EUROCONTROL Standard For The
Use of QSIG in Air Traffic Services Networks

EUROCONTROL is the European organisation responsible for the safety of air navigation and the development of a coherent and co-ordinated air traffic control system for Europe. To achieve this EUROCONTROL has many programmes in progress; one of which is concerned with the harmonisation of the ground voice communications infrastructure used for the control of aircraft in flight.

With the assistance of PQM Consultants, EUROCONTROL has developed a specification (informally, "ATS-QSIG") for the use of a digital signalling system ( QSIG / PSS1 ) in ground voice communications networks. At the present time (mid-2000) this specification is nearing the end of extensive and detailed evaluation through implementation testing and trialling. When completed its existence will allow national agencies with responsibility for air traffic control to procure communications equipment that will be interoperable across national borders.

In parallel to the testing and trialling activities presently in progress, EUROCONTROL and PQM Consultants have initiated procedures in ECMA and ETSI to allow the specification to be formally adopted as a European Norme (EN). This process will give a legal foundation to the specification; thus allowing national agencies procuring appropriate communications equipment to cite it in Requests For Tender. The first milestone in this process, approval of the specification by ECMA Members, was achieved at the end of June 2000.

In addition to the activities being undertaken specifically for the benefit of the European region, the ATS-QSIG specification is being used as the basis for trials in other regions of the World. It is also being considered as the basis of a recommended signalling standard under the auspices of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) .

A copy of the specification can be obtained free-of-charge on request ( email: sales@pqmconsultants.com ) to PQM Consultants.

For further information about the communications related activities of EUROCONTROL please contact:

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Copyright © PQM Consultants 2000. This page was last updated on 10 July 2000.