IBAC Bulletin B 04-2

Subject: NAT SATCOM (Voice) Trials Commence

On April 12, 2004 the North Atlantic Region (NAT) initiated an operational test of the routine use of Satellite Communications (SATCOM) for Waypoint Position Reporting (WPR).

Operators may join the test by completing a registration form, which may be downloaded at ibac.org/Bulletins/SATCOMregform and sent to Dave Stohr at davidstohr@sprintmail.com. The test is currently limited to general aviation operators only. The trials duration is open ended, with an initial evaluation to be conducted after 30 days.

The establishment of the trials is in response to initiatives taken over the last several years by IBAC representatives at the meetings of the NAT Systems Planning Group and it subordinate bodies, the Implementation Management Group and the Air Traffic Management Group. IBAC gratefully acknowledges the support and cooperation of the NAT ANS Providers in establishing these trials.

IBAC therefore strongly encourages the operators of suitably equipped business aircraft to avail themselves of the opportunity to participate in these trials.

Prepared by:

Peter R. Ingleton
IBAC Director, ICAO Liaison
27 April 2004

****************************************