09/20/10 AC A in an aeronautical data chain for navigation and terrain applications. RTCA/DO-200A, section
2, contains the requirements for the aeronautical data process. RTCA/DO-200A, appendix B provides guidance on defining the DQRs; appendix C demonstrates compliance with the requirements contained in section 2. RTCA/DO-200A, section 3 details
the specific objectives, procedures, and reports associated with auditing an aeronautical data process to demonstrate compliance with section 2.
c. The process of collecting this data begins at the governmental body level, where ICAO Contracting States around the world are responsible for compiling and transmitting the aeronautical data through its aeronautical information publication (AIP) in accordance with
ICAO Annex 15 requirements. In the past, terrain data has not
typically been considered AIP, and is not subject to the day Aeronautical Information Regulation and Control (AIRAC) cycle. The latest edition of ICAO Annex 15, however, indicates AIP will include electronic terrain and obstacle data in accordance with the following coverage areas. Area 1 (entire territory of a state) and Area 4 (category II/III) data began to be available in November 2008. Area 2 (terminal area) and Area 3 (aerodrome/heliport) data will begin to be available through
AIP by November 2010 with additional data sets becoming available by November 2015.
Note ICAO Contracting States are required to include the elements found in ICAO Annex 15, appendix 4, part 1 in its AIP. Contracting State AIP may include the elements recommended in ICAO Annex 15, appendix 4, part 2. Department of Defense (DOD) data may not be appropriate for aeronautical use, so we do not consider this data as
AIP, but it maybe considered as an official government source, if it is the only data source available.
d. The data service provider is an organization that collects the aeronautical data from the Contracting States or other sources and inputs the data into an electronic file as specified by the avionics manufacturer.
For navigation data, this file has typically been processed into a standard format, defined by the Aeronautical Radio, Incorporated (ARINC) specification 424. For terrain, obstacle and airport map data this file has typically been defined by RTCA/DO-291A or by the
ARINC specification 816. Other data interchange specifications
and formats are allowed, as long as they meet the format requirements specified by the data customer (application provider, end-user, etc.
e. The avionics manufacturer receives the aeronautical data file from the data service provider and loads that data into its ground-based processing software. This software is designed to run automated checks on the data, to customize the geographic area coverage and data content, and then compressor pack the data by changing the format into that specified for the target avionics. Once these
steps have been accomplished, a navigation data file, or set of files, is created for each customer. The data is then sent to the customer, either electronically or on loadable media. If the data is sent electronically, the customer will have the means to transfer the data to loadable media or directly into the avionics system. The last activity of this process is the loading of the aeronautical data into the aircraft’s avionics system.
09/20/10 AC Ab f. Navigation systems are designed to use navigation databases that are updated in accordance with the ICAO day AIRAC cycle.
Once loaded, the database information typically will not be changed until the beginning of the next AIRAC effective date. If a major change occurs or an error is detected within the day cycle, the updated information may not be available to the automated system until the next cycle.
Note As of Amendment 36, dated 01 April 2010, ICAO Annex 15 recommends obstacle and airport map data is distributed in the Contracting State’s AIP under the regulated AIRAC system.
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