Aeronautical Information Management

Overview

CAD is a centralised, digital secure storage repository for aeronautical information providing registered users with access to aeronautical information which is integrity and quality assured to facilitate safety of air navigation.

CAD is a centralised, digital secure storage repository for aeronautical information providing registered users with access to aeronautical information which is integrity and quality assured to facilitate safety of air navigation.

Part of ATNS’s mandate has been to transition from the traditional AIS system to a Central Aeronautical Database (CAD), so all systems can function smoothly and in conjunction with one another.

In keeping with the ICAO AIS to AIM Roadmap, ATNS has acquired a system similar to the European AIS Database (EAD) which is currently used by Eurocontrol and the European ATM community. In this way, we can ensure that South Africa, and in time Africa, is aligned with global technologies and initiatives.

Out with the old

Until recently, ATNS, like many other Air Traffic Service providers, has functioned on the traditional AIS system. However, the traditional product-centric aeronautical environment is not optimally efficient and there are potential errors. Currently the challenges are:

  • Mostly paper-based (AIP, SUPs, AICs)
  • Information sharing is not seamless and standardised – including Air Traffic Control, Flight Planning, billing and other systems
  • These various systems are not able to speak to one another (systems exist in isolation) and were developed by different developers and on different platforms
  • The data is entered into these systems more than once, from different machines, leading to duplication and possible errors

In with the new

The CAD concept has been implemented in Europe, Canada and Australia with great success. There are multiple benefits in utilising CAD, as it provides different services and functionality through various subsystems. This unique platform presents a versatile and modular solution.

CAD applications

  • CAD Basic: Web-presence for airline operators, pilots and the general aviation public. Users can log into the CAD system via Internet Explorer where they can extract the information they need directly
  • SDO Static Data Operation: User-friendly interface allowing for easy insertion of information into the database
  • GT Graphic Tools: GIS visualisation of static and dynamic aeronautical information and airspace design
  • smartAIP: Aeronautical Information Publication
  • PAMS Published AIP Management System (document management system for aeronautical documents and charts): A library of all aeronautical documents (AICs, supplements, AIPs and AIP amendments). All countries loaded into the CAD can be found and accessed with ease
  • smartCharting: Aeronautical Chart Production
  • System to System Interfaces: Allows users to integrate into the CAD system with new/existing systems

Features and applications of CAD

  • AIP Production: Aeronautical information publication is fast and simple
  • Graphic Validation Tool: Allows users to view information inserted into the CAD in a graphical context. Navigational aids and updated airspaces are visible. Any errors can be corrected directly in the SDO
  • SDO Slot Management: Manages the information in the CAD through slots. Information can be moved from one slot to another with ease. All information goes through various checks before being committed into the CAD
  • Regulating slot content: Various ways of regulating slots and the content of the information within each slot is reported by the system and presented in PDF format

Benefits of CAD

  • Instant access to aeronautical data not previously accessible in digital format (topographical and obstacle data) through a direct network connection or through an internet-based interface
  • Information sharing is no longer confined to specific systems and can be defined to other aviation subsystems using the appropriate exchange model
  • A database of validated Statistic Data (aerodromes, NAV-aids and routes)
  • Worldwide data maintenance via Slot Management with standardised AIXM-based Data Exchange
  • Application of multiple rules for data validation
  • Reporting functionalities and upload and download management for aeronautical data

Key among the benefits of implementing CAD is the definition of data providers and users.

  • Providers: Data Originators, Air Navigation Service Providers and State Civil Aviation Authorities
  • Users: Aircraft Operators, Airport Operators, Developers, Military and General Aviation

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