8.

33 USER GUIDE

8.33 USER GUIDE

COM.ET2.ST08.1000-IMP-01-01

Edition
Edition Date
Status
Class

Edition: 4.0

:
:
:
:

4.0
19 April 1999
EATMP approved
General Public

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8.33 USER GUIDE

IMPORTANT NOTE
Since the initial print of the 8.33 User Guide, Edition 4.0, several corrections have been made.
These corrections are listed below according to page number and section, accompanied by a
description of the change.
PAGES
AFFECTE
D

SECTIONS
AFFECTE
D

4.2.1.2

16

5.2.1

Dual radio requirement emphasised.

40 45

14.5

Latest Update of 8.33 EUR State Contact Person details.

48

Annex A

DESCRIPTION OF CHANGE

Sentence If your aircraft is UHF equipped, insert the letter U in

field 10 of the filed flight plan inserted at the end of paragraph.

132.020 changed to 132.025 and 132.070 changed to

132.075 in column D of the Designation of VHF Channels with
8.33 and 25 kHz Spacing Table. (See note below)

Other minor corrections to spelling and formats have also been incorporated.

Note:
It should be noted that 25kHz FREQUENCIES are specified by ICAO in Annex 10 with 5 digits (2
digits after the decimal point) and 8.33kHz CHANNELS are specified with 6 digits (3 digits after
the decimal point). It is imperative that the word CHANNEL and the 3 DIGITS after the
decimal point are used in the 8.33kHz airspace. The numbering scheme is illustrated in the
table given in Annex A of the 8.33 User Guide Ed. 4.0.

Edition: 4.0

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8.33 USER GUIDE

ADDENDUM to 8.33 User Guide Edition 4.0

The provisions related to flight planning in support of the 8.33 kHz Channel Spacing
Implementation Programme, as described in ICAO Doc. 7030, have been reviewed by members
of the ATM Procedures Project of EUROCONTROL.
As a result of this review, the 8.33 Programme Management Cell has decided to include this
addendum with Edition 4.0 of the 8.33 User Guide, to restate the procedures in precise,
unambiguous wording, so that there is no possibility for misinterpretation.

It must be emphasised that the procedures have not changed. This addendum is
simply intended to clarify the wording.
Indication in the flight plan of 8.33 kHz channel spacing capable radio equipment
For flights conducted wholly or partly above FL245 in the ICAO EUR Region, in addition to the
letter S and/or any other letters, as appropriate, the letter Y shall be inserted in field 10 of the
flight plan for aircraft equipped with 8.33 kHz channel spacing capable radio equipment, or the
indicator STS/EXM833 shall be included in field 18 for aircraft not equipped, but the entire flight
is planned in accordance with published exemptions from the mandatory carriage requirement.
State aircraft equipped with UHF radios should insert the letter U in field 10.
Aircraft equipped with 8.33 kHz channel spacing capable radio equipment, normally capable of
operating above FL245, but planning to fly below this level, shall include the letter Y as specified
above.
Note - The indicator STS/EXM833 must only be used in accordance with an exemption
published in an Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) for the relevant State(s). The
absence of the letter Y and/or presence of the indicator STS/EXM833 will be taken as a
lack of 8.33 kHz capable equipment.
In case of a change in the 8.33 kHz capability status for a flight planned to operate in the area
specified in the ICAO EUR Region, a modification message shall be sent with the appropriate
indicator in the relevant field.
Note - The modification message shall include any required amendment to the Requested
Flight Level resulting from a change to 8.33 kHz capability.
All flights subject to RPL, with a Requested Flight Level above FL245, are assumed to be 8.33
kHz equipped. In case a flight is operated with a non-equipped aircraft, a modification message
for the day of operation shall be sent no earlier than 20 hours before the estimated off-block
time.
Note - The modification message shall include any required amendment to the Requested
Flight Level resulting from a change to 8.33 kHz capability.

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Document Identification and Status

Title:
Edition:
Date:
Number:

8.33 USER GUIDE

4.0
19 April 1999
COM.ET2.ST08.1000-IMP-01-01

Name:
Prepared

by:

Position:

C. HAMEL
Chairman of the 8.33
Programme Management
Cell

Date:
Signature:

Name:
Reviewed
by:

J. Van Doorn

Position: Director Infrastructure, ATC

System and Support.
Date:
Signature:

Name:
Approved

by:

Position:

W. PHILIPP
EATMP Senior Director

Date:
Signature:

Information contained in this document is in line with the EUROCONTROL Plan for the
8.33 kHz Channel Spacing Implementation In Europe (Edition 2.0) as approved by the
ECAC States and the ICAO EANPG/38.

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8.33 USER GUIDE

Document Change Record

The following table records the history of the successive editions of the present document.

EDITION

DATE

REASON FOR CHANGE

1.0

6 May 1997

Approved by the EATMP 8.33 Programme Management Cell

2.0

21 May 1997

Editorial changes mentioned during COM Team 9 in paragraphs

4.3.1.4 and 4.3.1.5 of edition 1.0

3.0

23 July 1998

Approved by EATMP

4.0

19 April 1999

Upgrades further to 8.33 Regional co-ordination meetings with

the ICAO EUR Region States

Edition: 4.0

SECTIONS PAGES
AFFECTED

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8.33 USER GUIDE

FOREWORD
IMPORTANT INTRODUCTORY NOTE
This will be the final edition of the 8.33 kHz Channel Spacing Implementation Programme User
Guide before the date of mandatory carriage (7th October 1999) of 8.33 kHz radio equipment
above FL245 in the ICAO EUR Region. The 8.33 kHz programme has been designed and
developed to increase VHF capacity in Europe in order to facilitate airspace restructuring and
management. The programme will enable an increase in airspace capacity within the ECAC
Region.
In order to achieve the benefits anticipated from the programme, the date of mandatory carriage
must be enforced. No exemptions will be granted by the 8.33 States. This means that nonequipped aircraft will not be permitted to fly in the 8.33 airspace after 7th October 1999.
From 1st October 1998, for flights operating on a repetitive flight plan (RPL), if a non-equipped
aircraft is planned to fly in airspace where 8.33 carriage is mandatory; a CHG message must be
sent to indicate non-equipped status. It is the legal responsibility of the Aircraft Operator to
ensure that false information about the 8.33 status of an aircraft is not included in a flight plan.
Some States intend to initiate ground checks to confirm the validity of flight planning information.
Operators not strictly complying with the equipage and exemption requirements could
compromise safety. If such a situation arises, ATC will ensure that identified non-8.33 equipped
traffic is kept clear of 8.33 sectors and will initiate the appropriate reporting action.

FL 195 IN FRANCE
Although the document may refer to FL 195 as the applicable flight level for 8.33 kHz over
France (please refer to ICAO Doc. 7030 - 06/98), it must be noted that initially France will not
implement 8.33 kHz below FL 245, as published in AIC 01/99 dated January 7th 1999 (refer also
to the note in paragraph 1.2.2).

MAP
A map of the 8.33 kHz area is included in this guide at Annex I. The sector data in this map has
been taken directly from the EUROCONTROL CEU Sector Chart, dated 25th March 1999.
Sector boundaries are shown for all sectors above FL245, but for ease of reading, sector names
have been omitted. Also included are the State FIR/UIR boundaries and the boundaries of the
IFPS Zone and the EUR Region.

Note: In order to improve readability, all changes from the previous edition (8.33 User Guide
Edition 3.0, 23 July 1998) are marked with a vertical bar on the page margin.

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8.33 USER GUIDE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.

INTRODUCTION.....................................................................................................................................................5

1.1
1.2
1.3

BACKGROUND.........................................................................................................................................................5
DECISIONS ................................................................................................................................................................5
DELAY ........................................................................................................................................................................5

2.

SCOPE ........................................................................................................................................................................6

2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4

WHO IS IT FOR ? .......................................................................................................................................................6

WHO PRODUCED IT ?..............................................................................................................................................6
USER GUIDE CONTENTS .......................................................................................................................................6
ICAO AND OTHER DOCUMENTATION ..............................................................................................................6

3.

GENERAL..................................................................................................................................................................7

3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
3.5
3.6
3.7
3.8
3.9

CARRIAGE.................................................................................................................................................................7
AREA...........................................................................................................................................................................7
IMPORTANT REMARKS.........................................................................................................................................7
STATE AIRCRAFT....................................................................................................................................................7
8.33 STATES...............................................................................................................................................................7
OTHER STATES ........................................................................................................................................................8
AMENDMENTS TO RELEVANT ICAO DOCUMENTATION ...........................................................................8
AERONAUTICAL INFORMATION CIRCULAR (AIC) OF STATES.................................................................8
PLANNING.................................................................................................................................................................8

4.

OPERATIONAL ASPECTS ...................................................................................................................................9

4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5
4.6
4.7
4.8

GENERAL...................................................................................................................................................................9
FLIGHT PLANNING PROCEDURES BEFORE 7TH OCTOBER 1999....................................................................9
FLIGHT PLANNING PROCEDURES AFTER THE 7TH OCTOBER 1999........................................................... 11
FLIGHT PLANNING PROCEDURES FOR FLIGHTS WITH REQUESTED CRUISING LEVEL BELOW
FL245 ........................................................................................................................................................................ 16
COMMUNICATIONS PROCEDURES................................................................................................................. 16
AIR-GROUND COMMUNICATION FAILURE ................................................................................................. 18
USE OF UHF BY STATE AIRCRAFT .................................................................................................................. 18
MEDICAL FLIGHTS AND FLIGHTS ON SEARCH AND RESCUE MISSIONS (HOSP AND SAR ONLY)18

5.

IFPS PROCEDURES ............................................................................................................................................ 20

5.1
5.2
5.3

5.9

INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................................................................... 20
8.33 NON-COMPLIANCE................................................................................................................................... 20
IFPS PROCESSING FROM 00.00 UTC ON 1ST OCTOBER 1998 UNTIL 23.59 UTC ON 6TH OCTOBER 1999
20
IFPS PROCESSING FROM 00.00 UTC ON 7TH OCTOBER 1999......................................................................... 21
STATUS 'UNKNOWN' ........................................................................................................................................... 22
RPL SUBMISSION.................................................................................................................................................. 22
RE-ROUTING.......................................................................................................................................................... 22
OCCASIONS WHEN IFPS WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PROVIDE ATC WITH PRIOR WARNING OF NONEQUIPPED AIRCRAFT PLANNED TO ENTER THE AIRSPACE OF MANDATORY CARRIAGE ........... 23
FLOWCHART DESCRIBING IFPS CHECKING LOGIC FOR 8.33 KHZ.......................................................... 23

6.

CO-ORDINATION................................................................................................................................................ 24

6.1
6.2

GENERAL................................................................................................................................................................ 24
PROCEDURES TO BE FOLLOWED BY ATC WITH EFFECT FROM 00.00 UTC ON 7TH OCTOBER 1999 . 24

5.4.
5.5
5.6
5.7
5.8

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8.33 USER GUIDE

7.

PRINCIPLES OF EXEMPTION ........................................................................................................................ 26

7.1
7.2
7.3
7.4

GENERAL................................................................................................................................................................ 26
TYPES OF EXEMPTION........................................................................................................................................ 26
RECOMMENDATION FOR AIP TEXT ON EXEMPTIONS ............................................................................. 27
DETAILED EXPLANATION OF THE EXEMPTION TEXT ............................................................................. 28

8.

FREQUENCY MANAGEMENT ASPECTS .................................................................................................... 29

8.1
8.2
8.3
8.4

GENERAL................................................................................................................................................................ 29
8.33 KHZ FREQUENCY MANAGEMENT ........................................................................................................... 30
8.33 KHZ CHANNEL SPACING AND VHF SPECTRUM CAPACITY ............................................................. 30
INTERFERENCE RISK .......................................................................................................................................... 31

9.

EQUIPMENT STANDARDS............................................................................................................................... 33

9.1
9.2
9.3
9.4
9.5

AMCP / SARPS........................................................................................................................................................ 33
EUROCAE / MOPS ................................................................................................................................................. 33
RTCA / MOPS .......................................................................................................................................................... 33
AEEC / ARINC 716 SUPPLEMENT ...................................................................................................................... 33
ETSI / ETS 676 ......................................................................................................................................................... 33

10.

RETROFIT ............................................................................................................................................................. 34

10.1
10.2

AIR TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT TECHNICAL STANDARD .......................................................................... 34

AIR TRANSPORT AIRCRAFT RETROFIT......................................................................................................... 34

11.

LAUNCH PROCEDURE...................................................................................................................................... 35

12.

STATE ACTIONS.................................................................................................................................................. 37

12.1
12.2
12.3
12.4
12.5
12.6
12.7
12.8
12.9
12.10

ACTION ITEM 1 - PRIOR TO 18TH SEPTEMBER 1998 ..................................................................................... 37

ACTION ITEM 2...................................................................................................................................................... 38
ACTION ITEM 3 - PRIOR TO 31ST DECEMBER 1998....................................................................................... 38
ACTION ITEM 4 - PRIOR TO 31ST MAY 1999.................................................................................................... 38
ACTION ITEM 5 - PRIOR TO 31ST MAY 1999.................................................................................................... 38
ACTION ITEM 6 - PRIOR TO 7TH OCTOBER 1999............................................................................................ 39
ACTION ITEM 7 - PRIOR TO 31ST JULY 1999 ................................................................................................... 39
ACTION ITEM 8 - PRIOR TO 7TH OCTOBER 1999............................................................................................ 39
ACTION ITEM 9 (SPECIFIC TO 8.33 STATES).......................................................................................................... 39
ACTION ITEM 10 - PRIOR TO 7TH OCTOBER 1999 (SPECIFIC TO 8.33 STATES).............................................. 40

13.

PROCEDURES FOR THE INTRODUCTION OF 8.33 KHZ CHANNEL SPACING IN ADDITIONAL

STATES FIR/UIR .................................................................................................................................................. 41

13.1
13.2
13.3

COORDINATE WITH THE ICAO EANPG FMG TO DETERMINE THE FEASIBILITY IN TERMS OF
FREQUENCY PLANNING .................................................................................................................................... 41
ADVANCE NOTIFICATION VIA AIC/AIP......................................................................................................... 41
CO-ORDINATE WITH ADJACENT FIR/UIR ..................................................................................................... 41

14.

SUPPORT................................................................................................................................................................ 42

14.1
14.2
14.3
14.4
14.5

EUROCONTROL .................................................................................................................................................... 42
IATA ......................................................................................................................................................................... 44
WEB ......................................................................................................................................................................... 44
SUPPORT CELL ON 7TH OCTOBER 1999 ........................................................................................................... 44
EUR STATES CONTACTS PERSONS................................................................................................................. 45

15.

REFERENCE DOCUMENTATION.................................................................................................................. 51

15.1
15.2
15.3
15.4
15.5

EUROCONTROL DOCUMENTATION............................................................................................................... 51
ICAO APPROVED DOCUMENTATION............................................................................................................. 51
US APPROVED DOCUMENTATION.................................................................................................................. 51
EUROPEAN APPROVED DOCUMENTATION................................................................................................. 51
JAA DOCUMENTATION ...................................................................................................................................... 51

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16.

ANNEXES ............................................................................................................................................................... 52
ANNEX A
ANNEX B
ANNEX C
ANNEX D
ANNEX E
ANNEX F
ANNEX G
ANNEX H
ANNEX I

Edition:4.0

FREQUENCY LIST........................................................................................................................ 53
AIP SPECIMEN .............................................................................................................................. 54
AIC SPECIMEN (NEW)................................................................................................................. 56
NOTAM SPECIMEN...................................................................................................................... 70
SPECIMEN LoA ............................................................................................................................. 71
UHF COVERAGE........................................................................................................................... 76
8.33 OPERATION DIAGRAMS.................................................................................................... 77
GENERAL PLANNING................................................................................................................. 79
MAP.................................................................................................................................................. 80

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8.33 USER GUIDE

LIST OF TERMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

8.33 CP
8.33 PMC
8.33 State
ACC
ACG
ACK
AEEC
ADEP
AIC
AIP
AMCP
AMS
AO
ARINC
ATC
ATS
CFMU
CHG
CIP
Contd
DSB
EANPG
EATCHIP
ECAC
EOBT
ETSI
EUR RAN
EUR Region
EUROCAE
EUROCONTROL
FIR
FL
FM
FMG
FPL
FU
GAT
HOSP
IATA
ICAO
IFPS
IFPZ
ITU
JAA
LoA
MATSE
MOPS
MTBF
NATS
ODETE
OP

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8.33 Contact Person

8.33 Programme Management Cell
A State initially implementing 8.33 kHz channel spacing
Area Control Centre
ATM/CNS Consultancy Group
Acknowledgement Message
Airlines Electronic Engineering Committee
Aerodrome of Departure
Aeronautical Information Circular
Aeronautical Information Publication
Aeronautical Mobile Communication Panel
Aeronautical Mobile Service
Aircraft Operator
Aeronautical Radio, Inc.
Air Traffic Control
Air Traffic Services
Central Flow Management Unit
Modification Message
Convergence and Implementation Programme
Continued
Double Side Band
European Air Navigation Planning Group
European ATC Harmonisation & Implementation Programme
European Civil Aviation Conference
Estimated Off Blocks Time
European Telecommunication Standardisation Institute
European Regional Air Navigation (Meeting)
European Region
European Organisation for Civil Aviation Equipment
European Organisation for the Safety of the Air Navigation
Flight Information Region
Flight Level
Frequency Management issues
Frequency Management Group
Flight Plan (Message)
Follow-up (issues)
General Air Traffic
Hospital Flight
International Air Transport Association
International Civil Aviation Organisation
Integrated Initial Flight Plan Processing System
IFPS Zone
International Telecommunication Union
Joint Aviation Authorities
Letter of Agreement
Meeting on the Air Traffic System in Europe
Minimum Operational Performance Standards
Mean Time Between Failure
National Air Traffic Services
On-line Data Exchange Terminal
Operational (issues)

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8.33 USER GUIDE

REG
RET
RFL
RMP
RPL
RRP
RTCA
SAR
SARPS
SDOE
TOR
UIR
UTC
VDL
VDR
WG

Regulatory (issues)
Airborne & ground retrofit (issues)
Requested Flight Level
Radio Management Panel
Repetitive Flight Plan
Rerouting Proposal Message
Requirements and Technical Concepts for Aeronautics
Search And Rescue
Standards and Recommended Practices
Senior Director Operations EATCHIP
Terms of Reference
Upper Information Region
Universal Time Co-ordinated
VHF Data Link
VHF Digital Radio
Working Group

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND
1.1.1 Based on the relevant conclusions of the Special EUR Regional Air Navigation Meeting (EUR
RAN, Vienna, September 1994) and the Special Communications/Operations Divisional Meeting (SP
COM/OPS/95, Montreal, March-April 1995) the Plan for the 8.33 kHz Channel Spacing
Implementation in Europe (Edition 2.0) has been developed by EUROCONTROL.
1.1.2 This Plan has been fully endorsed by the 38th Meeting of the European Air Navigation Planning
Group (EANPG) in November 1996.
1.2 DECISIONS
1.2.1 The carriage and operation of 8.33 kHz channel spacing capable radio communication
equipment becomes mandatory in the ICAO EUR Region on 7th October 1999 for flights above FL
245 generally and for flights above FL 195 over France.
1.2.2 Certain consequential changes to the information to be contained in the Flight Plan of flights
operated in the ICAO EUR Region above FL 245 generally, and above FL 195 over France have been
applicable since 1st October 1998.
Note: For flights with a requested cruising level between FL195 and FL245, France has temporarily
waived the requirement for carriage of 8.33 kHz capable radios (AIC 01/99 dated January 7th 1999).
(See para 4.4)
1.3 DELAY
Even though the User Guide refers to the ICAO Doc.7030 which states that the date of the Mandatory
Carriage is 1st January 1999, it must be noted that, due to low rate of aircraft equipage, a delay has
been decided by the EUROCONTROL ACG/sp (23rd July 1998) in co-ordination with ICAO EANPG.
The new date of Mandatory Carriage is now set for 7th October 1999.

