An increasingly well-used acronym in the aviation industry is FANS 1-A. It is important to understand what it means and in what circumstances you will need to consider implementing it to your aircraft.
FANS stands for Future Air Navigation System. In basic terms, FANS 1-A is system that takes data from the aircraft instruments and transmits it (either via a SATCOM or a radio) to air traffic control. It allows for better reporting and therefore, better spacing and safety for aircraft crossing the North Atlantic Ocean. It is currently in effect for all North Atlantic tracks* between 35,000 and 39,000 feet. In December 2017, this expands to cover all flights across the entire North Atlantic Ocean (not just the tracks) between 35,000 and 39,000 feet. In 2020, this will include the North Atlantic Ocean from 29,000 feet and above.
For those customers who frequently cross the Atlantic Ocean, this is and will be a very important requirement and one whose non-compliance will materially affect your use of the aircraft. If you don’t comply by the specified time, you will have to fly at less efficient altitudes or longer routes often requiring a stop. However, for medium or light jets who rarely, if ever, cross the ocean, it does not hold much relevance, and you should seriously weigh the cost / benefits of this.
Implementation costs vary depending upon the type of aircraft and its avionics specifications, but we have seen estimates ranging from $150,000 USD to $500,000 USD. However, an interesting side effect of the new implementation of this requirement is that buyers of long range aircraft are placing a lot of focus on aircraft that are already compliant with this mandate. Without its implementation, fewer people will consider the aircraft resulting in a longer resale period or a reduction in the price to compensate for the missing system. With long range aircraft costing $6 – 66 million dollars, the increased holding costs that result from longer resale times can often be more costly than the implementation itself.
We can give you more information and help point you in the right direction for these upgrades. You can reach us at +44 (0) 203 551 8007 or enquiries@colibriaircraft.com.
*Tracks are pre-specified routes crossing the North Atlantic decided by Air Traffic Controllers. The tracks are designed to provide the minimum time to cross the ocean- minimizing head winds and maximizing tail winds. They change twice a day based upon the winds. It is possible to cross the North Atlantic outside of these tracks but it creates a longer flight path.
