Effective immediately with FAA Order N8900.491 and no later than June 30, 2019, the Federal Aviation Administration has decommissioned OpSpec/MSpec/LOA A153 & A353 for ABS-B Out Operations.  The measure discards requirements for ADS-B Out operational approval and removes the administrative burden on operators needing to apply for and maintain the OpSpec/MSpec/LOA for ABS-B Out Operations.

Read more: Decommissioning of OpSpec/MSpec/LOA A153 & A353 ADS-B Out Operations

Updated! 7-8-2019

As so often happens after an incident, regulators and local airport authorities call for increased levels of inspection. In this case, we are talking about Mexico.

The recent incident in Mexico involving a foreign-operated Challenger with a mechanical problem brought several other issues to light. The significant mechanical failure served as a catalyst for making local customs officials aware of the aircraft’s poor maintenance record and recordkeeping. Furthermore, it was discovered that this aircraft was operating as a private flight when clearly it was a charter.

Read more: Mexico turns up the heat

The use of the new procedures for Oceanic Contingencies and Weather deviation Procedures is coincident with the start of the Advanced Surveillance-Enhanced Procedural Separation, known as (ASEPS) trials which takes advantage of Spaced Based (SB ADS-B ). The SAT ADS-B trials will in effect reduce our separation requirements and allow ATC to apply these reductions if the aircraft is equipped with FANS 1/A+ CPDLC, ADS-C, RNP4, RCP240, and RSP180 capable and equipped with ADS-B.  The new procedures go into effect 28 March 2019.  Your ScottIPC App containing these procedures will be updated to reflect the new procedures on the 28^th as well. 

Read more: Sat Based ADS-B drives change to Special Procedures for In-Flight Contingencies in Oceanic...

The North Atlantic will begin a trial program utilizing sat based ADS-B called Advanced Surveillance-Enhanced Procedural Separation (ASEPS).  This trial will commence in the Shanwick, Gander and Santa Maria Oceanic Control Areas which will commence on or soon after 28th of March 2019. Aircraft need not apply to participate in the trials as long as they are capable of RNP 4 and RCP 240 where ADS-B service is provided and Controller Pilot Data Link Communications (CPDLC) is available. The use of Sat based ADS-B will enable ATC to provide reduced Longitudinal separations to appropriately equipped aircraft.

Read more: Trial Implementation of ASEPS using ADS-B starting 28 March 2019 in the NAT