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8.33 USER GUIDE

2. SCOPE

2.1 WHO IS IT FOR ?

This User Guide provides practical information to aircraft operators and air traffic
service providers about 8.33 kHz channel spacing-related flight planning and
communications procedures as well as information on certain frequency
management issues.
2.2 WHO PRODUCED IT ?
The 8.33 User Guide has been developed by the EATMP 8.33 Programme
Management Cell (8.33 PMC), formed by experts from the States, Operator
organisations and EUROCONTROL.
The 8.33 PMC has been supported by other 8.33 programme groups, including the
8.33 Retrofit Group (involving the Airline Operators, Aircraft Manufacturers, Radio
equipment manufacturers and certification organisations) and the 8.33 Contact
Persons who are the States project leaders throughout the ICAO EUR Region.
In addition, 8.33 Regional Meetings have been held around the ICAO EUR region
to support the 8.33 PMC.
2.3 USER GUIDE CONTENTS
The 8.33 User Guide contains:

general background information;

information on Flight Planning and communications procedures;
information on frequency management issues;
information on equipment standards and retrofit;
official reference and contact;
regulatory material that can be used as specimen
a general planning

2.4 ICAO AND OTHER DOCUMENTATION

Users are reminded to consult also the relevant aeronautical documentation (in
particular ICAO Doc. 7030 Regional Supplementary Procedures, State AIP and
AIC issued on this subject, the IFPS Users Manual and the CFMU Handbook) for
more specific or supplementary information.

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3. GENERAL

3.1 CARRIAGE
The date for the mandatory carriage and operation of 8.33 kHz channel spacing capable radio
equipment within the ICAO EUR Region is the 7th October 1999.
3.2 AREA
The carriage of 8.33 kHz channel spacing capable radio equipment is mandatory for operations in the
ICAO EUR Region for flights above FL 245 on the understanding that an individual State may grant
exemption(s) within its area of responsibility (refer to Chapter 7 for details on exemptions).
3.3 IMPORTANT REMARKS
3.3.1 Except where exemption(s) apply and as specified by the terms of the exemption(s), only 8.33
kHz equipped aircraft will be allowed to operate in the ICAO EUR Region above FL 245 after the 7th of
October 1999.
3.3.2 Where an 8.33 kHz channel has been promulgated, no alternative 25 kHz frequency will be
published.
3.3.3 The only non-8.33 equipped aircraft which will be permitted to fly in 8.33 airspace will be
State aircraft with UHF radio equipment and where UHF coverage is provided.
3.3.4 Aircraft concerned must be equipped with at least two sets of 8.33 kHz capable radio
equipment to meet the relevant provisions of JAR/OPS of 1 April 1995 on Commercial Air Transport
Aviation.
3.4 STATE AIRCRAFT
3.4.1 States implementing the 8.33 kHz channel spacing are expected to make appropriate
arrangements to cater for the requirements of State aircraft operating as General Air Traffic (GAT) and
not able to communicate on the 8.33 kHz spaced channels.
3.4.2 Furthermore, ICAO has been requested to encourage European States to maintain and/or to
achieve sufficient UHF coverage in the areas where the new channel spacing is introduced and to
adapt their procedures accordingly.
3.5 8.33 STATES
3.5.1 The seven States that will initially implement 8.33 kHz channel spacing operations are: Austria,
Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, Netherlands and Switzerland (hereafter known as 8.33
States).
3.5.2 Although initially the 8.33 States do not comprise all the States in the ICAO EUR Region, the
mandatory carriage above FL 245, in accordance with ICAO Doc. 7030, applies for the whole of
the ICAO EUR Region.
3.5.3 The 8.33 States will require the participation and co-operation of other States which are not
going to implement 8.33 kHz channel spacing operations in their airspace but which are willing to
participate in the frequency assignment process (hereafter known as Participating States).

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8.33 USER GUIDE

3.5.4 The Participating States will need to take action in the fields of Operations (re-routing nonequipped aircraft), Frequency Management (shifting frequencies when so required) and Retrofit (fleet
compliance with requirement applicable in the whole of the ICAO EUR Region).
3.6 OTHER STATES
3.6.1 Other States in the EUR Region may plan to implement 8.33 kHz channel spacing operation
above FL 245 at a later stage. For example, United Kingdom has a plan to do so not before year 2000
(refer to the UK AIP for details).
3.6.2 Such States should refer to Chapter 8 for information on the process that they should follow.
3.7 AMENDMENTS TO RELEVANT ICAO DOCUMENTATION
These amendments include:
3.7.1 The insertion of a new paragraph 1.1 in Part 2 - Communications of the European Regional
Supplementary Procedures, ICAO Doc. 7030/4 specifying the date for the mandatory carriage of
relevant equipment and the area of 8.33 kHz channel spacing operations (refer to paragraph 3.2).
Also, this paragraph will mention that when UHF ground infrastructure permits, non-equipped State
aircraft will be allowed to operate in the airspace designated for 8.33 kHz channel spacing operations.
3.7.2 The insertion of a new sub-paragraph a) to PC 6.1 of Part X-COM of the European Air
Navigation Plan, specifying that, when frequencies are assigned to VHF AMS facilities, geographical
separation criteria and 8.33 kHz interleaving between channels is to be taken into account for the area
where this channel spacing is applicable.
3.7.3 The insertion of a new sentence in MA 6.4 of part X-COM of the European Air Navigation Plan,
ICAO Doc. 7754/23, specifying measures, similar to those already undertaken by States not yet having
a requirement to implement 25 kHz channel spacing, to be undertaken by those States which do not
yet have a requirement to implement 8.33 kHz channel spacing operations but which are located
within air-to-air interference range to another State which does employ that channel spacing.
3.7.4 The inclusion of relevant Flight Plan completion procedures in the European Regional
Supplementary Procedures ICAO Doc. 7030/4 (para. 2.3), specifying the use of a dedicated letter (Y)
and indicator (STS/EXM833) for insertion in fields 10 and 18 respectively, so that the relevant Flight
Plan can be accepted and not rejected by the IFPS.
3.8 AERONAUTICAL INFORMATION CIRCULAR (AIC) OF STATES
An Aeronautical Information Circular (AIC), based on the specimen AIC endorsed by the European Air
Navigation Planning Group, will be published by the States concerned for the early notification of
users. It will include, amongst other things, the amendments to the European Regional Supplementary
Procedures concerning the completion of relevant flight plans (refer to paragraphs 4.2 and 4.3).
3.9 PLANNING
Planning information is provided in Annex H.

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4. OPERATIONAL ASPECTS

4.1 GENERAL
4.1.1 The pilot is ultimately responsible for ensuring that the radio communication equipment
appropriate for the flight to be conducted is available and operational on board the aircraft.
4.1.2 If you transmit using 25 kHz in an 8.33 kHz channel spacing environment, you will either not be
heard, block out others on adjacent channels, or both, and all this in an unpredictable way, due to the
nature of the 8.33 kHz channel spacing and the equipment used.
4.1.3 To ensure successful operation and safe conduct of air/ground communication within the 8.33
environment, it is essential that ATC units with sector frequencies in the 8.33 spectrum and ATC units
adjacent to them will co-operate effectively.
4.1.4 Tactical rerouting and/or descent below 8.33 sectors of non-8.33 equipped aircraft are not
necessarily an option in a complex and busy airspace (e.g. UK). Unplanned diversion may be the only
alternative.
4.1.5 Providing that no exemptions are applicable, ATC units controlling adjacent or subjacent
airspace, must ensure that aircraft not properly equipped do not enter airspace in which the carriage
and operation of 8.33 kHz capable radio communication equipment is mandatory. Within and between
ATC units, agreements must be made to meet this requirement. Appropriate arrangements must also
be made for the handling of State/military aircraft with or without UHF capability as well as aircraft
engaged on medical and/or search and rescue missions.
4.1.6 As described later in this User Guide (Chapters 5, 6 and 7 refer), the IFPS will provide a degree
of protection against improperly equipped aircraft planned to operate above FL 245 in the EUR Region
by rejecting their flight plans if the aerodrome of departure is within the IFPS Zone (hereafter IFPZ), or
by inserting a warning in the flight plan if the aerodrome of departure is outside the IFPS Zone.

4.2 FLIGHT PLANNING PROCEDURES BEFORE 7th October 1999

4.2.1 Procedures to be followed with effect from 00.00 UTC on 1st October 1998 until 23.59
UTC on 6th October 1999 for flight in the ICAO EUR Region above FL245.
Until 23.59 UTC on 6th October 1999, you may plan your flight as usual, irrespective of whether
or not the aircraft is equipped with 8.33 kHz capable radios.
4.2.1.1 If your aircraft is equipped with 8.33 kHz capable radios: insert the letter Y in Field 10
of the filed Flight Plan.
4.2.1.2 If your aircraft is NOT equipped with 8.33 kHz capable radios but your flight is
exempted from the carriage requirement (Chapter 7 of this User Guide refers): insert
the indicator STS/EXM833 in Field 18 of the filed Flight Plan. If your aircraft is UHF
equipped, insert the letter U in Field 10 of the filed Flight Plan.
4.2.1.3 If your aircraft is NOT equipped with 8.33 kHz capable radios and your flight is NOT
exempted from the carriage requirement, complete the filed Flight Plan as usual.

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4.2.1.4 If you change from an 8.33-equipped aircraft to a non-8.33 equipped one: follow the
applicable filed Flight Plan modification procedure, including in the modification
message (CHG) or new Flight Plan, as appropriate, a Field 10 without the letter Y.
4.2.1.5 If you change from a non-8.33-equipped aircraft to an 8.33 equipped one: follow the
applicable filed Flight Plan modification procedure, including in the modification
message (CHG) or new Flight Plan, as appropriate, a Field 10 with the letter Y.
4.2.1.6 If the status of your flight changes from exempted to non-exempted : follow the
applicable filed Flight Plan modification procedure, for a Field 18 modification, as
given in the IFPS User Manual.
4.2.1.7 If the status of your flight changes from a non-exempted one to an exempted one:
follow the applicable filed Flight Plan modification procedure, for a Field 18
modification, as given in the IFPS User Manual..
4.2.1.8 If you are operating on a Repetitive Flight Plan (RPL), and provided the RPL is not
shown as exempted (see item 4.2.1.9 below) and you have not indicated the flight as
non-equipped by using the EQPT/ element in Item Q of the RPL (see IFPS User
Manual), then air traffic services will treat your flight as equipped with 8.33 kHz
capable radios. If you will be flying a non-8.33 equipped aircraft and no exemption is
applicable: follow the RPL modification-for-the-day procedure, including in the
modification message (CHG-to be sent not earlier than 20 hours prior to EOBT) or file
a new Flight Plan, as appropriate, a Field 10 without the letter Y.
4.2.1.9 In RPL of flights which are exempt, include in Item Q the indicator STS/EXM833.
Note: The above procedures will be used to assess the rate of equipage and
compliance and it is therefore essential that aircraft operators follow the procedures
as described above. They are also intended to provide a trial period before the
mandatory carriage date of 7th October 1999, thus ensuring familiarisation with the
new requirement for both aircraft operators and air traffic services.
4.2.2 What happens if , before 7th October 1999
You do not follow these procedures? Your Flight Plan will be processed as usual, but if you did not use
the correct indications (Y in Field 10 or STS/EXM833 in Field 18), your Flight Plan might be
miscounted and distort the total picture. While no measures will be taken against unruly aircraft
operators at this stage, this is certainly not in the spirit of the exercise.
4.2.3 If the Flight Plan would have failed IFPS processing after 7th October 1999 due to a mismatch
between the aircraft equipment and the carriage requirement the ACK message which is returned to
the initiator of the Flight Plan and/or the aircraft operator will contain a warning.
An operator, and/or flight plan originator, on receipt of the following warning from IFPS Comment This flight does not comply with 8.33 kHz radio requirements
- should check whether or not the aircraft is fitted with an 8.33kHz radio, and:
if the aircraft is equipped, a CHG message should be sent indicating a modification to Field 10 of
the flight plan to include the letter Y e.g. (CHG-ABC123-KJFK-EDDF-10/SRXY/C)

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if the aircraft is not equipped, no action is required

4.3 FLIGHT PLANNING PROCEDURES AFTER THE 7th October 1999
4.3.1 Procedures to be followed with effect from 00.00 UTC on 7th October 1999 for flight in
the ICAO EUR Region above FL 245:
Do not plan your flight in the ICAO EUR Region above FL 245 , if the aircraft is not equipped
with 8.33 kHz capable radios, unless your flight is subject to exemption (Chapter 7 of this User
Guide refers).
4.3.1.1 If your aircraft is equipped with 8.33 kHz capable radios: insert the letter Y in Field 10
of the filed Flight Plan.
4.3.1.2 If your aircraft is NOT equipped with 8.33 kHz capable radios but your flight is
exempted from the carriage requirement or if you are a State aircraft equipped with
UHF: insert the indicator STS/EXM833 in Field 18 of the filed Flight Plan.
4.3.1.3 If you change from an 8.33-equipped aircraft to a non-8.33 equipped aircraft: follow
the applicable filed Flight Plan modification procedure, including in the modification
message (CHG) or new Flight Plan, as appropriate, a Field 10 without the letter Y.
Do not forget to modify also your requested cruising level(s) if the original level(s) was
(were) higher than FL 245
4.3.1.4 If the status of your flight changes from non-exempted to exempted follow the
applicable filed Flight Plan modification procedure, for a Field 18 modification, as
given in the IFPS User Manual.
4.3.1.5 If the status of your flight changes from exempted to non-exempted : follow the
applicable filed Flight Plan modification procedure, for a Field 18 modification, as
given in the IFPS User Manual. Do not forget to modify also your requested cruising
level(s) if the original level(s) was (were) higher than FL 245.
4.3.1.6 RPLs which are filed after 7 October 1999 with a requested cruising level above
FL245, must be operated by an 8.33 equipped aircraft, or the flight must be planned in
accordance with published exemptions. If the EQPT/ element in Item Q is used, but
there is no letter Y and no STS/EXM833, the RPL will fail the processing. If on the
day of operation the flight is to be carried out by a non-8.33 equipped aircraft, use the
RPL modification-for-the-day procedure, described in paragraph 4.3.1.8.
4.3.1.7 In RPL of flights which are subject to exemption, include in item Q the indicator
STS/EXM833.
4.3.1.8 If you are operating on a Repetitive Flight Plan (RPL) with requested cruising level(s)
above FL 245 and provided the RPL is not shown as exempted (see item 4.3.1.7
above) and you have not indicated the flight as non-equipped by using the EQPT/
element in Item Q of the RPL (see IFPS User Manual), then, air traffic services will
treat your flight as equipped with 8.33 kHz capable radios, unless the flight is shown
as exempted (see item 4.3.1.7 above). If you will be flying a non-8.33 equipped
aircraft and no exemption is applicable: follow the RPL modification-for-the-day
procedure, including in the modification message (CHG-to be sent not earlier than 20
hours prior to EOBT) or file a new Flight Plan, as appropriate, a Field 10 without the
letter Y. Do not forget to modify also your requested cruising level(s), if required.

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In all cases, if a Modification Message (CHG) would result in changes to the filed or
repetitive Flight Plan which would constitute a reason for the rejection of that Flight
Plan, the Modification Message will be rejected by the IFPS. It is therefore essential to
indicate ALL the modifications that are required in order to reflect a valid flight plan.
e.g. A flight plan has been filed for an equipped aircraft above FL245. It is then realised
that the aircraft will not be equipped. It is not sufficient to send a CHG simply indicating
a change to the equipment without also indicating the necessary change to the
requested flight level and/or route.

4.3.2 What happens if, after 7th October 1999

4.3.2.1

Your departure aerodrome is within the IFPS Zone, your aircraft is not equipped
with 8.33 kHz radios and your flight is not planned in accordance with
published exemptions (no Y in Field 10 and no STS/EXM833 in Field 18), and
you file a requested cruising level anywhere in the IFPS Zone above FL 245?
(Annex G refers)
Since aircraft not equipped with 8.33 kHz capable radio, and not exempted from this
requirement, are not permitted to fly above FL 245, your Flight Plan will be rejected by
the IFPS, with a REJ message containing the reason(s) for the rejection. Re-file with
the requested cruising level(s) adjusted accordingly.

4.3.2.2 Your departure aerodrome is within the IFPS Zone, your aircraft is not
equipped with 8.33 kHz radios but your flight is planned in accordance with
published exemptions (no Y in Field 10 but STS/EXM833 shown in Field 18),
and you file a requested cruising level anywhere in the IFPS Zone above FL 245
Your Flight Plan will be processed as usual and air traffic services will assume that
your operation will be within the terms of the exemption. As an example, your
exemption might have been granted on the basis of your destination aerodrome
and/or a planned route. Any change to one or both of those elements of your Flight
Plan might make the exemption invalid and will be the subject of individual
consideration by ATC, based among other things on the need to maintain continuous
communication. You might have to descend or select another aerodrome of landing.
4.3.2.3 Your departure aerodrome is outside the IFPS Zone, your aircraft is not
equipped with 8.33 kHz radios and your flight is not planned in accordance with
published exemptions (no Y in Field 10 and no STS/EXM833 in Field 18), and
you file a requested cruising level anywhere in the IFPS Zone above FL 245
(Annex G refers)
Since aircraft not equipped with 8.33 kHz capable radio and not exempted from this
requirement are not permitted to fly above FL 245, and it is not practicable to reject
your Flight Plan, it will be processed by the IFPS, but it will be marked by an
appropriate text which can be processed by local air traffic control systems and which
indicates the need for special handling. The acknowledgement message (ACK) sent
by the IFPS to the Flight Plan originator and/or aircraft operator will also contain such
a warning. Depending on where you are entering the IFPS Zone and the local
arrangements between the air traffic services units along your route of flight,
appropriate measures will be taken in good time to ensure the safe conduct of your
flight. Keep in mind however, the possibility that you will be instructed to descend
below FL 245 for a considerable portion of your flight to your destination. Such
situations will almost always result in serious operational penalties.

