Airfield specific arrangements for aircraft operators wishing to participate in the Airspace4All GA Airfield ATS ADS-B Traffic Display Trial at North Weald Airfield.

1              Introduction

1.1          In co-operation with Airspace4All and the CAA’s Electronic Conspicuity Working Group, North Weald Airfield is trialling the use of a low-cost traffic display technology for GA airfield ATS units.

1.2          The aim of the trial is to gather evidence to enable the CAA to assess this capability and give consideration to policy change authorising use of ADS-B real-time traffic displays by GA ATS units. Additionally, it is hoped this trial will encourage further development of technology to support ATS provision at UK GA airfields.

2              General

2.1          The Airfield’s Air Ground Communication Service (AGCS) unit (callsign ‘North Weald Radio’) will be equipped with real-time flight tracking equipment that provides a situational awareness tool (which does not provide any form of Air Traffic Control service). A number of General Aviation aircraft based at the Trial Airfields will be equipped with ADS-B Out devices as part of a trial.

2.2          The ADS-B Traffic Display is only capable of displaying ADS-B Out equipped aircraft and that aircraft that are Mode A/C/S only equipped will not be displayed to ATS staff, the Pilot in Command remains solely responsible for the safe conduct of flight.

3              Qualifications to participate in the Trial

3.1          Only aircraft capable of transmitting ADS-B on 1090Mhz are eligible, this may be by either integrated ADS-B Out via a Mode S transponder or via a standalone CAP1391 approved ADS-B device.

3.2          Airspace4All is loaning a number of CAP1391 approved ADS-B devices to operators at the airfield. Loan of these devices will be arranged by invitation from the Airfield.

3.3          Aircraft with Mode A or C transponders and their own CAP1391 ADS-B device, which is not integrated to a transponder, may also participate.

3.4          Additionally, North Weald based aircraft with Mode S (non-ADS-B) transponders and their own CAP1391 ADS-B device, which is not integrated to a transponder, may be permitted to participate. This will only be permitted via special arrangement with the Airfield, NATS and the CAA. Please contact the airfield using the contact details below for more details about seeking approval for Mode S/CAP1391 Simultaneous Transmission.

4              Pilot Position Reporting Procedures Phraseology

4.1          For the duration of the trial participating aircraft are requested to use the phraseology described below.

4.2          Inbound/ Transiting Aircraft:
Aircraft which are carrying functioning ADS-B Out equipment will report on initial contact with North Weald Radio that they are ‘ADS-B equipped’.

Example “North Weald Radio, G-ABCD, Request join, ADS-B equipped”

4.3          Aircraft should report their position in relation to a Visual Reference Point (VRP) within the 10nm DOC. Contact outside 10nm is not permitted IAW Approval no ATS/001/2018.

Example “G-ABCD PA28, two miles west of Ongar, Altitude 1800ft QNH 1008, 2POB, request joining information, ADS-B equipped “.

Aircraft should make all other position reports (such as Entering Crosswind, Overhead, Downwind, etc, as normal).

4.4          Departing aircraft: Departing aircraft which are carrying functioning ADS-B Out equipment will report on initial contact with North Weald Radio that they are ‘ADS-B equipped’.

Example “North Weald Radio”, G-ABCD PA28 on apron, 2POB with request airfield information for Local flight, ADS-B Equipped”.

Departing aircraft will report leaving the immediate vicinity of the airfield and confirm the direction they are leaving to.
Example “G-CD departing to the East remaining on frequency / changing frequency to …………..”.

5              Information from AGCS based on Traffic Display

Pilots are to be aware that, whilst no ATC service will be provided, North Weald Radio may provide generic information based on known traffic in contact on the operational frequency in accordance with AGCS regulations.This may include generic traffic information, warnings of the proximity of controlled airspace. It is emphasised that such information and
warnings are not guaranteed and that the Pilot in Command remains solely responsible for the safe conduct of flight.

6              Trial Period

6.1          The trial is expected to start 1^st May 2019 and will run for 6 months from this date unless otherwise notified.

7              Additional Information

7.1          The standalone CAP1391 approved SkyEcho devices do not support squawk codes and pilots are required to set the allocated squawk on their aircraft transponders. Squawk allocated by other LARS units are to be set only on the aircraft’s inbuilt transponder – no attempt is to be made to modify settings on the SkyEcho.

8              Summary

8.1          For the purpose of the trial:

• No level of ATC service will be provided
• The system is purely to assist the situational awareness of the North Weald Radio A/G Operators
• Traffic information may not be passed, and pilots remain responsible at all times for the safe conduct of their flight and seeing and avoiding other traffic
• The picture the A/G Operators have from the ADS-B Traffic Display may be incomplete as only ADS-B equipped a/c will be displayed

9              Contact

Any queries with regards to this trial shall be directed to nwoperations@eppingforestdc.gov.uk or via the on site Airport Duty Manager at North Weald Airfield.