Pursuing One Source of Information
The FAA has recognized through an internal improvement coalition that the many resources online for AI (Aeronautical Information) have contributed to customer confusion. As a result, you have probably noticed that long-time resources like PilotWeb, Notice to Airmen Publication (NTAP), and “Perm” NOTAMs were decommissioned to make way for one authoritative source for information. The first iteration of this effort to consolidate and standardize information is exemplified in the formulation of the following regularly-updated links:
These changes, among many others, are part of a larger effort called SWIM, or System-Wide Information Management. With this effort, new infrastructure such as SCDS (System-Wide Information Management (SWIM) Cloud Distribution Services), has been developed to provide data in a clear and consistent manner. And most importantly, a source of numerous data feeds in one place.
Consistent and Easily Digestible Information
For enhancements you will more likely see in your daily operations, two significant look-and-feel changes are being implemented. The first of which is a transition to publish FAA NOTAMs in the ICAO format. This will begin in early 2021 with Field Condition (FICON) NOTAMs, which makeup 73% of all FAA NOTAMs. Following this move, the transition of all FAA NOTAMs to ICAO Format is planned by Q4 of 2022. The other improvement includes a digital formatting transition to more friendly typography. This will be a welcomed escape from the current format of “shouting at you” in all capital letters. Both of these were pursued in response to industry feedback about the inefficiency and inconsistency of FAA NOTAMs.
Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) and Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Community Collaboration
Temporary Flight Restrictions and Unmanned Aircraft Systems (aka ‘drones’) were discussed in dedicated sessions due to a clamoring from the 2019 Summit to address the current state of information in these areas. Some changes implemented recently for TFRs include improved charting of TFRs (e.g. over VFR sectionals and sports stadiums plotting) and better graphical depictions in plain language text (e.g. natural disaster TFRs, specifically 91.138 TFRs). The best site to gain TFR information remains tfr.faa.gov.
It wasn’t just improving the old though for this summit. For ‘drone’ pilots, the FAA remains committed to providing information for Part 107 ops, from drone operators flying recreationally to public safety officers aiming to supplement ground ops.
More Improvements on the Way
Future efforts in optimization also include providing LOA (Letters of Authorization) data and Obstacle Data (currently only found in the Digital Obstacle File or “DOF”) in a digital format via Application Programming Interfaces (APIs). The OIS page for National Airspace Status which many use for a snapshot of current traffic management initiatives in place, will also undergo a facelift.
What does all of this mean to you and how will you keep up with the roadmap of enhancements in data handling? Stick with ARINCDirect as we stay on top of the changes with the SWIFT (SWIM Industry-FAA Team), a collaborative forum seeking to address concerns and questions as it relates to operations and operational data.