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Note: This handling should be considered exceptional and normally will not be
permitted.
4.3.2.4 Your departure aerodrome is outside the IFPS Zone, your aircraft is not
equipped with 8.33 kHz radios but your flight is planned in accordance with
published exemptions (no Y in Field 10 but STS/EXM833 shown in Field 18),
and you file a requested cruising level anywhere in the IFPS Zone above FL
245?
Your Flight Plan will be processed as usual and air traffic services will assume that
your operation will be within the terms of the exemption. As an example, your
exemption might have been granted on the basis of your destination aerodrome
and/or a planned route. Any change to one or both of those elements of your Flight
Plan might make the exemption invalid and will be the subject of individual
consideration by ATC, based among other things on the need to maintain continuous
communications possible. You might have to descend or select another aerodrome of
landing.
4.3.2.5 You enter Y in Field 10 of your Flight Plan but you have no 8.33 kHz radios on
board and you file a requested cruising level anywhere in the IFPS Zone above
FL 245?
Your Flight Plan will be processed as usual. However, at some point along your route
you will encounter an ATC sector using an 8.33 kHz channel. Due to the nature of this
channel spacing and the equipment used to communicate on it, you will either not be
heard, block out others on adjacent channels or both and all this in an unpredictable
way. Any such misconduct is a serious infringement, a threat to your safety and will be
dealt with accordingly.
4.3.2.6 You enter STS/EXM833 in Field 18 of your Flight Plan, you have no 8.33 kHz
radios on board, you file a requested cruising level anywhere in the IFPS Zone
above FL 245 and your planned flight is not in accordance with published
exemption(s)?
IFPS will check your flight plan against environment data provided by States. If your
point of departure is within the IFPZ your flight plan will be rejected and you will need
to refile in accordance with published exemptions. If your point of departure is outside
the IFPZ, your flight plan will be processed but marked by an appropriate text that can
be processed by local air traffic control systems and which indicates the need for
special handling. The acknowledgement message (ACK) sent by the IFPS to the
Flight Plan originator and/or aircraft operator will also contain such a warning.
Depending on where you are entering the IFPS Zone and the local arrangements
between the air traffic services units along your route of flight, appropriate measures
will be taken in good time to ensure the safe conduct of your flight. Keep in mind
however, the possibility that you will be instructed to descend below FL 245 for a
considerable portion of your flight to your destination. Such situations will almost
always result in serious operational penalties.
Note: This handling should be considered exceptional and normally will not be
permitted.
An operator, and/or flight plan originator, on receipt of the following warning from IFPS
Comment This flight does not comply with 8.33 kHz radio requirements
- should check whether or not the aircraft is fitted with an 8.33kHz radio, and

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1.

if the aircraft is equipped, a CHG message should be sent indicating a

modification to Field 10 of the flight plan to include the letter Y
e.g. (CHG-ABC123-KJFK-EDDF-10/SRXY/C)

2.

if the aircraft is not equipped then:

a)

if not yet airborne, replan the flight:

to remain clear of the airspace of mandatory carriage (EUR Region

above FL245), or
in accordance with published exemptions to 8.33 mandatory carriage

b)

if already airborne, ensure that the pilot-in-command of the flight is

notified that his flight will probably be diverted, rerouted or
descended to remain clear of the 8.33 mandatory carriage area.

4.3.2.7 You file a Flight Plan without Y in Field 10 or STS/EXM833 in Field 18, with a
requested cruising level below FL 245 generally in the IFPS Zone, and later
send a modification message for the same flight (i.e. a flight not exempted and
also without 8.33 kHz capable radios), changing the cruising level to above FL
245 generally in the IFPS Zone?
You should never do this. However, if you do, the modification message will be
rejected by the IFPS.
4.3.2.8 You are on a SAR mission or a HOSPITAL flight and this is shown in Field 18
of your Flight Plan, you file a requested cruising level anywhere in the IFPS
Zone above FL 245, your aircraft is not equipped with 8.33 capable radio
equipment or you are a State flight not equipped with UHF?
Your Flight Plan will be processed by the IFPS, but it will be marked by an appropriate
text which can be processed by local air traffic control systems and which indicates
the need for special handling. Depending on the local arrangements between the air
traffic services units along your route of flight, appropriate measures will be taken to
ensure the safe conduct of your flight but you must expect to be rerouted outside of
the airspace of mandatory carriage.

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4.3.2.9 You are on a SAR mission or a HOSPITAL flight and this is shown in Field 18
of your Flight Plan, you file a requested cruising level anywhere in the IFPS
Zone above FL 245, your aircraft is equipped with 8.33 radio capable
equipment or you are a State flight equipped with UHF and you forget to insert
the letter Y in Field 10 or STS/EXM833 in Field 18?
Your Flight Plan will be processed by the IFPS, but it will be marked by an
appropriate text which can be processed by local air traffic control systems and
which indicates the need for special handling. Depending on the local arrangements
between the air traffic services units along your route of flight, appropriate measures
will be taken to ensure the safe conduct of your flight..
4.3.2.10 You are a State aircraft, your flight is not equipped with 8.33 kHz capable
radios but you are able to communicate on UHF and have entered
STS/EXM833 in Field 18 of your Flight Plan and you file a requested cruising
level anywhere in the IFPS Zone above FL 245?
IFPS will check your flight plan for UHF equipage and against the exemption and
UHF environment data provided by States. If your flight plan does not indicate UHF
equipage (no U in field 10), and/or the route flown is not in accordance with
published exemptions, including full UHF coverage where no other exemption is
published, your flight plan will be rejected..
4.3.2.11 You need to conduct emergency radio traffic?
The emergency frequency 121.5 MHz is not affected by the new channel spacing.
Its availability and its use remain unchanged.

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4.4 FLIGHT PLANNING PROCEDURES FOR FLIGHTS WITH REQUESTED CRUISING LEVEL
BELOW FL245
4.4.1 ICAO Doc. 7030, paragraph 2.3.1 states that:
Aircraft normally capable of operating above FL245/195, but planning to fly below these levels, shall,
nevertheless, insert the appropriate indicator.
It is essential that field 10 of the FPL accurately reflects the 8.33 equipage of the aircraft, and therefore
the letter "Y" shall be inserted in field 10 of the flight plan for aircraft equipped with 8.33 kHz capable
radio equipment, and omitted for non-8.33 equipped aircraft.
4.4.2 Flight in France between FL195 and FL245
For flights with a requested cruising level between FL195 and FL245, France has temporarily waived
the requirement for carriage of 8.33 kHz capable radios (AIC 01/99 dated 7th January 1999).
Because this is a waiver, and not an exemption, it is not necessary for operators to insert the
exemption indicator STS/EXM833 in field 18 of the flight plan. It is nevertheless, still necessary to
indicate 8.33 equipage in field 10 (see paragraph 4.4.1 above).
4.5 COMMUNICATIONS PROCEDURES
4.5.1 The radiotelephony pronunciation of 8.33 and 25 kHz spaced channels is as described in Annex
A of this User Guide.
4.5.2 The phraseology below, in which CHANNEL is a key word, has been approved by the ICAO
EUR Region States.
Note: This phraseology will be inserted in the ICAO Doc 7030 for publication prior to the date of
mandatory carriage.
4.5.3 For the purpose of uniformity it is recommended that the phraseology given below be used by
ATS personnel and aircrew.
4.5.4 The phraseology given below is complementary to the existing one (ICAO Doc 4444).

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Phraseology

Circumstances
To request the capability of
the radio equipment
To indicate 8.33 kHz
capability
To indicate lack of 8.33 kHz
capability
To indicate UHF capability
To request the status in
respect of exemption
To indicate 8.33 exempted
status
To indicate that a certain
clearance is given because
otherwise a non-equipped
aircraft would enter the
airspace of mandatory
carriage
To request the pilot to
confirm the 8.33 selection
Transfer of control and/or
channel change

* denotes pilot transmission

ADVISE EIGHT POINT THREE THREE EQUIPPED
* AFFIRM EIGHT POINT THREE THREE
* NEGATIVE EIGHT POINT THREE THREE
* UHF EQUIPPED
ADVISE EIGHT POINT THREE THREE EXEMPTION STATUS
*(aircraft call sign) EXEMPTED EIGHT POINT THREE THREE
(clearance/instruction) DUE EIGHT POINT THREE THREE
REQUIREMENT

a) CONFIRM EIGHT POINT THREE THREE CHANNEL (name)

b*) AFFIRM EIGHT POINT THREE THREE CHANNEL (name)
a) CONTACT (unit call sign) CHANNEL (name)
b) AT (or OVER) (time or place) CONTACT (unit call sign)
CHANNEL (name)
c) IF NO CONTACT (instructions)
d) STAND BY CHANNEL (name) FOR (unit call sign)
e*) REQUEST CHANGE TO CHANNEL (name)
f) CHANNEL CHANGE APPROVED
g) MONITOR (unit call sign) CHANNEL (name)
h*) MONITORING CHANNEL (name)
i) WHEN READY CONTACT (unit call sign) CHANNEL (name)
j) REMAIN THIS CHANNEL

Example: AIR FRANCE TWO SEVEN FOUR CONTACT FRANCE CONTROL CHANNEL ONE
THREE TWO DECIMAL ZERO ONE ZERO.
Note: THREE is pronounced like TREE.

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4.6 AIR-GROUND COMMUNICATION FAILURE

4.6.1 In case of air-ground communication failure, aircraft and air traffic services will follow the
standard air-ground communication failure procedures applicable in the airspace concerned.
4.7 USE OF UHF BY STATE AIRCRAFT
4.7.1 States implementing the 8.33 kHz channel spacing are expected to maintain and/or establish
sufficient UHF coverage and to adapt their procedures as necessary, in order for air traffic services to
be able to provide service to State aircraft equipped with UHF but without 8.33 kHz capability. It is
essential that relevant information will be published in the national AIP.
4.7.2 ATS personnel are expected to ascertain on first contact the communications capabilities of
State aircraft planned to operate in the airspace of Mandatory Carriage.
4.7.3 Where the ground infrastructure permits, State aircraft without 8.33 capability but with UHF
capability, shall be allowed to enter 8.33 airspace, using their UHF radio equipment.
4.7.4 However, if a State aircraft has neither UHF nor 8.33 capability or the ground infrastructure does
not allow the use of UHF, non-8.33 equipped State aircraft must be denied entry into airspace of
mandatory carriage and must be (re)cleared outside such airspace.
4.7.5 While UHF is expected to provide an alternative means of communication for State aircraft at
least in some parts of the ICAO EUR Region, it is essential that State transport aircraft which are
frequent users of 8.33 kHz airspace be fitted with 8.33 capability.
4.7.6 UHF frequencies are managed by NATO according to NATO Frequency Management criteria,
based on States needs. The NATO criteria can be changed by NATO Frequency Managers.
4.8 MEDICAL FLIGHTS AND FLIGHTS ON SEARCH AND RESCUE MISSIONS (HOSP AND
SAR ONLY)
4.8.1 To ensure the correct processing of their flight plans, medical flights specifically declared by the
medical authorities1, and flights engaged in search and rescue missions1, are required to insert
STS/HOSP and STS/SAR, as appropriate, in field 18 of their flight plan.
Flight plans containing either of these indicators will not be rejected by IFPS, even if there is no Y in
Field 10 indicating 8.33 equipage, and the flight is planned to enter airspace where no exemption
(except for UHF equipped State aircraft) applies.
However, it is still highly recommended to use the letter Y in field 10, if the aircraft is equipped with
8.33 kHz capable radios, since this prevents IFPS including a warning in the flight plan, and also
avoids unnecessary questions from ATC.
Note: The above measures have been implemented to ensure that the processing of flight plans of
SAR and HOSP status flights, which are often composed and filed with considerable urgency and
hence are prone to unintentional errors, is not delayed unnecessarily.
4.8.2 The communications capabilities of HOSP or SAR flights which have failed to indicate them,
and which are planned to operate in airspace where the carriage and operation of 8.33 kHz radios is
1

as defined in IFPS User Manual

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mandatory, must be verified by ATC as soon as possible. At the latest, ATC in the 25kHz sector
immediately before an 8.33kHz sector should verify, on first contact, the 8.33 status of such flights.
4.8.3 It is likely that a limited number of HOSP/SAR flights may also be State aircraft equipped with
UHF. In this case, the flight would qualify for the exemption applicable to State aircraft, where UHF is
available, and operators may insert STS/EXM833 in Field 18. The flight would then be handled as a
UHF equipped State flight.

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5. IFPS PROCEDURES

5.1 INTRODUCTION
5.1.1 Flight Plan originators are required from 00.00 UTC on 1st October 1998 to indicate
within the Flight Plan :
a) a Y in Field 10 if the aircraft is equipped with 8.33 kHz radios;
b) STS/EXM833 in Field 18 if the aircraft is not equipped, the flight is intending to operate within the
Airspace of Mandatory Carriage but is planned in accordance with published exemptions from the
carriage requirement.
See also Section 5.6 - RPL SUBMISSION
Note: Medical and Hospital Flights are covered in paragraph 4.8.
5.2 8.33 NON-COMPLIANCE
5.2.1 A Flight Plan will be deemed to be 8.33 non-compliant when:
I. the IFPS detects that at least a part of the flight is inside the IFPS Zone, above FL 245 but the
aircraft is not equipped with 8.33 radios (no Y in Field 10) and the flight is not planned in
accordance with published exemptions (no STS/EXM833 in Field 18);
II. the IFPS detects that the flight penetrates an 8.33 sector and:
EITHER : the flight is not equipped with 8.33 radios (no Y in Field 10) ;
OR : flight is a State flight but is not equipped with either 8.33 radios or UHF radios (no Y
or U in Field 10);
OR : the flight is a State flight and is equipped with UHF radios but the sector concerned
does not allow the use of UHF.
5.3 IFPS PROCESSING FROM 00.00 UTC ON 1ST OCTOBER 1998 UNTIL 23.59 UTC ON 6TH
OCTOBER 1999
5.3.1 During this period, Flight Plans will NOT fail IFPS processing due to 8.33 requirements.
5.3.2 A Flight Plan which is 8.33 non-compliant will continue to be processed and will be distributed
by IFPS as usual. However, the ACK message which is returned to the originator of the Flight Plan
and/or to the aircraft operator will contain a warning indication.
e.g.:
-TITLE ACK -MSGTYP IFPL -ORIGINDT 981001093231
-BEGIN ADDR -FAC BRUWWER -END ADDR
-IFPLID AA00840418
-COMMENT THIS FPL WILL BE REJECTED DUE TO 8.33kHz IF FILED AFTER 991007
-MSGTEXT (FPL BCS411-IN
-B727/M-SD/C
-EBBR0255
-N0483F260 COA UB29 SASKI UB29 LAM
-EGGW0040
-EET/EHAA0012 EGTT0018 REG/OODHT DOF/981001)

5.4

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5.4.

IFPS PROCESSING FROM 00.00 UTC ON 7th October 1999

5.4.1 After 7th October 1999, Flight Plans which are non-8.33 compliant, will fail IFPS processing.
The resultant action by the IFPS depends upon the aerodrome of departure as follows:
5.4.2 Aerodrome of departure is inside the IFPS Zone:
FPL rejected
REJ message returned to the FPL originator and/or aircraft operator
e.g.:
-TITLE REJ -MSGTYP IFPL -ORIGINDT 9910150024
-BEGIN -ADDR
-FAC SVMIZPZX
-END -ADDR
-ERROR EFPM: FLIGHT PLAN IS NOT COMPLIANT WITH 8.33kHz RADIO REQUIREMENTS
-OLDMSG (FPL-VIA745-IS
-DC10/H-SDHIX/C
-LEMD0150
-N0499F209 CCS UG7 ESP/N0479F350 DCT KOMUT/N0474F330 DCT 38N020W 36N030W 33N040W
27N050W 18N060W/M082F330 DCT PPR UA550 TOROP DCT DARPA DCT
-SVMI0727 SVTP
-EET/LECM0035 LPPC0115 020W0241 030W0350 LPPO0445 050W0536 KZNY0602
TTZP0649 REG/YV138C SEL/CFLM)

5.4.3 Aerodrome of departure is outside the IFPS Zone:

FPL marked as non-compliant and distributed to the ATS Units
concerned, with IFP/NON833 added in field 18,
e.g.:
(FPL-VIA744-IS
-DC10/H-SDHIX/C
-SVMI0150
-N0499F209 DCT DARPA DCT TOROP UA550 PPR DCT 18N060W/M082F330 27N050W
33N040W 36N030W 38N020W DCT KOMUT/N0474F330 DCT ESP N0479F350 UG7
CCS TLD1DA
-LEMD0727 LEBL LPPR
-EET/TTZP0035 KZNY0115 050W0241 LPPO0350 030W0445 020W0536 LPPC0602
LECM0649 REG/YV138C SEL/CFLM IFP/NON833)

ACK message returned to the FPL originator and/or aircraft operator

including a warning indication
e.g.:
-TITLE ACK -MSGTYP IFPL -ORIGINDT 991012093231
-BEGIN ADDR -FAC KTULAALD -END ADDR
-IFPLID AA00840418
-COMMENT FPL HAS BEEN MARKED AS NON-COMPLIANT WITH 8.33
REQUIREMENTS
-MSGTEXT (FPL-AAL136-IS
-B767/H-SDHIX/C
-KLAX0110
-N0460F330 LOOP9 DAG J100 BCE .......... 56N010W/N453F370 UN561 BEL UB3 HON
-EGLL1026
-EET/CZWG0327 CZYZ0357 CZUL0419 CZQX0600 ....... DOF/991012)

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5.5 STATUS 'UNKNOWN'

5.5.1 The IFPS functionality includes the processing of certain messages which concern an aircraft
already in flight. The following are some examples of the messages and scenarios concerned:
ATC Flight Plan Proposal Message (AFP) - created by an ATC unit and sent to IFPS when the ATC
unit has received estimate information concerning a flight for which it had no flight plan;
Flight Notification Message (FNM) & Message from Shanwick (MFS) - co-ordination messages
concerning eastbound North Atlantic flights;
Air Filed Flight Plans (AFIL) - flight plan filed with an ATS Unit while the aircraft is in the air.
The resultant output messages from IFPS are the APL, ACK or, in the case of an air filed flight plan, a
FPL.
5.5.2 As the aircraft are already flying, IFPS does not reject such messages. If the flight plan does not
already exist in IFPS and the information received by IFPS does not show either the carriage of 8.33
compatible radio equipment (Y in Field 10) or an exemption (STS/EXM833), then IFPS will insert a
warning indicator in Field 18 of the output message as follows:
IFP/833UNKNOWN
Note: As an ACK message is only sent when a flight plan already exists, it follows therefore that the
warning indicator above may only be found within APL and AFIL flight plan messages.
5.6

RPL SUBMISSION

5.6.1 All information which is relative to 8.33 processing may be provided in the RPL as originally
submitted to CFMU in the form of a NLST (New Listing) or RLST (Revised Listing).
5.6.2 The exemption indicator (STS/EXM833) can be provided in Item Q of the RPL. Each FPL
generated from the RPL will contain the exemption indicator in Field 18.
5.6.3 Aircraft equipment information can also be provided in Item Q of the RPL within the EQPT/
element (see IFPS User Manual). The data provided should be the complete information in Field 10
type of format e.g. EQPT/SHRYX/C. Each FPL generated from an RPL will contain in Field 10 the
equipment information as provided after the EQPT/element in the corresponding RPL.
5.6.4 If a RPL is submitted for a flight which is above FL245 within the IFPZ and which does NOT
contain either the exemption indicator or the EQPT/ element, the generated FPL will be assumed to be
8.33 equipped and the letter Y will be automatically inserted into the FPL.
5.7 RE-ROUTING
5.7.1 The aircraft operator is always responsible for ensuring that the information provided in the
Flight Plan (i.e. 8.33 equipage information or the presence of the exemption indicator) is consistent
with the aircraft to be used, the route to be flown and the requested cruising levels.
5.7.2 Re-routing proposals (RRP Messages) received from the CFMU Tactical System will NOT take
into consideration the validity of an exemption from 8.33 kHz requirements. However if an alternative
route, which would render the flight non-compliant, is accepted by the Aircraft Operator, the re-filed
flight plan will fail IFPS processing.

