The Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority Celebrates 25 Years

NAME OF FEATURE | THE GLEANER | SUNDAY, MAY 2, 2021 33 JAMAICA CIVIL AVIATION AUTHORITY 25TH ANNIVERSARY 21 WHY IS AERONAUTICAL INFORMATION SERVICES (AIS) IMPORTANT? Aeronautical information and data are twin engines of a safe and secure aviation industry. The Jamaican aviation community relies on the JCAA’s aeronautical informa- tion management (AIM) department to provide timely and quality-assured aeronautical information to make informed decisions about the safe and efficient use of the airspace. RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE JCAA AIM DIVISION Through a satellite-based aeronautical information management platform, the AIM department diligently produces, disseminates and exchanges information about: • The serviceability and availability of aerodrome facilities, such as navigation aids; • Important landscape or terrain features to include ob- stacles to aviation; • Weather and other conditions that may affect flight planning and operations; • Other relevant or potentially hazardous conditions; and • The flight plans of incoming and outgoing aircraft. As a result, the national and international aviation communities are empowered to successfully plan and sequence the safe movement of aircraft in the local and international airspace. RECENT AIM DEVELOPMENTS The JCAA’s multi-million-dollar Aeronautical Information Management (AIM) project, which includes the installation of an AIM Centre and new, cutting-edge equipment, was substantially completed during the 2019-2020 finan- cial year. The completion transformed the provision of Aeronautical Information Services (AIS) from a telex-based service to a satellite-driven, data platform. New system includes: • Real-time and uninterrupted data and information to support local and international air transport operations • Graphical displays of notices to airmen, flight plans, and other essential aeronautical information • On-demand generation of data and information to include route, aerodrome, and pre-flight information bulletins • Instant preparation, processing and handling of dynamic data May 15 is World Aeronautical Information Services Day!