Real-time Weather and Flight Data for Pilots in Alaska

Air Safety Week, Nov 5, 2007

The FAA's air traffic control specialists in Alaska are now using integrated weather briefing and flight planning technology developed by Harris Corp.to assist general aviation pilots with flight planning. The system is operational at 17 Flight Service Stations and Automated Flight Service Stations across the state.

The Operational and Supportability Implementation System (OASIS) integrates real-time weather and flight planning data through a PC-based system that overlays flight routes onto up-to-the-minute weather graphics and processes and displays alphanumeric weather and flight data. The system processes "Notice to Airmen" messages and supplies current radar, satellite imagery, and lightning data. OASIS also provides transmission and receipt of messages to support Search and Rescue operations.

"OASIS provides the types of real-time information that are critical to general aviation pilots in their flight planning activities," said Cheryl Janey, president of Harris Civil Programs. "The quick implementation of the Alaska OASIS system within a six-month period reflects the strong cooperation between the Harris team and the Federal Aviation Administration."

Harris has a long history of developing and integrating system solutions for the FAA in support of the National Airspace System (NAS). The company is the prime contractor for the FAA Telecommunications Infrastructure Program, which is providing improved network security and communications services to more than 4,000 FAA facilities nationwide, providing the aviation agency with a more secure and efficient network that is expected to save $600 million over the life of the program.

Other FAA programs developed by Harris include: the Weather And Radar Processor, a weather system serving the en-route air traffic control environment; the Voice Switching and Control System, which provides critical air-to-ground communications links between en-route aircraft and air traffic controllers throughout the continental United States; and the satellite-based Alaskan NAS Interfacility Communications System.

[Copyright 2006 Access Intelligence, LLC. All rights reserved.]