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5.8 OCCASIONS WHEN IFPS WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PROVIDE ATC WITH PRIOR WARNING
OF NON-EQUIPPED AIRCRAFT PLANNED TO ENTER THE AIRSPACE OF MANDATORY
CARRIAGE
5.8.1 IFPS will not add a warning indicator to a Flight Plan which it does not distribute. This means
that a warning will only be added to Flight Plans addressed to units outside the IFPZ, if the Flight Plan
has been submitted to IFPS for group addressing. Therefore, if your sector is outside the IFPZ and
you receive a Flight Plan not distributed by IFPS, you will have no additional indicator that a particular
flight is not equipped and extra care must be taken when transferring flights to sectors within the IFPS
Zone.

5.9 FLOWCHART DESCRIBING IFPS CHECKING LOGIC FOR 8.33 kHz

F 10 = Y ?
NO
YES
8.33 SECTOR IS
PENETRATED?
NO

FPL
PASS

F 18 =
STS/EXM833 ?

YES

NO

YES

833 SECTOR IS PENETRATED

IS A/C EQUIPPED WITH UHF
AND
DOES THE SECTOR PERMIT
THE USE OF UHF?
YES

ABOVE F245
INSIDE
THE IFPZ ?
YES

NO
SAR or HOSP ?

NO

SAR or HOSP ?

FPL PASS

FPL PASS
NO

YES

CO-ORDINATION WITH AO POSSIBLE ?

CO-ORDINATION WITH AO POSSIBLE ?

FPL PASS WITH
IFP/NON833
INDICATOR

NO
YES
FPL
CORRECTED

NO

YES

ADEP OUTSIDE IFPZ ?

ADEP OUTSIDE IFPZ ?

NO
YES

6.

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ERR MSG:
UNEQUIPPED FLT ENTERS
8.33 SECTOR(S) OR
USE OF UHF NOT PERMITTED
IN 8.33 SECTOR(S)

YES

NO

YES

FPL
CORRECTED

NO
ERR MSG:
FPL DOES NOT COMPLY
WITH 8.33 CARRIAGE
REQUIREMENTS

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CO-ORDINATION

6.1 GENERAL
6.1.1 As stated in Paragraph 4.1.1, it is the pilot who is ultimately responsible for ensuring that the
radio communication equipment appropriate to the flight to be conducted is fitted and operational on
board the aircraft.
6.1.2 Nevertheless, there will be an operational impact on ATC, particularly for sectors which are
immediately adjacent to the airspace of Mandatory Carriage.
6.1.3 It is essential that information regarding 8.33 status of relevant flights is displayed to ATC. This
information will be available from the Flight Plan. In particular, if an aircraft with an aerodrome of
departure outside the IFPS Zone has failed to indicate in the Flight Plan that it is carrying radio
equipment appropriate for the planned route, a warning will be added to the Flight Plan Message
distributed by the IFPS. This warning indicates that the flight is not 8.33 equipped, and special care
must be taken (refer also to paragraph 5.8). It is essential that the information that an aircraft is not
8.33 equipped, distributed by IFPS, is displayed to ATC. This means that, as a minimum, Field 10
must be processed by the ACC. If possible, Field 18 should also be processed. State aircraft
equipped with UHF need to be identifiable, because these are the only non-8.33 equipped flights
permitted to enter an 8.33 sector. Listed below are the agreed operational requirements for systems
support to 8.33 kHz operations:
1. ATC systems should indicate to controllers the relevant 8.33 equipage status of a flight.
Note that this can be achieved through the flight progress strip or through the radar track/label. There
is no requirement to indicate it on both.

2. For non-8.33 equipped State aircraft, ATC systems should indicate to controllers whether or
not the aircraft is UHF equipped.
Note that non-833 equipped State Aircraft are exempted only if they are UHF equipped.

3. The possibility to change the 8.33 equipage status should be provided to controllers.
This capability caters for flight plan errors.

4. System notification and co-ordination data should include the current 8.33 equipage status
of a flight, and, for not equipped State Aircraft, indicate whether or not the aircraft is UHF
equipped.
6.2 PROCEDURES TO BE FOLLOWED BY ATC WITH EFFECT FROM 00.00 UTC ON 7th
October 1999
6.2.1 If your sector is outside the Airspace of Mandatory Carriage:
6.2.1.1

If your sector is not adjacent to any sector within the Airspace of Mandatory Carriage,
no additional action is required.

6.2.1.2 If your sector is adjacent to a sector which is within the Airspace of Mandatory
Carriage, but which allows unconditional exemption to non-equipped flights, no
additional action is required.

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6.2.1.3 If your sector is adjacent to a sector which is within the Airspace of Mandatory
Carriage, but allows exemption to specified non-equipped flights, you must be sure of
the flights radio capability or compliance with the conditions for exemption before
transfer of control to that sector. A non-equipped aircraft must operate in accordance
with the specific conditions for exemption applicable within the next sector and if it
does not, an alternative clearance must be co-ordinated.
6.2.1.4

If your sector is adjacent to a sector which is within the Airspace of Mandatory

Carriage within which flight of non-equipped aircraft is not permitted (i.e. no
exemptions are applicable except to UHF equipped State aircraft), you must be sure
of the aircrafts 8.33 or UHF radio capability before transfer of control to that sector,
and if it is not appropriate, you must co-ordinate an alternative clearance

6.2.2 If your sector is within the Airspace of Mandatory Carriage, and no flight of non-equipped
aircraft is permitted within your sector (You may or may not be operating a frequency within
the 8.33 kHz spectrum).
6.2.2.1 You do not need to confirm the 8.33 or UHF capability of any flight within your
airspace. This will have been done by preceding sectors. All aircraft within your
airspace must be properly equipped. You need to be aware, however, that there is a
slight possibility of severe interference caused by aircraft which are not properly
equipped, communicating with another 8.33 sector using a 25 kHz frequency.
6.2.3 If your sector is within the Airspace of Mandatory Carriage, but specified flights of nonequipped aircraft are permitted within your sector.
6.2.3.1 You should only receive flights from adjacent sectors which are in accordance with
the carriage and exemption requirements of your sector.
6.2.3.2 If your sector is adjacent to a sector within the Airspace of Mandatory Carriage which
allows exemption to specified non-equipped flights, you must be sure of the flights
8.33 or UHF radio capability or compliance with the conditions for exemption before
transfer of control to that sector. A non-equipped aircraft must operate in accordance
with the specific conditions for exemption applicable within the next sector and if it
does not, an alternative clearance must be co-ordinated.
6.2.3.3 If your sector is adjacent to a sector within the Airspace of Mandatory Carriage within
which flight of non-equipped aircraft is not permitted (i.e. no exemptions are applicable
apart from UHF equipped aircraft), you must be sure of the aircrafts 8.33 or UHF
radio capability before transfer of control to that sector, and if it is not appropriate, you
must co-ordinate an alternative clearance.

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7. PRINCIPLES OF EXEMPTION

7.1 GENERAL
7.1.1 States in the Area of Mandatory Carriage may publish exemptions to the carriage requirement
within their area of responsibility. An exemption allows flight of non-8.33 equipped aircraft within that
portion of the airspace of Mandatory Carriage where the exemption applies.
7.1.2 The exemption indicator may only be added to Flight Plans if the entire flight is planned in
accordance with the published exemptions.
7.1.3 The aircraft operator is responsible for ensuring that in the FIR/UIR concerned by the flight
planned route of a non-8.33 equipped flight, exemptions are applicable. Otherwise the flight must be
planned below FL245.
No exemptions can be granted within sectors where 8.33 kHz channel spacing is in use. Special
conditions apply in respect to State aircraft able to communicate on UHF, as described below.
7.2 TYPES OF EXEMPTION
7.2.1 Exemptions may be granted by States within the Area of Mandatory Carriage, but which are not
actually implementing 8.33 kHz channel spacing. Such exemptions may be either unconditional or
conditional.
Unconditional: all flights of non-equipped aircraft are permitted.
Conditional: only clearly specified categories of flights are permitted.
Exemptions must be clearly specified so that there is no doubt whether a flight may or may not
proceed through the airspace concerned. Examples of conditional exemptions:

Domestic flights;
Flights not entering specified portion(s) of the airspace.

7.2.2 Lists of exemptions granted by States within the Airspace of Mandatory Carriage will be
available to aircraft operators for flight planning purposes in State AIP.
7.2.3 In order to insert STS/EXM833 in field 18 of your flight plan, the entire flight must be planned in
accordance with published exemptions. If within any FIR/UIR on the flight planned route no exemption
to non-equipped flights is applicable, then either:
the STS/EXM833 indicator is not to be inserted in the Flight Plan, and the flight
must be planned outside the Airspace of Mandatory Carriage, or
the Flight must be planned to remain outside those parts of the Airspace of
Mandatory Carriage within which no exemption applies, and in this case the
STS/EXM833 indicator may be added to the Flight Plan.
7.2.4 It is not recommended that States grant an unconditional exemption in view of the additional
workload this may create in respect of the handling of such exempted flights.
7.2.5 Although State aircraft are required to insert STS/EXM833 in their Flight Plan (refer to
paragraph 7.2.3), this does not constitute an exemption as specified in this chapter. In this case, the
STS/EXM833 indicator is being used for data processing reasons only.

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7.3 RECOMMENDATION FOR AIP TEXT ON EXEMPTIONS

7.3.1 It is recommended that the following text is inserted in section GEN 1.5 of the national AIP:
As required by ICAO SUPPS DOC 7030/4 EUR/RAC-4 and further to the delay decision agreed at
EUROCONTROL ACG/sp (23 July 1998), the carriage and operation of 8.33 kHz channel spacing
radio equipment is mandatory throughout the ICAO EUR Region as of 7th October 1999 for flights
above FL245.
Exemptions from mandatory carriage of 8.33 equipment are described in section ENR 1.8.
Non-equipped flights which are flight planned to enter any FIR/UIR in the EUR Region where no
exemption has been published, except for UHF equipped State flights, (refer to the AIP of the State
covering the FIR/UIR concerned) must flight plan to operate below FL 245 throughout the entire EUR
Region.
7.3.2 It is recommended that the following text is inserted in section ENR 1.8 of the national AIP:
In accordance with para. 3.1.2 of ICAO SUPPS Doc 7030/4 EUR/RAC-4, temporary permission is
hereby granted for flights not equipped with 8.33 kHz channel spacing radio equipment to operate in
the xxx FIR/UIR on condition that:
a) Such flight is planned to remain clear of any FIR/UIR in the EUR Region where no
exemption has been published except for UHF equipped State flights (refer to the AIP of the
State covering the FIR/UIR concerned);
OR

b) Such flight is operated in accordance with exemptions published (refer to the AIP of the
State covering the FIR/UIR concerned);
OR

c) (State list own, additional exemptions)

This temporary permission is subject to revision but is applicable at least until ddmmyyyy.
In respect of State aircraft no time limit applies.
7.3.3 It is recommended that the following text is inserted in section ENR 1.8 of the national AIP:
Those State aircraft which are infrequent users of the FIR/UIR (or sectors, as applicable) where 8.33
kHz channel spacing is in actual use, are permanently exempted from the above carriage requirement,
provided that they are able to communicate using UHF. Where UHF is not available, State aircraft not
equipped with 8.33 channel spacing equipment may be excluded from 8.33 airspace.
Note: Infrequent user is one defined as not exceeding about 30 hours flying time per airframe per year
in the 8.33 airspace.

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7.4 DETAILED EXPLANATION OF THE EXEMPTION TEXT

It is envisaged that the proposed text above (shown in italics) would be inserted in the national AIP in
the parts indicated, in a basically unchanged form to ensure that airspace users receive common,
consistent and unambiguous information on the applicable exemptions in each State of the EUR
Region.
7.4.1 Explanation of paragraph 7.3.1
Although the requirement refers to the whole EUR Region, temporary exemption to operate without
8.33 kHz capable equipment may be granted under specific conditions as described in section ENR
1.8.
It is envisaged that the exemptions will be granted in the form of a temporary permission to operate
in accordance with the conditions specified. The use of the words temporary permission is meant
to highlight the fact that the mandatory carriage requirement is not affected as such.
The requirement in the last sentence of paragraph 7.3.1 to flight plan non-8.33 equipped flights
below FL 245 throughout the whole EUR Region is to avoid:
a) IFPS rejection of the flight plan.
b) unnecessary increase of workload in congested areas, due to the requirement to ensure
that non-equipped aircraft remain clear of sectors where 8.33 kHz channel spacing is
implemented.
This requirement should not prevent ATC from tactically allowing aircraft to climb or descend once
clear of FIR/UIR (or sectors, as applicable) where 8.33 kHz channel spacing is in actual use.
However, operators of non-equipped aircraft should not rely on this possibility..
7.4.2 Explanation of paragraph 7.3.2
Note that the exemptions described in paragraph 7.3.2 are of a temporary nature and may be
withdrawn after informing the airspace users.
The exemptions apply equally to State aircraft which will never enter an FIR/UIR (or sectors, as
applicable) where 8.33 kHz channel spacing is in actual use.
In respect of FIR/UIR where 8.33 kHz channel spacing is being introduced, normally no exemptions
will be published, except to UHF equipped State aircraft.
Therefore a flight can consider itself exempted if it does not enter any of these FIR/UIR or a flight can
also consider itself exempted if it is planned to enter any one or more of those FIR/UIR in accordance
with the specific exemptions if any, published in the corresponding AIP.
With regard to c), it is envisaged that specific exemptions will be listed which are not covered by points
a) and b) and/or in the case of 8.33 States, the exemptions referred to in point b) will be listed here. It
is also recommended to keep the number of exemptions under point c) to a minimum, in order to avoid
an increase in ATC workload and safety implications.
Whilst all these exemptions apply in the FIR/UIR covered by a national AIP, points a) and b) are
actually pointers to other national AIP which airspace users need to consult in order to confirm the
applicability of these exemptions to a particular flight.
Note again the temporary nature of these exemptions. It is envisaged that States enter a date
commensurate with their expected need for future introduction of 8.33 channel spacing. Also
take into account the need to conduct appropriate consultation with the airspace users. Unless
otherwise determined, it is proposed to use the 14th June 2001. Even if no need for 8.33
spaced frequencies is foreseen, it is recommended that States enter a hypothetical date.

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8. FREQUENCY MANAGEMENT ASPECTS

8.1 GENERAL
8.1.1 For optimised VHF spectrum usage at national level, it is essential that good co-operation exists
between the Aeronautical Frequency Management Department and Operational units (ACC,
aerodromes etc.) of a State.
8.1.2 Proposals for changes to frequency assignment and operation (coverage, sector shape, height),
should be submitted in advance by the Operational Unit to the Frequency Management Unit, in order
to prevent frequency interference and ensure optimum use of the spectrum.
8.1.3 Airspace planners are reminded that changes to airspace structure and sectorisation may
require additional frequencies and that provision for these should be made in the initial stages of
planning.
8.1.4 The ICAO EANPG FMG establishes the criteria for aeronautical frequency protection, as well as
the procedures for inter-State co-ordination for new frequencies/frequency changes in Europe.
8.1.5 The diagram below illustrates the necessity for inter-State co-ordination.
The protection zone ensures that no interference can occur between sectors.
The diagram shows a given sector in the Brussels FIR which operates up to FL 450,
and its associated protection zone.
An ACC frequency operates in a given sector up to a maximum flight level (called
the service zone). The protection zone always extends far beyond the service zone
(black area), and is an approximate circle with a radius of 250NM.
The Radio Horizon limit depends upon the service zone and the maximum flight
level.

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8.2 8.33 kHz FREQUENCY MANAGEMENT

8.2.1 The introduction of 8.33 kHz channel spacing for Air Ground Communication in the Upper
Airspace of the part of Europe experiencing a congested spectrum requires the development of a
special Frequency Management Plan. The Strategy of this Frequency Management Plan was
proposed by the EATMP 8.33 PMC , endorsed by the ICAO FMG and EANPG and is being currently
developed by the FMG.
The EANPG 40 acknowledged the key role of the FMG in achieving the Frequency Management Plan,
in conjunction with the 8.33 PMC which included the following elements :
Collecting the States 8.33 kHz candidate frequencies;
Ensuring development of the relevant allocation process for optimum spectrum utilisation;
Communicating regularly to the PMC the progress and problems encountered by the EANPG FMG
or by individual States in the implementation of the agreed 8.33 kHz frequency management
strategy; and
Assessing the expansion needed in the area of 8.33 kHz operation, taking into account the current
environment (airspace, traffic growth, new requirements etc.).
8.2.2 A frequency transition plan is necessary to ensure that no interference problems will be
encountered due to 8.33 implementation. It is also essential to prepare the spectrum in advance in
order to maximise spectrum capacity released by the transition to this new channel spacing.
8.2.3 The transition to 8.33 kHz channel spacing is based on a mechanism of converting a number of
current 25 kHz ACC frequencies in Europe to 8.33 kHz channel spacing, potentially offering 2
additional 8.33 channels. To further optimise spectrum gain during the transition, a dedicated subband has been reserved. Most frequencies operating on 8.33 kHz will be moved into the 132.000134.800 MHz sub-band and most of the 25 kHz frequencies will be moved out of it.
Note: Due to technical and operational considerations some 8.33 kHz frequencies will not be
accommodated in the sub-band while some 25 kHz will stay in the sub-band. This is the frequency
management concept of mixed environment.
8.2.4 Consequently, important changes to the frequency plan are required in order to free this subband for 8.33 kHz. Approximately 60 to 70 frequencies need to be reallocated before the end of year
2000.
8.2.5 It is also expected that these changes will affect sectors other than the 8.33 kHz sectors in order
to facilitate the implementation of 8.33 kHz channel spacing.
8.3 8.33 kHz CHANNEL SPACING AND VHF SPECTRUM CAPACITY
The 8.33 kHz channel spacing releases VHF spectrum both in the 25 kHz and 8.33 kHz Channel
Spacing environments.
8.3.1 Frequency management requires ever more stringent co-ordination between States. States
have requested EUROCONTROL to develop a number of procedures and software tools to help them
in this task.
8.3.2 Traffic levels are expected to increase. Thus, more ATC sectors and more flexibility in sector
arrangements are requested by States. The channel split from 50 kHz to 25 kHz was applied for the
very same reason. Therefore, in the medium term, the creation of additional spectrum capacity will
facilitate the accommodation of increased traffic levels Communications will be conducted within the
limits of the VHF band set by the ITU, i.e. 117.975 - 137.000 MHz.

8.3.3 The spectrum gain of the channel split from 25 kHz to 8.33 kHz depends on two processes :

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a) the conversion of a sufficient number of existing ACC frequencies from 25 kHz to

8.33 kHz from 7th October 1999 to end of 2000; and
b) the planning of additional sectors using 8.33 kHz as soon as possible after 7
October 1999 onwards.

temporary
measures by
FMG/ARB to
handle urgent
requests

conversion
from 25 to
8.33 kHz

Sub-band creation / Swapping / New requirements

(validation period)

Spectrum release

7 Oct 1999

Jan 2000

March

June 2000

Airspace restructure / Resectorisation by States

C a p a c i t y increase

Overall planning
8.4 INTERFERENCE RISK
8.4.1 When using a 25 kHz frequency in 8.33 airspace, there are serious interference risks (i.e.
mistuning). Frequency blocking in 8.33 channel spacing (as experienced today with the 25 kHz
channel spacing) has to be carefully monitored. This has been considered during the development of
the Implementation Plan.
8.4.2 Therefore, 8.33 kHz channel spacing (separation criteria and planning) will be implemented in
such a way that will significantly limit the occurrence of such blocking.
8.4.3 In addition, the operational procedures detailed in this User Guide will limit the occurrence of
such phenomena:
The flight plan will reflect the 8.33 capability of the flight to be conducted. This will allow a first
and fundamental check.

