Discrete aircraft frequency concept [abstracts]

Summary form only given. Today's air-ground communication system normally reqnires the assignment of a discrete very-high frequency, and, where appropriate, an ultra-high frequency for every function associated with air traffic control. This requires that each function of a control tower, such as approach control, local control, ground control, etc., and each function of the air route traffic control centers (ARTCC), such as high- and lowwdtitude sectors, be assigned at least one discrete frequency and in many cases two or more. When a channel for a particular function becomes saturated or when new facilities or functions are added to the system, more channels are required. Recent FAA studies have indicated there is presently a reqnirement for more than 100 channels over and above the number now available. As aviation grows, the problem will become mote severe. Solutions available within the framework of today's system and current equipment will not produce acceptable long-term results. Therefore, it appears necessary to consider and evaluate new methods of air traffic control communication techniques. One methcd currently under consideration by the FAA is the discrete aircraft frequency concept. This concept differs from the present system in that a single frequency would be assigned to an aircraft. The ground system would semi-automatically change to the aircraft's frequency when communication is desired, as opposed to the aircraft changing frequency for every control boundary and function in today's system. One cf the advantages would be better frequency utilization, by balancing communication loading over all communication channels. In this system, assignment of the frequencies to aircraft would be done so that at any given time and place the total number of aircraft will generally be uniformly distributed among the available frequencies.