Redesign of the RCO Communication System ATAC Flight Training Meeting Ottawa, May 10, 2011

RCO Redesign NAV CANADA Flight Information Centres (FIC) –Weather –NOTAM –File, Open/Close Flight Plan, Initiate SAR Pilots access FIC by phone and by radio via over 180 Remote Communications Outlets (RCOs) –Flight Information Service Enroute (FISE) –Safety Message Broadcasts – SIGMET, urgent PIREP –Comm searches for overdue aircraft –IFR clearances

RCO Redesign Problems: FISE on interferes with pilot broadcasts of position and intentions in uncontrolled airspace and broadcasts interfere with provision of FISE High demand for FISE on creates congestion and interference on surrounding RCOs Pilots at high altitudes requesting FISE on interfere with FISE being provided from other RCOs in the area Some areas of the country have gaps in coverage along commonly used VFR routes while some areas have excessive coverage

RCO Redesign Solutions: Dedicated FISE freq’s – (5), (5), (5) (5) and for most RCOs – (bcst) not monitored but FIC can access Guidelines for RCO distribution NM apart, along airways, air routes and VFR flyways - pilot flying an aircraft at 3,000 feet above ground at 120 knots can get a weather update once an hour In mountainous areas, spacing of RCOs will be closer and consider VFR flyways in valleys New sites, some decommission, some relocate to PAL site Changes began in 2005 with another 2-3 years remaining

RCO Redesign RCO Changes: No NOTAMs for RCO changes – ICAO 56 Day Publication Cycle Average 3 or more changes across Canada per cycle CFS - In Directory under aerodrome’s COMM - if appropriate - Under the FIC entries (Kamloops/Pacific RDO, Edmonton, Winnipeg, London, Quebec, Halifax, North Bay/Arctic RDO, Whitehorse) IFR enroute charts, CAP plates if appropriate Notices on NAV CANADA website – front page or AWWS button Maps by FIC area & Brochure – NC website under Notices/Redesign of RCO.. / “READ MORE”. Also, ‘Link’ included in RCO Notices. VNCs, VTAs updated with new editions