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During 8.33 operations, the word CHANNEL will have to be used by the pilot and the
controller. The phraseology in the table of paragraph 4.5.3 CHANNEL will allow unique
identification which will avoid this type of mistuning.
The pilot is responsible for ensuring full operational compatibility with airspace to be
overflown.
The new phraseology proposed in paragraph 4.5.3 allows both the controller and the pilot to
cover all the possible situations related to the 8.33 kHz channel spacing.
Finally, the step-by-step and frequency planning method used in the Frequency Management
Plan for implementing the new 8.33 channelling, will limit (as today in the 25kHz channel
spacing) the occurrence of such interference.

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9. EQUIPMENT STANDARDS
The 8.33 kHz channel spacing standards and definition have been approved by the following bodies:
9.1 AMCP / SARPS
9.1.1 The Aeronautical Mobile Communication Panel (AMCP) defined, through Standards And
Recommended Practices (SARPS), the 8.33 kHz Double Side Band (DSB) Amplitude Modulated (AM)
carriers.
9.1.2 The Air Navigation Commission (ANC) and ICAO Council approved (November 1996) this new
channel spacing as an amendment to Annex 10. It describes the characteristics of the 8.33 kHz
ground and airborne systems.
9.2 EUROCAE / MOPS
9.2.1 On the airborne side, the European Organisation for Civil Aviation Equipment (EUROCAE)
produced the relevant Minimum Operational Performance Standards (MOPS) document which is used
by the Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA) for the certification of avionics. The work on the MOPS was
subsidiary to the work carried out at AMCP WG-B on the SARP.
9.2.2 The new version of the MOPS including 8.33 kHz operation was adopted by the EUROCAE
Council in December 1994 and published in March 1995 (ref. ED-23B).
9.3 RTCA / MOPS
9.3.1 In addition the RTCA SC-172 agreed in 1995 to produce a MOPS for 8.33 kHz operation based
on the EUROCAE MOPS. The final draft was adopted in August 1995 and is referred to as DO-186A.
9.4 AEEC / ARINC 716 SUPPLEMENT
9.4.1 The Airlines Electronic Engineering Committee (AEEC) produced a supplement to ARINC 716
to cover the 8.33 kHz mode. ARINC 750 which specifies that the VDR provides the functionality of an
AEEC 716 transceiver and hence covers the 8.33 kHz mode. A supplement for the 8.33 kHz mode to
ARINC 716 was adopted at the AEEC General Session in October 1994.
9.5 ETSI / ETS 676
9.5.1 Finally, 8.33 kHz channel specification is covered by the European Telecommunication
Standardisation Institute (ETSI) in document ETS 676 under Radio Transmitters and Receivers and
Aeronautical Stations for the Aeronautical Mobile Service operating in the VHF Band, approved in
March 1997.

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10. RETROFIT

10.1 AIR TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT TECHNICAL STANDARD

10.1.1 The existing aircraft fleet can be divided into two categories : digital aircraft with ARINC
716/750 equipment utilising an ARINC 429 tuning interface and analogue aircraft with ARINC 566A
equipment fitted with the 2 out of 5 discrete wire tuning system. This distribution gives rise to three
main aircraft generation types :
old generation aircraft (equipped with early analogue radios to be changed)
intermediate generation aircraft (equipped with analogue radios that can be upgraded); and
new generation aircraft (basically digital aircraft using the A429 encoding scheme with
radios that can be upgraded).
10.1.2 According to relevant regulation (i.e. JAR/OPS 1 of April 1995 for Commercial Air Transport
aviation), aircraft operating in the airspace of Mandatory Carriage will have to be equipped with a
minimum of two 8.33 kHz compatible radios.
10.2 AIR TRANSPORT AIRCRAFT RETROFIT
10.2.1 Technical effort required for old generation aircraft.
On an old generation aircraft (ARINC 500 equipped), the required effort depends on the retrofit
philosophy. Choosing a new ARINC 700 transceiver will require a full rewiring of the VHF installation.
However, if the decision is to select an ARINC 500 new radio, the technical effort amounts to power
and ground inputs to the control panel. Indeed, detection of 8.33 capable R/T with regard to the VHF
Control Panel may use for analogue radios the encoding E wire and an additional +28 V dc supply to
the 8.33 control panel (it can be as much as +/- 6 labour hours).
10.2.2 Technical effort for an intermediate generation aircraft.
As far as intermediate generation aircraft are concerned, installing an ARINC 500 radio will require, as
above, a discrete wire and an additional 28 V dc supply on the control panel. The intermediate aircraft
installation could be achieved during night stops or A, B, C and D checks.
10.2.3 Technical effort for new generation aircraft.
Last generation aircraft will only need the addition of a grounded discrete wire from the VHF
transceiver to the control panel. In order to cope with the redundancy feature of Radio Management
Panels (RMP), a discrete wire needs to be routed from each VHF R/T to each panel. As the
intermediate ones the new generation aircraft installation could be achieved during night stops or
during A, B, C, D checks.

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11. LAUNCH PROCEDURE

In order to achieve a successful 8.33 kHz channel spacing implementation, the procedure described
below will be followed.

DATE
28th September 1998

RESPONSIBLE
EUROCONTROL

ACTION
Activate the dedicated 8.33 Support Cell based in
CFMU. This Cell will consist of EUROCONTROL
experts and will be available to support airspace
users at the beginning of the measurement period
and as required.
(COMPLETED)

1st October 1998

CFMU

Start measurement through IFPS (no flight plan

rejection at this stage).
(COMPLETED)

31 July 1999

Each ICAO EUR

Region State
(8.33 CP)

a) All official documentation (AIC, AIP, LoA etc.)

must have been published.
b) Ensure that all ATC centres will be able to
operate in accordance with the 8.33 kHz channel
spacing requirements by 7th October 1999 from
00.00 UTC.

12th August 1999

Each ICAO EUR

Region State
(8.33 CP)

a) Publish a reminder NOTAM to notify airspace

users that 8.33 kHz channel spacing operation will
be confirmed by a trigger NOTAM on 23rd
September 1999 (use the specimen provided in
Annex D).
b) Confirm that, all ATC centres will be able to
operate in accordance with the relevant 8.33 kHz
channel spacing requirements by 7th October 1999
from 00.00 UTC.

23rd September 1999

Each ICAO EUR

Region State
(8.33 CP)

Publish the trigger NOTAM to notify airspace

users that 8.33 kHz channel spacing operation
starts on 7th October 1999 from 00.00 UTC (use
the specimen provided in Annex D).

7th October 1999

CFMU

a) Activate definitive 8.33 kHz IFPS processing

(FPL rejection of non-8.33 equipped flights) on 7th
October 1999 from 00:00 UTC.
b) Monitor the flight plan rejections.

7th October 1999

Each ACC

ACC should monitor potential problems and notify

CFMU.

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8.33 USER GUIDE

7th October 1999

Each 8.33 State

8.33 States may individually start progressive and

co-ordinated implementation of 8.33 kHz spaced
frequencies.

7th October 1999

Each ICAO EUR

Region State

Each ICAO EUR Region State must start to

operate according to their revised and approved
8.33 AIC/AIP/LoA requirements as of 7th October
1999 from 00:00 UTC.

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12. STATE ACTIONS

To ensure a consistent and co-ordinated implementation of 8.33 kHz channel spacing, it is necessary
that all States in the ICAO EUR Region take the following actions:
12.1 ACTION ITEM 1 - PRIOR TO 18th SEPTEMBER 1998
Each ICAO EUR Region State is required to nominate an 8.33 Contact Person (8.33 CP) for
the purpose of the 8.33 kHz Channel Spacing Implementation in Europe.
12.1.1 The 8.33 Contact Person will have the authority and the capacity to ensure, in liaison with the
EUROCONTROL 8.33 PMC, the co-ordination, promulgation and operational follow up of all National
8.33 related issues until completion of the 8.33 implementation.
12.1.2 The nomination of 8.33 Contact Person represents a key issue for the success of the
implementation of the 8.33 kHz channel spacing. As ALL the ICAO EUR Region States are concerned
with the implementation of 8.33 kHz channel spacing, an 8.33 Contact Person per each ICAO EUR
Region State will be necessary.
12.1.3 Official nominations are to be sent to the 8.33 PMC Secretary with the name, function,
address, telephone/fax and e-mail (for contact information refer to chapter 14).
12.1.4 Prior to, and for the duration of, the launching of the 8.33 operation, the 8.33 Contact Person
will have to ensure that all the action items described in the following paragraphs are Nationally
supported and managed in a timely manner to permit smooth and safe operation in the Area of
Mandatory Carriage (the ICAO EUR Region).
12.1.5 One 8.33 Contact Person is expected to be nominated from each one of the States below (as
per ICAO Doc.7754):
Albania
Armenia
Austria
Azerbaijan
Belarus
Belgium
Bosnia Herzegovina
Bulgaria
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Federal Republic of
Yugoslavia
Finland
Former Yugoslav Republic
of Macedonia
France

Edition:4.0

Georgia
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Ireland
Italy
Kazakhstan
Kyrgyzstan
Latvia
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Moldova
Monaco

Portugal
Romania
Russian Federation
San Marino
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Tajikistan
Turkey
Turkmenistan
Ukraine
United Kingdom

Netherlands
Norway

Uzbekistan

Poland

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8.33 USER GUIDE

12.2 ACTION ITEM 2

Each ICAO EUR Region State is required to publish the initial 8.33 AIC taking into account the
comments below.
This initial 8.33 AIC should be based on the specimen AIC provided in the Plan for the 8.33 kHz
Channel Spacing Implementation in Europe Edition 2.0, as endorsed by EANPG/38.
Please note that the following text has to be added in section 4 of the specimen AIC mentioned above:
4.1 For Name of State the date of Mandatory Carriage and Operation of 8.33 kHz channel
spacing capable radio equipment for flights above FL 245 is set for 7th October 1999.
4.2 Exemptions from the Mandatory Carriage Requirement will be published at a later stage.
12.3 ACTION ITEM 3 - PRIOR TO 31st DECEMBER 1998
Each ICAO EUR Region State is required to publish the new 8.33 AIC according to the
specimen provided in Annex C and taking into account the comments below.
The new 8.33 AIC specimen is provided:
in addition to the initial 8.33 AIC specimen provided in the Plan for the 8.33 kHz Channel Spacing
Implementation in Europe, Edition 2.0 (refer to paragraph 12.2).
to highlight key items as provided in the present 8.33 User Guide.
for complementary explanations in association with the 8.33 AIP specimen provided in Annex B
(refer also to paragraph 12.4).
Note: States which have not yet completed Action Items 2 and 3 must publish an AIC as soon as
possible, using the updated specimen AIC included in this guide, for States not implementing 8.33
channel spacing sectors. (All 8.33 States have published their AIC).
12.4 ACTION ITEM 4 - PRIOR TO 31st MAY 1999
In line with the requirement for publication of the 8.33 AIC, each ICAO EUR Region State is
required to publish an 8.33 AIP Amendment.
ICAO EUR Region States are encouraged to use the EUROCONTROL specimen 8.33 AIP
Amendment proposed in Annex B, together with the recommended exemption text (refer to paragraph
7.3).
12.5 ACTION ITEM 5 - PRIOR TO 31st MAY 1999
Each ICAO EUR Region State should confirm agreement in principle for the amendment of its
Letters of Agreement as required for application from 7 October 1999
A specimen Letter of Agreement, in line with the EUROCONTROL Common Format, Cross-border
Letter of agreement is provided in Annex E in order to ensure that all relevant issues are covered when
updating the Letters of Agreement. States are recommended to use this to amend their LoA with
neighbouring States.

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8.33 USER GUIDE

12.6 ACTION ITEM 6 - PRIOR TO 7th OCTOBER 1999

ACC of each ICAO EUR Region State should ensure that all personnel concerned (especially in
the Air Traffic Services) are aware of the implications of the 8.33 kHz channel spacing
implementation and that the 8.33 flight status information distributed by the IFPS is
displayed/provided to the Air Traffic Controllers.
Ensure that 8.33 status information distributed by IFPS will be displayed/provided to Air Traffic
Controllers (i.e. warning of non-equipped aircraft for flights originating from outside the IFPS zone, or
unknown equipage of aircraft where no flight plan exists).
Note: For flights originating from within the IFPS zone, the flight plan will be rejected.
Ensure if possible that field 18 information is processed, so that a non-equipped but exempted flight
is not tactically rerouted into airspace where no exemption is applicable.
Ensure, if possible, that non-equipped status of those aircraft flying at a level below the Airspace of
Mandatory Carriage will be displayed to Air Traffic Controllers.
Note: It is recognised that this may not be possible, but it is desirable in case of a non-equipped flight
which has successfully filed a flight plan at a level below the Airspace of Mandatory Carriage, and
which subsequently requests a higher level during flight.
12.7 ACTION ITEM 7 - PRIOR TO 31st JULY 1999
Each ICAO EUR Region State should ensure that the launch procedure is fully in place and
confirm as soon as possible to the 8.33 PMC that it can be fully supported as described in
Chapter 11.
It is the responsibility of each State to ensure that any safety analyses have been carried out in
accordance with the requirements prevailing in that State. In order to assist the States with
these activities EUROCONTROL has produced the 8.33 System Safety Validation Study
which includes the system level safety audit and also provides information to help the States
to conduct their own appropriate analyses.
In line with the ICAO SUPPS DOC 7030/4 EUR/RAC-4, a counting exercise to determine the aircraft
rate of equipage was started on 1st of October 1998. This is be based on the flight plan carriage status
indication measured through the CFMU IFPS.
12.8 ACTION ITEM 8 - PRIOR TO 7th OCTOBER 1999
Each ICAO EUR Region State should urge their national aircraft operators to be compliant by
the 7 October 1999..
The retrofit and certification processes have to be supported in particular and the fact that there will not
be any additional delay has to be stressed.
12.9 ACTION ITEM 9 (specific to 8.33 States)
Each 8.33 State must publish in its national AIP the UHF frequencies as well as the 8.33
channels.

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8.33 USER GUIDE

12.10 ACTION ITEM 10 - PRIOR TO 7th OCTOBER 1999 (specific to 8.33 States)
Each 8.33 State directly affected by the introduced 9-month delay (from 1st January 1999 to 7th
October 1999) should undertake any possible measures to reduce the impact on the capacity
of their ATM system.

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8.33 USER GUIDE

13. PROCEDURES FOR THE INTRODUCTION OF 8.33 kHz CHANNEL SPACING IN

ADDITIONAL STATES FIR/UIR
Initially, 8.33 kHz channel spacing is being introduced in only a limited number of FIR/UIR.
The ICAO-approved carriage requirement for 8.33 kHz capable radio equipment applies in the whole
ICAO EUR Region above FL 245 (i.e. the Area of Mandatory Carriage).
This choice was made not only for safety reasons but also to facilitate expansion. The introduction of
8.33 kHz channel spacing in additional FIR/UIR is at all times possible when warranted by frequency
shortage considerations, but only for operations above FL 245. To ensure the orderly addition of
FIR/UIR implementing 8.33 kHz channel spacing, it is essential that the following steps are taken :
13.1 COORDINATE WITH THE ICAO EANPG FMG TO DETERMINE THE FEASIBILITY IN
TERMS OF FREQUENCY PLANNING
Requirements and planning for additional services.
Notification to FMG of existing services to be converted in 8.33.
Planning of 8.33 new requirements through FMG planning procedures.
13.2 ADVANCE NOTIFICATION VIA AIC/AIP
Determine an implementation date which is compatible with the requirements for the new services
and the aircraft operators retrofit capabilities, taking into account the Frequency Management
Procedures.
Notify withdrawal of the relevant exemptions and change the date in National AIP (if such a date
has been included).
Publish AIC describing the planned changes, including the relevant dates.
Co-ordinate with the military authorities to ensure that the required UHF coverage is provided or
other means are available which can permit handling of State aircraft.
13.3 CO-ORDINATE WITH ADJACENT FIR/UIR
Amend AIP and LoA (including contingency procedures).
Launch operation according to predefined procedures similar to those described in chapter 11.

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8.33 USER GUIDE

14. SUPPORT

14.1 EUROCONTROL
The 8.33 kHz channel spacing implementation is co-ordinated and supported by the EATMP 8.33
Programme Management Cell (8.33 PMC). For additional information you can contact the following
8.33 PMC members:
Field

Name

Tel / Fax

E-mail

PMC Chairman

Mr C. Hamel

32 (2) 729 3162 /

4655

[email protected]

PMC Secretary

Mr A. Moreton

32 (2) 729 3163 /

4655

[email protected]

Programme
Administration

Ms A. Steel

32 (2) 729 3350 /

4655

[email protected]

Secretary

Mrs O. Kanusagi

32 (2)729 3366 / 9086

[email protected]

Retrofit

Mr C. Hamel

32 (2) 729 3162 /

4655

[email protected]

Frequency

Mr A. Astorino

32 (2) 729 3374 /

9086

[email protected]

Operations

Ms G. Heath

32 (2) 729 3781 /

9003

[email protected]

Operations

Mr G. Grunwald

32 (2) 729 3041 /

9066

[email protected]

Implementation
Support

Mr J-M. Henelle

32 (2) 729 3125 /

9196

[email protected]

Implementation
Support

Mr D. Moller

32 (2)729 3683 / 9064

[email protected]

Military

LCL R. Javelle

32 (2) 729 3128 /

9196

[email protected]

IFPS

Mr K. Breivik

32 (2) 729 9814 /

9020

[email protected]

Management

14.1.1 To obtain an updated version of the 8.33 User Guide, please send your full co-ordinates
(name; function; company; department; telephone; facsimile; E-mail; address; country) to the
Chairman of the 8.33 PMC.
EUROCONTROL
Mr. C. Hamel 8.33 Programme - DIS
Rue de la Fuse, 96, B - 1130 Brussels, BELGIUM
Fax: 32 (2) 729 4655

Page 42

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8.33 USER GUIDE

Or
Fax : 32 (2) 729 9086
E-mail: [email protected]

Edition:4.0

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8.33 USER GUIDE

14.2 IATA
14.2.1 The IATA Assistant Director Infrastructure - EUROPE
IATA
Mr. S. Zerkowitz
Avenue Louise, 350
B - 1050 Brussels
BELGIUM
Fax: 32 (2) 648 5135
E-mail: [email protected]

14.3 WEB
Information can also be obtained from the 8.33 kHz web pages:
http://www.eurocontrol.be/projects/eatchip/vhf833
14.4 SUPPORT CELL ON 7TH OCTOBER 1999
Dedicated telephone lines (24 hours/day, 7 days/week) will be activated one week before 7th October
1999. The numbers will be published well in advance of 7th October 1999.

