Deadline Set for Completing European 8.33-kHZ Spacing

Starting Jan. 1, 2018, aircraft might not be able to operate in any EU member states’ controlled airspace unless they are equipped with communications systems that have 8.33 kHz voice channel spacing capability. Eurocontrol says the deadline will ensure a “harmonized deployment” of communications below FL195 that is based on 8.33-kHZ voice-channel spacing. The 8.33-kHZ requirement for higher altitudes in controlled airspace has been in effect for some time.

Extending 8.33 kHz down to ground level is important, said Eurocontrol, as “Europe has a known shortage of voice communication frequencies, and the situation is expected to worsen in the coming years.” The consequences should this shortage not be addressed are “significant: there will be more air traffic delays; it will be harder to implement safety improvements, and we will lose flexibility in introducing operational enhancements. Extending [this] below FL195 is essential to meet Europe’s aeronautical mobile communication frequency needs in the medium to long term,” said the agency.