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Redesign of the RCO Communication System ATAC Flight Training Meeting Ottawa, May 10, 2011. RCO Redesign. NAV CANADA Flight Information Centres (FIC) Weather NOTAM File, Open/Close Flight Plan, Initiate SAR
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Redesign of the RCO Communication System ATAC Flight Training Meeting Ottawa, May 10, 2011
RCO Redesign • NAV CANADA Flight Information Centres (FIC) • Weather • NOTAM • File, Open/Close Flight Plan, Initiate SAR • Pilots access FIC by phone and by radio via over 180 Remote Communications Outlets (RCOs) • Flight Information Service Enroute (FISE) • Safety Message Broadcasts – SIGMET, urgent PIREP • Comm searches for overdue aircraft • IFR clearances
RCO Redesign • Problems: • FISE on 126.7 interferes with pilot broadcasts of position and intentions in uncontrolled airspace and broadcasts interfere with provision of FISE • High demand for FISE on 126.7 creates congestion and interference on surrounding 126.7 RCOs • Pilots at high altitudes requesting FISE on 126.7 interfere with FISE being provided from other 126.7 RCOs in the area • Some areas of the country have gaps in coverage along commonly used VFR routes while some areas have excessive coverage
RCO Redesign • Solutions: • Dedicated FISE freq’s • 122.37(5), 123.27(5), 123.37(5) 123.47(5) and 123.55 for most RCOs • 126.7 (bcst) not monitored but FIC can access • Guidelines for RCO distribution - 220 NM apart, along airways, air routes and VFR flyways - pilot flying an aircraft at 3,000 feet above ground at 120 knots can get a weather update once an hour • In mountainous areas, spacing of RCOs will be closer and consider VFR flyways in valleys • New sites, some decommission, some relocate to PAL site • Changes began in 2005 with another 2-3 years remaining
RCO Redesign • RCO Changes: • No NOTAMs for RCO changes – ICAO 56 Day Publication Cycle • Average 3 or more changes across Canada per cycle • CFS • - In Directory under aerodrome’s COMM - if appropriate • - Under the FIC entries (Kamloops/Pacific RDO, Edmonton, Winnipeg, London, Quebec, Halifax, North Bay/Arctic RDO, Whitehorse) • IFR enroute charts, CAP plates if appropriate • Notices on NAV CANADA website – front page or AWWS button • Maps by FIC area & Brochure – NC website under Notices/Redesign of RCO.. / “READ MORE”. Also, ‘Link’ included in RCO Notices. • VNCs, VTAs updated with new editions