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8.33 USER GUIDE

14.5 EUR STATES CONTACTS PERSONS

States
Albania

Armenia

Austria

Azerbaijan

Belarus

Belgium

Bosnia &
Herzegovina

Bulgaria

Croatia

Cyprus

Czech
Republic

Edition:4.0

Contacts Persons

Telephone

Fax

Email

Kokona, Adriatik
Ministry of Public Work and Transport
Director of Technical Standards
Generale Directorate of Civil Aviation
Pr: Abdl Toptani
Tirana
Asatryan, Simon
General Department of Civil Aviation
ATS Expert
Joint Stock State Company, "ARMATS"
Zvartnots Airport
375042 YEREVAN
Pritz, Heinrich
AUSTROCONTROL Gesellschaft fr
Zivilluftfahrt mbH
Head of ATS Planning and Navigation
Schnirchgasse 11
A-1030 Wien
Nadjafov, Namik
Azerbaijan Air Navigation Services
"AZANS"
Bina Airport
Baku 370109
Bondar, Vladimir
State Aviation Committee
Chief Expert
Communication & Radio Technical Dept.
4, Aerodromnaya str.
Minsk 220065
De Ketelaere, Roland
BELGOCONTROL
CANAC Building
Jozef Gorislaan
B-1920 Steenokkerzeel
Raguz, Eldo
Bosnia and Herzegovina - Council of
Ministers
Head of Technical Service
Department of Civil Aviation
Envera Sehovica, 2
71000 Sarajevo
Stoyanov, Ludmil
Civil Aviation Administration
Senior Expert
Ministry of Transport
9, Levski street
BG-1000 Sofia
Rosic, Ivan
Air Traffic Services Authority, Croatia
P.O.Box 45
CRO-10150 Airport Zagreb, Pleso
Orphanos, Costas
Ministry of Communications and Works
for Director, Department of Civil Aviation
16 Grivas Digenis Ave.
1429 NICOSIA

355 42 26232

355 42 23969

3742 771082 or
593304

3742 284142 or
151398

43 1 17032020

43 1 17032006

heinrich.pritz@austroc
ontrol.at

99 412 972740

99 412 971695

[email protected]

375 17 2225585

357 17 2225264

[email protected].
by

32 2 7538340

32 2 7538222

roland_deketelaere@rl
w-rva.be

387 71 653016

387 71 653008

[email protected]

359 2 98441062

359 2 874643

[email protected]
ment.bg

385 1 6229303

385 1 6229304

ivan.rosic@crocontrol.
hr

357 2 304908

357 2 766552

[email protected]

Gajda, M.
Air Navigation Services
ATS and Systems Planning

420 2 20372686

420 2 20372011

[email protected]

Page 45

8.33 USER GUIDE

States

Denmark

Estonia

Finland

France

FYROM

Georgia

Germany

Greece

Hungary

Page 46

Contacts Persons
Smetanovo nabrezi 334/4
11800 Praha 1
Feldberg, Bo
CAA Denmark
Senior Air Traffic Controller
ATM Section
Ellebjergvej 50
DK-2450 Copenhagen SV
Tarlap, Mati
Air Navigation Services
Lennujaama 2
EE-0011 Tallinn
Puisto, Martti
Air Navigation Services
ATM Unit
P.O.Box 50
FIN-01531 Vantaa
Lemarchand, Denis
SCTA
Adjoint au Chef du Dpartement 3
Departement 3
9 rue Champagne
F-91250 Athis-Mons
Klimov, Dragan
Civil Aviation Authority of Republic of
Macedonia
Chief of ACC Skopje
PO Box 9, Airport Skopje
91207 PETROVEC
Khvedelidze, Bessiki
Air Transport Department
Chief of Air Space Management Office
Air Space Management
12 Kazegi Ave.
TBILISI 380060
Morr, Michael
DFS - Deutsche Flugsicherung GmbH
Head of Department
ATM Concept Requirements
Kaiserleistrasse 29-35
D-63067 Offenbach am Main
Savramis, Angelos
Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority
YEP/KEPAC - PO Box.73751
16604 Helliniko
Toth, Andras Jozsef
Hungarian CAA
Technical Inspector
BUDAPEST-Ferihegy
H-1675 P.O. Box 41

Telephone

Fax

Email

45 3644 0808 or
473

45 3644 0303

[email protected]

372 62 58222

372 62 58200

[email protected]

358 9 82772248

358 9 82772292

[email protected]

33 1 69577255

33 1 69577373

LEMARCHAND_Denis
@scta.dgac.fr

389 91 148254

389 91 148239

[email protected]
k

994 32 999852

994 32 999852

49 69 80541150

49 69 80541195

3 01-99 72 564

3 01-99 30 573

36 1 2921210

36 1 2968808

[email protected]

[email protected]
v.hu

Edition: 4.0

8.33 USER GUIDE

States
Ireland

Italy

Kazakhstan

Kyrgyzstan

Latvia

Lithuania

Luxemburg

Malta

Moldova

Edition:4.0

Contacts Persons
Burke, Tom
Irish Aviation Authority
Manager RF and Data Communications
Systems
Shannon Airport
Co Clare
Di Vincenzo, Claudio
ENAV
Area Operativa e Tecnica
Via Salaria 716
00138 Roma
Orazbakov, G. I.
Committee on Airspace Use and Civil
Aviation Activities
Chairman
Ministry of Transport and Communication
49, av. Abai
473000 - ASTANA
Ostrenko, Valery Victorovitch
Ministry of Transport and Communication
Deputy Senior Engineer
Department of Air Transport and Airspace
Use
rue Ahunbaev, 184
Bishkek - 44
Ansons, Maris
Latvian Civil Aviation Administration
Aeronautical Telecommunications
Inspector
ATS Division
Ministry of Transport of the Republic of
Latvia
Airport "Riga", LV-1053
Rudokas, Mindaugas
Directorate of Civil Aviation
CNS Engineer
Rodunios kelias 2,Airport, CAD
LT-2023 Vilnius
Klein, Henri
Ministre des Transports
Directeur de l'Aviation civile
19-21, boulevard Royal
L-2938 LUXEMBOURG
Borg Marks, George
Department of Civil Aviation
Senior Operations Officer
Operations and Air Transport
Luqa Airport
Luqa
Somov, Konstantin
Aviatiei Civile, Moldova
ATS Expert
Airport Chisinau
MD-2026 Chisinau

Telephone

Fax

Email

353 61 703701

353 61 472115

[email protected]

39 06 8166658

39 06 8166586

cdivincenzo.enav@int
erbusiness.it

7 327 2324256

7 327 2321696

7 3312 542141

7 3312 420686

371 7207907

371 7207122

[email protected]

370 2 739197

370 2 739187

[email protected]

352 4784412 or
352 4781

352 467790

356 25900507

356 239278

[email protected] or
[email protected]

373 2 529161

373 2 529118

[email protected]
d

Page 47

8.33 USER GUIDE

States
Monaco

Netherlands

Norway

Poland

Portugal

Romania

Russia

San Marino

Slovak
Republic

Slovenia

Page 48

Contacts Persons
Bayol, Henri
Hliport de Monaco
Chef de Service de l'Aviation civile
Terre-Plein de Fontvieille
MC 98000 Principaut de Monaco
Bierling, Harry
Luchtverkeersleiding Nederland - LVNL
Senior Expert ATS procedures
Postbus 75200
NL-1117 ZT Schipol Airport
Pedersen, Jan-Gunnar
NCAA - Luftfartsverket
Inspector
Air Navigation Services Department
Wergelandvey 1 - P.O.Box 8124 Dep.
N-0032 Oslo 1
Fydrych, Bogdan
General Inspectorate of Civil Aviation
Chief Specialist ATS
ul.Grojecka 17
02-021 Warszawa
Cardoso, Edgar
NAV
DATNA/ASSTEC
Rua D, Edificio 121 Aeroporto de Lisboa
P 1700 Lisboa
Leu, Vlad Nicolae
Romanian Civil Aviation Authority
Air Navigation Services Director
Soseaua Bucuresti - Ploiesti km. 16,5
RO-71950 Bucuresti
Samohin, Victor I.
Federal Aviation Authority of Russia
Head of scientific & technical
Administration
37 Leningradsky pr.
Moscow
Gatti, G.
Palazzo Begni
Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs
Contrada Omerelli
47031 SAN MARINO
Bonda, Dusan
Air Traffic Control Administration of the
Slovak Republic
Deputy Director
ATS Quality Management
M.R. Stefanik Airport
SK-82307 Bratislava
Sarlah, Ivan
Ministry of Transport and
Communications, Slovenia
Counsellor to Director
Kotnikova 19a
SI-1000 Ljubljana

Telephone

Fax

Email

377 93158024

377 93158708

31 20 4063624

31 20 4063538

[email protected]

47 22 942336

47 22 942397

jangunnar.pedersen@caa
.no

48 22 8223024

48 22 6298689

[email protected]

351 1 8413500

351 1 8473766

[email protected]

40 1 3121938

40 1 2302942

[email protected]

7 095 1555861

7 095 1555535

378 882 201

378 992 018

421 7 48572500

421 7 48572505

[email protected]

386 61 1316018

386 61 1317178

[email protected]
gov.si

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8.33 USER GUIDE

States
Spain

Sweden

Switzerland

Tadjikistan

Turkey

Turkmenistan

UK

Ukraine

Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan

Edition:4.0

Contacts Persons
Gonzalez, Enrique
AENA
Jefe Division de communicaciones
Division de Communication de N.A.
c/Juan Ignacio Luca de Tena, 14, 3a
planta
E-28027 Madrid
Skarsfjaell, Sigge
SLFV - Luftfartsverket - Swedish CAA
Air Navigation Services Division
Vikboplan 11
S-60179 Norrkping
Cottier, Francois
Swisscontrol
Air Navigation Services
Route de Pr-Bois 15-17, Case Postale
796
CH-1215 Genve 15
Mastangoulov, M. A.
Director General of Civil Aviation
Titova Street 32/1
734006 DUSHANBE
Erdinc, Ahmet Hicabi
Ministry of Transport and
Communications, Turkey
90 Sokak No.5
06338 EMEK-ANKARA
Fetisov, Alexander
Turkmen Hova Yollary
C.Nurymow, 3a
744000 Asgabat
Ennis, George
National Air Traffic Services Ltd.
Hd ATM Policy and Developments
Directorate of Safety and Operations
T813 CAA House, 45-59 Kingsway
WC2B 6TE London
Antonov, Leonid A.
State Aviation Administration, Ukraine
Principal Specialist
Ave. Peremogy, 14
Kiev 135, 252135
Gilfanov, Ravil
State Inspection for Flight Safety
Supervision
Deputy Head
Aircraft Maintenance, Overhaul and
Manufacturing Oversight Division
73B Nukusskaya Street
700015 Tashkent
Subbota, Vladimir
State Commission for ICAO
Deputy Executive Secretary
73B Nukusskaya Street
700015 Tashkent

Telephone

Fax

Email

34 91 3213266

34 91 3213116

sscc.egonzalez@aena
.es

46 11 192527

46 11 192640

[email protected]
v.se

41 22 4174022

41 22 4174501

francois.cottier@swiss
control.com

7 377 213228

7 377 218685

90 312 2126730

90 312 2124684

99 312 393619

99 312 510153

44 171 8325451

44 171 8325582

[email protected]
.uk

380 44 2218275

380 44 2168028

[email protected]

998 71 1334338

998 712 541482

[email protected]

998 71 1367375

998 71 1332429

[email protected]

[email protected]

Page 49

8.33 USER GUIDE

States
Yugoslavia

Yugoslavia

Page 50

Contacts Persons
Papulic, Radmila
Federal Ministry for Transportation
Federal Air Traffic Control Authority
Dr. Ivana Ribara 91
11070 Novi Beograd
Pocuca, Milorad
Federal Ministry for Transportation
Federal Air Traffic Control Authority
Dr. Ivana Ribara 91
11070 Novi Beograd

Telephone

Fax

Email

38 11 154900

381 11 154151

[email protected]

38 11 154900

381 11 154151

[email protected]

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8.33 USER GUIDE

15. REFERENCE DOCUMENTATION

15.1 EUROCONTROL DOCUMENTATION

15.1.1 The Plan for the 8.33 kHz Channel Spacing Implementation in Europe Edition 2.0 (November
1996) including a proposal of Aeronautical Information Circular (AIC) (Annex 6).
15.1.2 Convergence and Implementation Programme (CIP) Document Part 1 Edition 3, (November
1996 CIP Objectives and Target Situation).
15.1.3 CFMU Handbook (Edition 5.0).
15.1.4 8.33 Safety Validation Study : Final Report (The Smith Group Limited) DA368D013-1.1
15.1.5 IFPS User Manual (Edition 5.0)

15.2 ICAO APPROVED DOCUMENTATION

15.2.1 ICAO ANNEX 10 - Amendments 71 (November 1996) and 72 to volume II Chapter 5 and
volume V (February 1997) of Annex 10.
15.2.2 The Regional Supplementary Procedures (Doc 7030/4).
15.2.3 The Air Navigation Plan - European Region (Doc 7754/22).
15.3 US APPROVED DOCUMENTATION
15.3.1 RTCA SC-172 (1995).
15.3.2 RTCA 8.33 MOPS DO-186A (August 1995).
15.3.3 AEEC 716 supplement (October 1994) and basically included in ARINC 750 (VDL).
15.4 EUROPEAN APPROVED DOCUMENTATION
15.4.1 JAR OPS 1 sub-part L (March 1998)
15.4.2 EUROCAE ED-23 B Amendment 3 (December 1997)
15.4.3 ETSI Document ETS 676 Radio Transmitters and Receivers and Aeronautical Stations for the
Aeronautical Mobile Service operating in the VHF Band (March 1997).
15.5 JAA DOCUMENTATION
Administrative and Guidance material, leaflet No 7: Operations with 8.33 kHz Channel Spacing VHF
Communication Radios.

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16. ANNEXES

ANNEX A - FREQUENCY LIST............................................................................................................................................. 53

ANNEX B - AIP SPECIMEN ................................................................................................................................................... 54
ANNEX C - AIC SPECIMEN (NEW)...................................................................................................................................... 56
ANNEX D - NOTAM SPECIMEN........................................................................................................................................... 70
ANNEX E - SPECIMEN LoA .................................................................................................................................................. 71
ANNEX F - UHF COVERAGE................................................................................................................................................ 76
ANNEX G - 8.33 OPERATION DIAGRAMS......................................................................................................................... 77
ANNEX H - GENERAL PLANNING...................................................................................................................................... 79
ANNEX I - MAP....................................................................................................................................................................... 80

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ANNEX A - FREQUENCY LIST

Designation of VHF Channels

with 8.33 and 25 kHz Spacing
The table below lists the frequencies in the VHF sub-band
which will contain the 8.33 kHz spaced channels.

A
Spacing
(kHz)

B
Frequencies
(MHz)

C
25 kHz mode
frequency"

D
8.33 kHz mode
channel

25

132.0000

132.00

132.000

8.33

132.0000

132.005

8.33

132.0083

132.010

8.33

132.0167

132.015

25

132.0250

8.33

132.0250

132.030

8.33

132.0333

132.035

8.33

132.0417

132.040

25

132.0500

8.33

132.0500

132.055

8.33

132.0583

132.060

8.33

132.0667

132.065

25

132.0750

132.02

132.05

132.07

132.025

132.050

132.075

etc.

As specified by the relevant provisions in ICAO Annex 10, Volume V, Chapter 4.1 (bis), 8.33
kHz spaced frequencies are to be identified in voice communications by the so-called
Channel, shown in column D above. (refer also to 8.4.3)
Notes:

Edition:4.0

Columns A, B and D provide the Frequency-Channel pairing which retains the numerical
designator of the 25 kHz environment and allows unique identification of an 8.33 kHz
Channel as proposed for inclusion in ICAO Annex 10 by the ICAO Council of 26 February
1997.
Column D refers to the phraseology and also the current display of the 8.33 kHz/25 kHz
environment compatible radio equipment.
Column C refers to the 25 kHz environment only compatible radio equipment.

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ANNEX B - AIP SPECIMEN

The following text is expected to be inserted in the indicated sections of AIP Amendment. Text in italics
will be inserted by the State concerned as required.
GEN 1.5
AIRCRAFT INSTRUMENTS, EQUIPMENT AND FLIGHT DOCUMENTS
Radio Equipment Requirements
As required by ICAO SUPPS Doc 7030/4 EUR/RAC-4 and further to the delay decision agreed at
EUROCONTROL ACG/sp (23 July 1998), the carriage and operation of 8.33 kHz channel spacing
radio equipment is mandatory throughout the ICAO EUR Region as of 7th October 1999 for flights
above FL245 generally and above FL195 in UIR France.
Exemptions from mandatory carriage of 8.33 equipment are described in section ENR 1.8.
Non-equipped flights which are flight planned to enter any FIR/UIR below FL 245 in the EUR Region
where no exemption has been published (refer to the AIP of the State covering the FIR/UIR
concerned) must flight plan to operate below FL 245 throughout the entire EUR Region.

ENR 1.8
REGIONAL SUPPLEMENTARY PROCEDURES
Regional Supplementary Procedures are applied in accordance with ICAO Doc 7030/4 Regional
Supplementary Procedures.
In accordance with paragraph 3.1.2 of ICAO Doc 7030/4 EUR/RAC-4, temporary permission is hereby
granted for flights not equipped with 8.33 kHz channel spacing radio equipment to operate in the
(Insert Name of FIR/UIR) FIR/UIR on condition that:
a) Such flight is planned to remain clear of any FIR/UIR in the EUR Region where no
exemption has been published except for UHF equipped State flights (refer to the State AIP
covering the FIR/UIR concerned);
or
b) Such flight is operated in accordance with exemptions published (refer to the State AIP
covering the FIR/UIR concerned);
or
c) (Insert additional State exemptions provided )
This temporary permission is subject to revision but is applicable at least until ddmmyyyy.
(It is recommended that the AIRAC date of 5th October 2000 be used)
In respect of State aircraft no time limit applies.

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State Aircraft
Those State aircraft which are infrequent users of the FIR/UIR (or sectors, as applicable) where 8.33
kHz channel spacing is in actual use, are permanently exempted from the above carriage requirement,
provided that they are able to communicate on UHF, where available. Where UHF is not available,
State aircraft not equipped with 8.33 channel spacing equipment may be excluded from 8.33 airspace.
Note: Infrequent user is one defined as not exceeding about 30 hours flying time per airframe per year
in the 8.33 airspace

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ANNEX C - AIC SPECIMEN (NEW)

There are two AIC specimens; one for 8.33 States and one for States not initially implementing 8.33
sectors.
AIC SPECIMEN (1) 8.33 STATES
The following text is expected to be inserted in the new 8.33 AIC, to be published by 8.33 States. Text
in italics will be inserted by the 8.33 State concerned as required.

(Number)
REMINDER ON IMPLEMENTATION OF 8.33 kHz CHANNEL
SPACING IN THE VHF RADIO COMMUNICATIONS BAND

1.

INTRODUCTION

The ICAO Special Communications/Operations Divisional Meeting (Montreal, March/April 1995)

decided that, in order to increase channel capacity, the VHF communications band should be further
split from 25 to 8.33 kHz channel spacing. It was noted that this measure was a near term
improvement for regions experiencing severe VHF frequency spectrum congestion, in anticipation of
the development and implementation of the future digital VHF radio system.
The corresponding amendment to Doc 7030 (serial No: EUR/NAT-S 97/7 -RAC/3) has been approved
by the Council of ICAO on 30 January 1998.
2.

