As pilots, we have been talking about preparing our aircraft to comply with ADS-B for several years. Through educational websites such as the ADS-B Academy, we’re continually learning what it means to comply with ADS-B and what we need to do to prepare ahead of January 1, 2020. In addition to ADS-B, our European neighbors are equipping their aircraft to comply with the 8.33 kHz spacing mandate, enacted by the Single European Sky (SES). This mandate requires all aircraft flying in European airspace to be equipped with 8.33 kHz radios in a series of phases over the next several years.
The SES initiative aims to enhance the safety and efficiency of air transportation in Europe by tripling the number of channels available for aircraft communications. Aircraft operating above FL195 (19,500 feet), have been equipped to meet the 8.33 kHz mandate since 2007. Below FL195, pilots operating under instrument flight rules (IFR) needed to have their aircraft equipped with 8.33 kHz-capable radios several months ago, prior to January 1, 2014. However, by December 31, 2017, all aircraft currently equipped with non-8.33 kHz radios will need to upgrade to comply with the approaching mandate.
All operators flying within Europe, or making plans for such operations in the future will eventually need to comply with this mandate and Garmin is here to help! We have several options available, which meet the 8.33 kHz spacing mandate and meet a variety of needs. The latest GTR 225 COM and GNC 255 NAV/COM both meet this spacing mandate. By simply entering an airport identifier, both the GTR and GNC will populate all of the frequencies available for that airport. Even further, with an updateable database, pilots have access to the most up-to-date frequency information.
Maybe you’re looking to upgrade and add additional functionality to your cockpit while complying with the 8.33 kHz mandate? Our GTN series offers pilot-selectable 25 kHz and 8.33 kHz channel spacing, while providing a large touchscreen display with high-resolution terrain mapping, graphical flight planning capabilities, geo-referenced charts and more!
The 8.33 kHz spacing mandate in Europe is already in effect for many operators. Whether you’re looking to comply with the impending mandate in Europe or simply looking to upgrade your avionics, Garmin has you covered!