico turns up the heat
  4. Sat Based ADS-B drives change to Special Procedures for In-Flight Contingencies in Oceanic Airspace as well as Weather Deviation Procedures