PROCEDURE

This AIC provides additional information about the implementation of 8.33 kHz Channel Spacing in
(insert name of 8.33 State). It should be read in conjunction with the previous AIC, published on (insert
date and AIC number). (Please note that not all States have published a previous 8.33 AIC as per
Specimen AIC provided in the EUROCONTROL Plan for the 8.33 kHz Channel Spacing
Implementation in Europe Edition 2.0 November 1996).
This AIC provides the following information, in the form of extracts from the EUROCONTROL 8.33
User Guide, Edition 4.0:

operational procedures, specifically flight planning;

implementation procedures;
exemption conditions, including explanation;
detailed explanations of the (insert name of 8.33 State) Aeronautical Information Publication
(AIP)(insert page reference of the AIP).

The EUROCONTROL 8.33 User Guide, Edition 4.0, provides further detailed information on the 8.33
kHz channel spacing operational environment. It is important that it is made available to ATS

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providers and aircraft operators. Further copies of the 8.33 User Guide can be obtained from the
EUROCONTROL Web site (http://www.eurocontrol.be/projects/eatchip/vhf833) or by mail
(EUROCONTROL, DIS/833, 96 Rue de la Fuse, 1130 Brussels, Belgium).
3.

IMPLEMENTATION

3.1

International planning

3.1.1

Date of mandatory carriage

The date for the mandatory carriage of 8.33 kHz channel spacing capable radio equipment throughout
the ICAO EUR Region for flights above FL 245 generally and FL 195 for France is set for 7th October
1999.
France has, however, temporarily waived the requirement for carriage of 8.33 kHz radios between
FL195 and FL245 for a period of 2 years. Therefore this AIC discusses an area of mandatory carriage
above FL245 only.
3.1.2

Mandatory carriage

From 7th October 1999 only 8.33 kHz equipped aircraft will be allowed to operate in the ICAO EUR
Region above FL 245, unless operating in accordance with published exemptions (as published in the
relevant State AIP).
3.1.3

Operational procedures

As of the 1st of October 1998, in the filed flight plan (FPL) of an aircraft planned to operate in
the ICAO EUR Region above FL245,
the letter Y shall be inserted in field 10 of the flight plan, for aircraft equipped with 8.33 kHz
capable radio equipment; or
the indicator STS/EXM833, shall be inserted in field 18, for flights which are not equipped
but which are planned to operate in accordance with published exemption from the mandatory
carriage requirement.
Notes:
- Absence of the letter Y shall be taken as a lack of 8.33 kHz capable equipment.
- All flights subject to RPL are assumed to be 8.33 kHz equipped. In case a flight is operated
with a non-equipped aircraft, a change message for the day of operation shall be sent not
earlier than 20 hours before the EOBT.
- To determine whether the indicator STS/EXM833 may be inserted in the flight plan, it will be
necessary to consult the exemptions published in the relevant State/s AIP.
In case of a change in the 8.33 kHz capability status for a flight planned to operate in the ICAO
EUR Region above FL 245 a modification message shall be sent with the appropriate indicator
inserted and, in case of an RPL, this shall be sent not earlier than 20 hours before the EOBT.
As of the 7th October 1999, aircraft not equipped with an 8.33 kHz capable radio shall not be
planned to operate above FL 245 throughout the EUR Region.
Nevertheless, exemptions may be published by States concerned, to certain types of aircraft
operation.

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Where UHF ground infrastructure permits, State aircraft equipped with UHF, but not equipped
with an 8.33 kHz capable radio will be allowed to operate in the airspace designated for 8.33
kHz channel spacing operations.
State aircraft equipped with UHF, but not equipped with 8.33 kHz capable radio shall insert the
letter U in field 10 of the flight plan.
Aircraft normally capable of operating above FL245, but planning to fly below these levels
shall, nevertheless, insert the appropriate indicator.
3.2

Implementation in (8.33State)

The ICAO Doc.7030 (serial No: EUR/NAT-S 97/7 -RAC/3) stipulating the mandatory carriage of 8.33
kHz channel spacing compatible radio equipment applies to the whole ICAO EUR Region.
For (insert name of 8.33 State) the date of Mandatory carriage and operation of 8.33 channel spacing
capable radio equipment for flights above FL245 is set for 7th October 1999.
In (insert name of 8.33 State) parallel operation of 25 and 8.33 kHz spaced VHF channels for the
same airspace sector will not be possible. Accordingly, from the 7th October 1999, the flight plan of all
aircraft requiring the provision of a GAT air traffic service in the airspace designated for 8.33 kHz
channel spacing operation will be rejected if not equipped with radios compatible with the new reduced
channel spacing.
Aircraft VHF radio equipment in the ICAO EUR Region will still be required to be able to tune to 25 kHz
spaced channels and receive in an environment which uses offset-carrier systems (the so-called
CLIMAX operation). Airspace users should take into account that these offset-carrier systems may
continue to be used throughout Europe for many years.
State aircraft, equipped with UHF, which are infrequent users of the airspace of (insert name of 8.33
State), will be provided with UHF coverage (insert description of the UHF coverage).
4.

EXEMPTIONS

The following exemptions from the mandatory carriage and operation of 8.33 kHz channel spacing
capable radio equipment requirement for flights above FL 245, will be granted by (insert name of 8.33
State) as of 7th October 1999.
Exemptions as given below are extracted from the (insert name of 8.33 State) AIP amendment of
sections GEN 1.5 and ENR 1.8 (page reference of State AIP). (Such amendment to the AIP is to be
published by each individual EUR Region State as agreed by the States co-ordination meetings of
Vienna, Oslo, Bordeaux and Brussels).
4.1

Extract from section GEN 1.5

As required by ICAO SUPPS DOC 7030/4 EUR/RAC-4 and further to the delay decision agreed by
EUROCONTROL ACG (23rd July 1998), the carriage and operation of 8.33 kHz channel spacing radio
equipment is mandatory throughout the ICAO EUR Region as of 7th October 1999 for flights above
FL245. Exemptions from mandatory carriage of 8.33 equipment are mentioned in section ENR 1.8.
Non-equipped flights which are flight planned to enter any FIR/UIR in the EUR Region where no
exemption has been published, except for those applicable to UHF equipped State flights (refer to the
AIP of the State covering the FIR/UIR concerned), must flight plan to operate below FL 245 throughout
the entire EUR Region.

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4.2

Extract from section ENR 1.8

In accordance with para 3.1.2 of ICAO SUPPS Doc 7030/4 EUR/RAC-4, temporary permission is
hereby granted for flights not equipped with 8.33 kHz channel spacing radio equipment to operate in
the (insert name of 8.33 FIR/UIR) FIR/UIR on condition that:
a) Such flight is planned to remain clear of any FIR/UIR in the EUR Region where no
exemption has been published, except for exemptions applicable to UHF equipped State
flights (refer to the AIP of the State covering the FIR/UIR concerned);
OR
b) Such flight is operated in accordance with exemptions published (refer to the AIP of the
State covering the FIR/UIR concerned);
OR
c) (State list own, additional exemptions)
This temporary permission is subject to revision but is applicable at least until ddmmyyyy.
In respect of State aircraft no time limit applies.
4.3

Extract from section ENR 1.8 (State aircraft)

Those State aircraft which are infrequent users of the FIR/UIR (or sectors, as applicable) where 8.33
kHz channel spacing is in actual use, are permanently exempted from the above carriage requirement,
provided that they are able to communicate on UHF, where available. Where UHF is not available,
State aircraft not equipped with 8.33 channel spacing equipment shall be excluded from 8.33 airspace.
Note: Infrequent user is one defined as not exceeding 30 hours flying time per airframe per year, within
the airspace concerned.

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5.

PHRASEOLOGY

For the purpose of uniformity it is recommended that the phraseology given below be used by the ATS
personnel.
Note: It is intended to have this phraseology inserted in the ICAO Doc 7030 for publication prior to the
date of Mandatory Carriage (7th October 1999).
The phraseology given below is complementary to the existing one (ICAO Doc 4444).

ICAO 4444
Reference

(4.3.1)

(4.3.1)

(4.3.5)
(3.1.3)

Circumstances
To request the capability of
the radio equipment
To indicate 8.33 kHz
capability
To indicate lack of 8.33 kHz
capability
To indicate UHF capability
To request the status in
respect of exemption
To indicate 8.33 exempted
status
To indicate that a certain
clearance is given because
otherwise a non-equipped
aircraft would enter the
airspace
of
mandatory
carriage
To request the pilot to
confirm the 8.33 selection
Transfer of control and/or
channel change

Phraseology
* denotes pilot transmission
ADVISE EIGHT POINT THREE THREE EQUIPPED
* AFFIRM EIGHT POINT THREE THREE
* NEGATIVE EIGHT POINT THREE THREE
* UHF EQUIPPED
ADVISE EIGHT POINT THREE THREE EXEMPTION STATUS
*(aircraft call sign) EXEMPTED EIGHT POINT THREE THREE
(clearance/instruction) DUE EIGHT POINT THREE THREE
REQUIREMENT

a) CONFIRM EIGHT POINT THREE THREE CHANNEL (name)

b*) AFFIRM EIGHT POINT THREE THREE CHANNEL (name)
a) CONTACT (unit call sign) CHANNEL (name)
b) AT (or OVER) (time or place) CONTACT (unit call sign)
CHANNEL (name)
c) IF NO CONTACT (instructions)
d) STAND BY CHANNEL (name) FOR (unit call sign)
e*) REQUEST CHANGE TO CHANNEL (name)
f) CHANNEL CHANGE APPROVED
g) MONITOR (unit call sign) CHANNEL (name)
h*) MONITORING CHANNEL (name)
i) WHEN READY CONTACT (unit call sign) CHANNEL (name)
j) REMAIN THIS CHANNEL

Example: AIR FRANCE TWO SEVEN FOUR CONTACT FRANCE CONTROL CHANNEL ONE
THREE TWO DECIMAL ZERO ONE ZERO.
Note: THREE is pronounced like TREE.

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6.

LAUNCH OF 8.33 kHz OPERATION

In line with the ICAO SUPPS DOC 7030/4 EUR/RAC-4, a counting exercise to determine the aircraft
rate of equipage began on 1st of October 1998. This is based on the flight plan carriage status
indication measured through the CFMU IFPS.
To support this implementation process and especially the launch procedure, (insert name of 8.33
State) will ensure the achievement of the following prerequisites.
6.1

Prerequisites

6.1.1 (insert name of 8.33 State) has nominated an 8.33 Contact Person in order to ensure the
timely application of the following decision.
The 8.33 Contact Person has the authority and the capacity to ensure, in liaison with the
EUROCONTROL 8.33 PMC, the co-ordination, promulgation and operational follow up of all National
8.33 related issues until completion of the 8.33 implementation.
Prior to and for the duration of the launch of the 8.33 operation, the 8.33 Contact Person will ensure
that all the action items described in the following paragraphs are nationally supported and managed
in a timely manner to permit smooth and safe operation in the Area of Mandatory Carriage (the ICAO
EUR Region).
6.1.2

PRIOR TO 31st MAY 1999

(Insert name of 8.33 State) will publish in its national AIP the exemptions applicable within
its airspace, and where applicable, the UHF frequencies as well as the 8.33 channels.
(Insert name of 8.33 State) will have its Letters of Agreement amended as required and any
new agreement between ACC will reflect any changes to procedures and required
contingency procedures.
(Insert name of 8.33 State) will ensure that the 8.33 flight status information distributed by
the IFPS is displayed/provided to the Air Traffic Controllers.
(Insert name of 8.33 State) will follow the launch procedure.

6.2

LAUNCH PROCEDURE
DATE
12th September 1998

RESPONSIBLE
EUROCONTROL

ACTION
Activate the dedicated 8.33 Support Cell based in
CFMU. This Cell will consist of EUROCONTROL
experts and will be available to support airspace
users at the beginning of the measurement period
and as required.

1st October 1998

CFMU

Start measurement through IFPS (no flight plan

rejection at this stage).

31st July 1999

Each ICAO EUR a) All official documentation (AIC, AIP, LoA etc.)
must have been published.
Region State
b) Ensure that all ATC centres are fully aware of
(8.33 CP)
and are able to operate in accordance with the 8.33
kHz channel spacing requirements by 7th October
1999 from 00.00 UTC.

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12th August 1999

Each ICAO EUR a) Publish a reminder NOTAM to notify airspace

users that 8.33 kHz channel spacing operation will
Region State
be confirmed by a trigger NOTAM on 23rd
(8.33 CP)
September 1999.
b) Confirm to the secretary of the 8.33 PMC*, that
all ATC centres will be able to operate in
accordance with the 8.33 kHz channel spacing
requirements by 7th October 1999 from 00.00
UTC.

23rd September 1999 Each ICAO EUR Publish the trigger NOTAM to notify airspace
users that 8.33 kHz channel spacing operation
Region State
starts on 7th October 1999 from 00.00 UTC.
(8.33 CP)
7th October 1999

CFMU

a) Activate definitive 8.33 kHz IFPS processing

(FPL rejection for non-8.33 equipped flights) on 7th
October 1999 from 00:00 UTC.
b) Monitor the flight plan rejections.

7th October 1999

Each ACC

ACC should monitor potential problems and notify

the 8.33 Support Cell in the CFMU.

7th October 1999

Each 8.33 State

8.33 States may individually start progressive and

co-ordinated implementation of 8.33 kHz spaced
frequencies.

7th October 1999

Each ICAO EUR Each ICAO EUR Region State must start to
Region State
operate according to their revised and approved
8.33 AIC/AIP/LoA requirements

*PMC Secretary: Mr A Moreton:

EUROCONTROL, Rue de la Fuse, 96, B - 1130 Brussels, BELGIUM
Tel: ++32 (2) 729 3163, Fax: ++32 (2) 729 4655, E-mail: [email protected]
7.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Further information on the policy, planning and implementation of 8.33 kHz spaced channels in (insert
name of State) can be obtained from:
(insert specific details)

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AIC SPECIMEN (1) NON-8.33 STATES

The following text is expected to be inserted in the new 8.33 AIC, to be published by those ICAO EUR
Region States not initially implementing any 8.33 sectors. Text in italics will be inserted by the State
concerned as required.

(Number)
REMINDER ON IMPLEMENTATION OF 8.33 kHz CHANNEL
SPACING IN THE VHF RADIO COMMUNICATIONS BAND

1.

INTRODUCTION

The ICAO Special Communications/Operations Divisional Meeting (Montreal, March/April 1995)

decided that, in order to increase channel capacity, the VHF communications band should be further
split from 25 to 8.33 kHz channel spacing. It was noted that this measure was a near term
improvement for regions experiencing severe VHF frequency spectrum congestion, in anticipation of
the development and implementation of the future digital VHF radio system.
The corresponding amendment to Doc 7030 (serial No: EUR/NAT-S 97/7 -RAC/3) has been approved
by the Council of ICAO on 30 January 1998.
2.

PROCEDURE

This AIC provides additional information about the implementation of 8.33 kHz Channel Spacing in
(insert name of State). It should be read in conjunction with the previous AIC, published on (insert date
and AIC number). (please note that not all States have published a previous 8.33 AIC as per
Specimen AIC provided in the EUROCONTROL Plan for the 8.33 kHz Channel Spacing
Implementation in Europe Edition 2.0 November 1996).
This AIC provides the following information, in the form of extracts from the EUROCONTROL 8.33
User Guide, Edition 4.0:

operational procedures, specifically flight planning;

implementation procedures;
exemption conditions, including explanation;
detailed explanations of the (insert name of State) Aeronautical Information Publication
(AIP)(insert page reference of the AIP).

The EUROCONTROL 8.33 User Guide, Edition 4.0, provides further detailed information on the 8.33
kHz channel spacing operational environment. It is important that it is made available to ATS
providers and aircraft operators. Further copies of the 8.33 User Guide can be obtained from the
EUROCONTROL Web site (http://www.eurocontrol.be/projects/eatchip/vhf833) or by mail
(EUROCONTROL, DIS/833, 96 Rue de la Fuse, 1130 Brussels, Belgium).

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3.

IMPLEMENTATION

3.1

International planning

3.1.1

Date of mandatory carriage

The date for the mandatory carriage of 8.33 kHz channel spacing capable radio equipment throughout
the ICAO EUR Region for flights above FL 245 generally and FL 195 for France is set for 7th October
1999.
France has, however, temporarily waived the requirement for carriage of 8.33 kHz radios between
FL195 and FL245 for a period of 2 years. Therefore this AIC discusses an area of mandatory carriage
above FL245 only.
3.1.2

Mandatory carriage

From 7th October 1999 only 8.33 kHz equipped aircraft will be allowed to operate in the ICAO EUR
Region above FL 245, unless operating in accordance with published exemptions (as published in the
relevant State AIP).
3.1.3

Operational procedures

As of the 1st of October 1998, in the filed flight plan (FPL) of an aircraft planned to operate in
the ICAO EUR Region above FL245,
the letter Y shall be inserted in field 10 of the flight plan, for aircraft equipped with 8.33 kHz
capable radio equipment; or
the indicator STS/EXM833, shall be inserted in field 18, for flights which are not equipped
but which are planned to operate in accordance with published exemption from the mandatory
carriage requirement.
Notes:
- Absence of the letter Y shall be taken as a lack of 8.33 kHz capable equipment.
- All flights subject to RPL are assumed to be 8.33 kHz equipped. In case a flight is operated
with a non-equipped aircraft, a change message for the day of operation shall be sent not
earlier than 20 hours before the EOBT.
- To determine whether the indicator STS/EXM833 may be inserted in the flight plan, it will be
necessary to consult the exemptions published in the relevant State/s AIP.
In case of a change in the 8.33 kHz capability status for a flight planned to operate in the ICAO
EUR Region above FL 245 a modification message shall be sent with the appropriate indicator
inserted and, in case of an RPL, this shall be sent not earlier than 20 hours before the EOBT.
As of the 7th October 1999, aircraft not equipped with an 8.33 kHz capable radio shall not be
planned to operate above FL 245 throughout the EUR Region.
Nevertheless, exemptions may be published by States concerned, to certain types of aircraft
operation.
Where UHF ground infrastructure permits, State aircraft equipped with UHF, but not equipped
with an 8.33 kHz capable radio will be allowed to operate in the airspace designated for 8.33
kHz channel spacing operations.
State aircraft equipped with UHF, but not equipped with 8.33 kHz capable radio shall insert the
letter U in field 10 of the flight plan.

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Aircraft normally capable of operating above FL245, but planning to fly below these levels
shall, nevertheless, insert the appropriate indicator.
3.2

Implementation in (State)

The ICAO Doc.7030 (serial No: EUR/NAT-S 97/7 -RAC/3) stipulating the mandatory carriage of 8.33
kHz channel spacing compatible radio equipment applies to the whole ICAO EUR Region.
For (insert name of State) the date of Mandatory carriage of 8.33 channel spacing capable radio
equipment for flights above FL245 is set for 7th October 1999.
Where 8.33 channel spacing is in operation,) parallel operation of 25 and 8.33 kHz spaced VHF
channels for the same airspace sector will not be possible. Accordingly, from the 7th October 1999,
the flight plan of all aircraft requiring the provision of a GAT air traffic service in the airspace designated
for 8.33 kHz channel spacing operation will be rejected if not equipped with radios compatible with the
new reduced channel spacing.
Aircraft VHF radio equipment in the ICAO EUR Region will still be required to be able to tune to 25 kHz
spaced channels and receive in an environment which uses offset-carrier systems (the so-called
CLIMAX operation). Airspace users should take into account that these offset-carrier systems may
continue to be used throughout Europe for many years.
State aircraft, equipped with UHF, which are infrequent users of the airspace of (insert name of State)
[will be provided with UHF coverage (insert description of the UHF coverage), or] will be permitted to
continue to operate using 25kHz radio equipment.
4.

EXEMPTIONS

The following exemptions from the mandatory carriage and operation of 8.33 kHz channel spacing
capable radio equipment requirement for flights above FL 245, will be granted by (insert name of
State) as of 7th October 1999.
Exemptions as given below are extracted from the (insert name of State) AIP amendment of sections
GEN 1.5 and ENR 1.8 (page reference of State AIP). (Such amendment to the AIP is to be published
by each individual EUR Region State as agreed by the States co-ordination meetings of Vienna, Oslo,
Bordeaux and Brussels).
4.1

Extract from section GEN 1.5

As required by ICAO SUPPS DOC 7030/4 EUR/RAC-4 and further to the delay decision agreed by
EUROCONTROL ACG (23rd July 1998), the carriage and operation of 8.33 kHz channel spacing radio
equipment is mandatory throughout the ICAO EUR Region as of 7th October 1999 for flights above
FL245. Exemptions from mandatory carriage of 8.33 equipment are mentioned in section ENR 1.8.
Non-equipped flights which are flight planned to enter any FIR/UIR in the EUR Region where no
exemption has been published, except for those applicable to UHF equipped State flights (refer to the
AIP of the State covering the FIR/UIR concerned), must flight plan to operate below FL 245 throughout
the entire EUR Region.
4.2

Extract from section ENR 1.8

In accordance with para 3.1.2 of ICAO SUPPS Doc 7030/4 EUR/RAC-4, temporary permission is
hereby granted for flights not equipped with 8.33 kHz channel spacing radio equipment to operate in
the (insert name of FIR/UIR) FIR/UIR on condition that:
a) Such flight is planned to remain clear of any FIR/UIR in the EUR Region where no
exemption has been published, except for exemptions applicable to UHF equipped State
flights (refer to the AIP of the State covering the FIR/UIR concerned);

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OR
b) Such flight is operated in accordance with exemptions published (refer to the AIP of the
State covering the FIR/UIR concerned);
OR
c) (State list own, additional exemptions)
This temporary permission is subject to revision but is applicable at least until ddmmyyyy.
In respect of State aircraft no time limit applies.
4.3

Extract from section ENR 1.8 (State aircraft)

Those State aircraft which are infrequent users of the FIR/UIR (or sectors, as applicable) where 8.33
kHz channel spacing is in actual use, are permanently exempted from the above carriage requirement,
provided that they are able to communicate on UHF where available. Where UHF is not available,
State aircraft not equipped with 8.33 channel spacing equipment shall be excluded from airspace
where 8.33 channel spacing is in operation.
Note: Infrequent user is one defined as not exceeding 30 hours flying time per airframe per year, within
the airspace concerned.

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5.

PHRASEOLOGY

For the purpose of uniformity it is recommended that the phraseology given below be used by the ATS
personnel.
Note: It is intended to have this phraseology inserted in the ICAO Doc 7030 for publication prior to the
date of Mandatory Carriage (7th October 1999).
The phraseology given below is complementary to the existing one (ICAO Doc 4444).

ICAO 4444
Reference

(4.3.1)

(4.3.1)

(4.3.5)
(3.1.3)

Circumstances
To request the capability of
the radio equipment
To indicate 8.33 kHz
capability
To indicate lack of 8.33 kHz
capability
To indicate UHF capability
To request the status in
respect of exemption
To indicate 8.33 exempted
status
To indicate that a certain
clearance is given because
otherwise a non-equipped
aircraft would enter the
airspace
of
mandatory
carriage
To request the pilot to
confirm the 8.33 selection
Transfer of control and/or
channel change

Phraseology
* denotes pilot transmission
ADVISE EIGHT POINT THREE THREE EQUIPPED
* AFFIRM EIGHT POINT THREE THREE
* NEGATIVE EIGHT POINT THREE THREE
* UHF EQUIPPED
ADVISE EIGHT POINT THREE THREE EXEMPTION STATUS
*(aircraft call sign) EXEMPTED EIGHT POINT THREE THREE
(clearance/instruction) DUE EIGHT POINT THREE THREE
REQUIREMENT

a) CONFIRM EIGHT POINT THREE THREE CHANNEL (name)

b*) AFFIRM EIGHT POINT THREE THREE CHANNEL (name)
a) CONTACT (unit call sign) CHANNEL (name)
b) AT (or OVER) (time or place) CONTACT (unit call sign)
CHANNEL (name)
c) IF NO CONTACT (instructions)
d) STAND BY CHANNEL (name) FOR (unit call sign)
e*) REQUEST CHANGE TO CHANNEL (name)
f) CHANNEL CHANGE APPROVED
g) MONITOR (unit call sign) CHANNEL (name)
h*) MONITORING CHANNEL (name)
i) WHEN READY CONTACT (unit call sign) CHANNEL (name)
j) REMAIN THIS CHANNEL

Example: AIR FRANCE TWO SEVEN FOUR CONTACT FRANCE CONTROL CHANNEL ONE
THREE TWO DECIMAL ZERO ONE ZERO.
Note: THREE is pronounced like TREE.

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6.

LAUNCH OF 8.33 kHz OPERATION

In line with the ICAO SUPPS DOC 7030/4 EUR/RAC-4, a counting exercise to determine the aircraft
rate of equipage began on 1st of October 1998. This is based on the flight plan carriage status
indication measured through the CFMU IFPS.
To support this implementation process and especially the launch procedure, (insert name of State)
will ensure the achievement of the following prerequisites.
6.1

Prerequisites

6.1.1 (insert name of State) has nominated an 8.33 Contact Person in order to ensure the
timely application of the following decision.
The 8.33 Contact Person has the authority and the capacity to ensure, in liaison with the
EUROCONTROL 8.33 PMC, the co-ordination, promulgation and operational follow up of all National
8.33 related issues until completion of the 8.33 implementation.
Prior to and for the duration of the launch of the 8.33 operation, the 8.33 Contact Person will ensure
that all the action items described in the following paragraphs are nationally supported and managed
in a timely manner to permit smooth and safe operation in the area of mandatory carriage (the ICAO
EUR Region).
6.1.2

PRIOR TO 31st MAY 1999

(insert name o State) will publish in its national AIP the exemptions applicable within its
airspace, and where applicable, the UHF frequencies.
(Insert name of State) will have its Letters of Agreement amended as required and any new
agreement between ACCs will reflect any changes to procedures and required contingency
procedures.
(Insert name of State) will ensure that the 8.33 flight status information distributed by the
IFPS is displayed/provided to the Air Traffic Controllers.
(Insert name of State) will follow the launch procedure.

6.2

LAUNCH PROCEDURE

DATE
28th September 1998

RESPONSIBLE
EUROCONTROL

ACTION
Activate the dedicated 8.33 Support Cell based in
CFMU. This Cell will consist of EUROCONTROL
experts and will be available to support airspace
users at the beginning of the measurement period
and as required.

1st October 1998

CFMU

Start measurement through IFPS (no flight plan

rejection at this stage).

31st July 1999

Each ICAO EUR a) All official documentation (AIC, AIP, LoA etc.)
must have been published.
Region State
b) Ensure that all ATC centres are fully aware of
(8.33 CP)
and are able to operate in accordance with the 8.33
kHz channel spacing requirements by 7th October
1999 from 00.00 UTC.

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12th August 1999

Each ICAO EUR a) Publish a reminder NOTAM to notify airspace

users that 8.33 kHz channel spacing operation will
Region State
be confirmed by a trigger NOTAM on 23rd
(8.33 CP)
September 1999.
b) Confirm to the secretary of the 8.33 PMC*, that
all ATC centres will be able to operate in
accordance with the 8.33 kHz channel spacing
requirements by 7th October 1999 from 00.00
UTC.

23rd September 1999

Each ICAO EUR Publish the trigger NOTAM to notify airspace

users that 8.33 kHz channel spacing operation
Region State
starts on 7th October 1999 from 00.00 UTC.
(8.33 CP)

7th October 1999

CFMU

a) Activate definitive 8.33 kHz IFPS processing

(FPL rejection for non-8.33 equipped flights) on 7th
October 1999 from 00:00 UTC.
b) Monitor the flight plan rejections.

7th October 1999

Each ACC

ACC should monitor potential problems and notify

the 8.33 Support Cell in the CFMU.

7th October 1999

Each 8.33 State

8.33 States may individually start progressive and

co-ordinated implementation of 8.33 kHz spaced
frequencies.

7th October 1999

Each ICAO EUR Each ICAO EUR Region State must start to
Region State
operate according to their revised and approved
8.33 AIC/AIP/LoA requirements

*PMC Secretary: Mr A Moreton:

EUROCONTROL, Rue de la Fuse, 96, B - 1130 Brussels, BELGIUM
Tel: ++32 (2) 729 3163, Fax: ++32 (2) 729 4655, E-mail: [email protected]

7.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Further information on the policy, planning and implementation of 8.33 kHz spaced channels in (insert
name of State) can be obtained from:
(insert specific details)

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ANNEX D - NOTAM SPECIMEN

Though the following NOTAM Specimen relate to 8.33 kHz channel spacing, and a NOTAM code
exists for air/ground facility, it was deemed more appropriate to use the code related to Aircraft entry
requirement, as the common subject to all these Specimen is the introduction of the mandatory
carriage of 8.33 kHz capable equipment within the EUR Region which can potentially affect the entry
of a non equipped aircraft within the airspace of a State.
It is important that the dates indicated for the publication of the NOTAM and the items B) and C) are
followed.
Note: The underlined space ( ) is expected to be filled in by the State concerned as required.
REMINDER
A reminder NOTAM will be published on 12th August 1999 by each EUR Region State to remind ATS
personnel and aircraft operators that they will receive a trigger NOTAM on 23rd September 1999.
REMINDER NOTAM SPECIMEN:
(A____/99 NOTAMN
Q) __XX/QOEXX/I/NBO/E/245/999/(appropriate co-ordinates, radius for whole State)
A) (location indicators of all FIR/UIR of the State)
B) 9908120000
C) 9910062359
E) ADVANCE NOTIFICATION OF IMPLEMENTATION OF 8.33 KHZ CHANNEL SPACING, REF AIC
(insert AIC reference) AND AIRAC AIP AMDT (insert AIRAC Amendment reference or AIP reference
GEN 1.5 if already incorporated in AIP), CONFIRMATION OF THE START OF IMPLEMENTATION
ON 7 OCT 99 WILL BE ANNOUNCED BY NOTAM PUBLISHED ON 990923)
TRIGGER
A trigger NOTAM will be published on 23rd September 1999 to confirm that 8.33 kHz channel spacing
operation will start on 7th October 1999.
Note: The operational requirements (flight plan filing) applicable since 1st October 1998 will remain
the same, except that flight plans of non-8.33 equipped flights planned above FL 245 will be rejected
as of 7th October 1999 (except where exemption(s) apply).
TRIGGER NOTAM SPECIMEN:
(A____/99 NOTAMN
Q) __XX/QOEXX/I/NBO/E/245/999/(appropriate co-ordinates, radius for whole State)
A) (location indicators of all FIR/UIR of the State)
B) 9910070000
C) PERM
E) 8.33 KHZ OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS ARE APPLICABLE, REF AIC (insert AIC reference)
AND AIRAC AIP AMDT (insert AIP reference).
FPL, RPL OF NON 8.33 EQUIPPED FLIGHTS WILL BE REJECTED.
IF FLIGHT IS SUBJECT TO EXEMPTION INCLUDE INDICATOR STS/EXM833 IN RPL AND
FPL.FOLLOWING CHANNELS (insert list of CHANNELS) ARE OPERATED(1).

(1)

Applicable only for 8.33 States

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ANNEX E - SPECIMEN LoA

The initiation of LoA co-ordination rests with the 8.33 States and will be extended to upstream ATCunits as required and if applicable.

SPECIMEN LETTERS OF AGREEMENT REFLECTING CHANGES FOR 8.33 KHZ CHANNEL SPACING
IMPLEMENTATION (finalised: 19th March 1999)
Two Specimen Letters of Agreement (LoA) follow. They are Specimen LoA 1 (between 8.33 &
non-8.33 States) and Specimen LoA 2 (between non-8.33 & non-8.33 States).
These Specimen Letters of Agreement, which have resulted from discussions held in the 8.33 kHz
Programme Regional Co-ordination Meetings throughout the EUR Region, were endorsed at the 8.33
Contact Persons Meeting No.2 (CP #2) held on the 17th and 18th of March in Brussels.
The meeting agreed a generic text, which should be included in every LoA, and other supporting
text, which may be included in the LoA, or in national procedures, if required by the States
themselves.
The supporting texts are provided as the Attachment to LoA 1 and Attachment to LoA 2.

Notes
The generic text has been written in line with that of the EUROCONTROL Common Format Letter of
Agreement.
The generic text reflects the policy that no exemptions will be granted by 8.33 States, other than to
UHF equipped State flights.
States are reminded that the Specimen LoAs are a recommendation which may be fully or partially
used.
Copies of the EUROCONTROL Common Format, Cross-Border, Inter-Centre, Letter of Agreement
may be obtained through the 8.33 Programme Management Cell (Section 14.1).

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Specimen LoA 1

NON-833 [centre1] with 833 [centre2]

To be inserted in LoA Annex D if [Centre2] does not publish exemptions beyond those
prescribed for UHF-equipped State aircraft.

Annex D
D.1.

General conditions for acceptance of flights

Except for UHF-equipped State aircraft, [Centre1] shall ensure that all aircraft
identified as not equipped with 8.33 kHz channel spacing capability are co-ordinated
below FL 245 with [Centre2].

Annex E
E.2.

Transfer of Communications

E.2.1. The transfer of communications shall take place not later than the transfer of control,
unless otherwise co-ordinated.
(list here sector frequencies/channels (VHF/UHF)
E.2.2 Should an aircraft be discovered to be non 8.33 equipped at the moment of transfer,
the following conditions apply:
(list here specific agreed contingency procedures, including the contingency 25kHz
frequency if one is available)
See also paragraph 4.4 of the Common Format LoA.

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Attachment to LoA 1

1.

For aircraft operating or intending to operate above FL245 in airspace controlled by [Centre
2], [Centre 1] shall verify as soon as possible with the Pilot In Command the 8.33 and/or
UHF equipment status in any doubtful case, and in cases where the IFPS FPL indicates
either:

that the aircraft is not equipped with 8.33 kHz Channel spacing, or
the equipment status is unknown (IFP/833UNKNOWN), or
the flight is an exempted State flight, or
STS/SAR or STS/HOSP in field 18.

2.

Handling of non-8.33 equipped aircraft and non-exempted State flights

2.1

Non 8.33 equipped aircraft

[Centre 1] shall transfer all non 8.33 equipped aircraft and non exempted State flights
below FL245;

2.2

UHF equipped State flight

[Centre 1] shall transfer all UHF equipped State flight to UHF Frequency (TBD);
Approval request shall be made as soon as possible before delivering clearance to an
exempt flight to enter airspace controlled by [Centre 2];
Controller controller telephone co-ordination shall be made before transfer, indicating the
exemption status of the flight concerned.

3.

Phraseology
The standard expression Channel shall be used systematically to designate VHF 8.33
channels.

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Specimen LoA 2

NON-833 [centre1] with NON-833 [centre2]

To be inserted in LoA Annex D, if Centre2 has published an exemption policy which precludes
the operation within its airspace of non-8.33 equipped aircraft intending to operate within the
8.33 States airspace, above FL 245.

Annex D
D.1.

General conditions for acceptance of flights

Except for:
UHF-equipped State aircraft, and
Aircraft not intending to operate within airspace where no exemption is applicable (to its
flight) :
[Centre1] shall ensure that aircraft identified as not equipped with 8.33 kHz channel
spacing capability are co-ordinated with [Centre2] below FL 245.

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Attachment to LoA 2

1.

For aircraft operating or intending to operate above FL245 in airspace controlled by [Centre 2],
[Centre 1] shall verify as soon as possible with the Pilot In Command the 8.33 and/or UHF
equipment status in any doubtful case, and in cases where the IFPS FPL indicates either:

2.

that the aircraft is not equipped with 8.33 kHz Channel spacing, or
the equipment status is unknown (IFP/833UNKNOWN), or
the flight is an exempted State flight, or
STS/SAR or STS/HOSP in field 18.

Handling of non-8.33 equipped aircraft and non-exempted State flights

[Centre 1] shall transfer all non-8.33 equipped aircraft and non-exempted flights to [Centre 2]
below FL245, if the flight is to enter the 8.33 area on its further route.

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ANNEX F - UHF COVERAGE

The following information was available at the time of printing. As it is subject to possible changes, the
concerned State(s) should be contacted for more details.
AUSTRIA
UHF will not be available in Austria. But West of 12E is delegated to Munich where UHF coverage is
available. In the East of 12E part, 8.33 will be implemented only above FL 340, which is acceptable by
the military. An expansion of the 8.33 implementation should be carefully studied in co-operation with
the military authorities.
BELGIUM, NETHERLANDS, LUXEMBOURG
These States use the EUROCONTROL Maastricht UAC which is ready to day to handle military
aircraft in GAT using UHF.
FRANCE
French civil authorities are committed to provide an adequate UHF coverage to military which will be
published at the same time as the 8.33 channels.
GERMANY
Germany is to day ready to handle military aircraft in GAT using UHF. It involves the delegation by
Austria.
SWITZERLAND
Switzerland has one UHF frequency available in the delegated part from France. Two UHF
frequencies (one considered as a back up) are available in Geneva ACC. One UHF frequency is still in
discussion for Zurich. Switzerland considers that this coverage is sufficient to provide the service for
the military in GAT as far as they are not frequent users of the 8.33 airspace.
UNITED KINGDOM
United Kingdom will provide UHF if 8.33 is implemented, but not before 2000.

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ANNEX G - 8.33 OPERATION DIAGRAMS

Figure1: A flight with departure aerodrome INSIDE the IFPZ (paragraph 4.3.2.1 refers)

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Figure 2: A flight with departure aerodrome OUTSIDE IFPZ (paragraph 4.3.2.3 refers)

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SPECTRUM RELEASE WITH 8.33 START AS

OF 7 October 1999

PROCEDURES TO FOLLOW AFTER

7 October 1999

DATE OF MANDATORY CARRIAGE

7 October 1999

PROCEDURE TO FOLLOW BETWEEN

1 October 1998 and 7 October 1999

8.33 CARRIAGE INFORMATION INSERTED

IN THE FLIGHT PLAN (1st October 1998)

8.33 EUROCONTROL TRANSITION PLAN

ENDORSDED BY ECAC AND ICAO EANPG

1996

1997

1998

GENERAL 8.33 PLANNING

1999

8.33/25 Release

8.33 kHz CHANNEL SPACING BECOMES OPERATIONAL

8.33 EQUIPMENT MANDATORY CARRIAGE

2000

8.33 USER GUIDE

ANNEX H - GENERAL PLANNING

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ANNEX I - MAP

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