EUROCONTROLEUROCONTROL

Your gateway to the world’s largestAeronautical Information Repository

European AIS Database

General Overview 3What is the European AIS database – EAD? 3

EAD Concept 3

Benefits 5

Data Quality 5

Cost reduction 5

Availability and security 5

Data Coverage 5

Worldwide 5

ECAC 5

Accessing EAD 5

EAD Basic 5

EAD Pro (ECIT - EAD Client Interface Terminal) 6

MyEAD (ESI - EAD System Interface) 6

Download 6

AFTN 6

Supporting tools 6

Service Desk 6

SIGMA 6

EAD Training support and eLearning 6

Solutions 7Solutions for Data Providers 7

SDO – Static Data Operations 7

INO – International NOTAM Operations 7

PAMS – Published AIP Management System 7

AIP Production – Aeronautical Information Publication Production 7

CHP Production – Chart Production 8

Solutions for Data Users 8

SDO – Static Data Operations 8

INO – International NOTAM Operations 9

PAMS – Published AIP Management System 9

Briefing Facilities for ARO 9

Becoming a client 10Trial Period 10

User registration 10

Data User Agreement 10

Connection Support 10

EAD Information Request Form 11

Table of content

3

What is the European AIS database – EAD

EAD, developed by EUROCONTROL on behalf of its Member

States, is a centralised reference database of quality-assured

aeronautical information. It includes a fully integrated state-of-

the-art Aeronautical Information Services (AIS) solution, for

the benefit of the ECAC (European Civil Aviation Conference)

Member States and all airspace users.

AIS units, acting as Data Providers, maintain the aeronautical

information under their responsibility directly into the EAD.

Airspace users, acting as Data Users, access the EAD to retrieve,

consult and download this aeronautical Information.

Background

The concept of the EAD was developed by EUROCONTROL

and its Member States following a study carried out in the

early 1990’s which revealed that the then existing AIS opera-

tional structure showed several limitations and drawbacks

when seen from a European perspective. In some cases, this

included:

n incoherence of cross-border aeronautical information

n inconsistent quality of data throughout the ECAC area

n lack of interoperability between systems due to different data

models and exchange formats

n shortcomings in ensuring timely distribution of aeronautical

information updates to all stakeholders

n duplication of effort and investment and therefore costs for all

involved.

It was concluded that the cost effectiveness of AIS operations,

the quality of aeronautical data and the accessibility and avail-

ability of such data could be significantly improved through

automation and centralisation. This resulted in the devel-

opment of the EAD intended to facilitate European wide

maintenance and distribution of aeronautical information.

EUROCONTROL was entrusted with the development,

establishment and operation of EAD in July 1999. After

the initial development phase, the EAD entered provisional

service in July 2001 and began full operations in mid-2003.

On 6 June 2008, the EAD celebrated five years of operations.

Today, the EAD is made available through the Central Flow

Management Unit (CFMU), part of the EUROCONTROL Agency.

The CFMU provides air traffic flow management services over

the states of western and central Europe who are members of

ECAC. Within the CFMU Directorate Organisation, the EAD and

Aeronautical Information Bureau (EAB) is responsible for the

EUROCONTROL EAD service and overall coherence of aeronau-

tical information aspects within the CFMU.

EAD Concept

EAD is a single reference repository of aeronautical infor-

mation. It enables centralised management of digital

aeronautical information based on the AIXM model

(Aeronautical Information Exchange Model) developed by

EUROCONTROL. It enhances the quality of aeronautical data

by using international standards and rigorous data-checking

procedures, including in-depth validation and verification.

Two main types of clients use the EAD: Data Providers and

Data Users.

Data Providers use different EAD components for the

creation, maintenance and storage of aeronautical informa-

tion. They retain full control of - and intellectual property

rights over - the data they input into EAD. The concept of

having the Data Providers maintain their data in a common

database is unique in the aviation world. Available EAD

solutions for Data Providers are:

n Maintenance of static data - SDO

n Creation of NOTAM - INO

n Publication of aeronautical documents - PAMS

n AIP Production - AIP

n Chart Production - CHART.

General Overview

4

Data Users consult and download aeronautical data or publications, and can generate reports from EAD. Available EAD solutions

for Data Users are:

n Generation of static data reports – SDO

n Download Traffic Flow Restrictions with referred data elements – SDO

n Pre-flight Information Bulletins (PIB) – INO

n Briefing Facility for ATS Reporting Office (ARO) – INO

n Consultation and download of aeronautical publications – PAMS

General Overview

DATA PROVIDER PIB, Flight Manuals,Charts, etc...

DATA PROVIDER

DATA PROVIDER DATA PROVIDER

NOTAM

SD

NOTAM

SD

NOTAM

SD

NOTAM

SD

DATAUSERS

EAD

5

Benefits

Data Quality

Data held in the EAD is assured against a variety of standards

and recommendations including ICAO, OPADD, ESARRs, SDP,

and the AICM/AIXM data models. The system and operational

procedures are updated in accordance with changes in

applicable regulations.

In addition, regular data quality reviews and consistency

checks are conducted on data loaded by both the EAD and

clients to ensure consistency and improve procedures to mini-

mise errors.

Furthermore, the EAD can also facilitate in resolving cross-

border data conflicts and guarantees the harmonisation of

the available aeronautical information through well defined

validation and harmonisation rules.

Cost reduction

As a single point of reference the EAD provides a cost benefit

to both Data Users and Data Providers. The integration of the

different AIS components into the EAD has reduced the

workload throughout the AIS chain, including the cost and

effort of paper dissemination.

Centrally developed applications and common maintenance

have reduced implementation and maintenance costs to

clients, as well as increased compatibility between States.

In addition to this, the centralised processing of worldwide

NOTAM, leads to added costs savings as well.

Availability and security

The service availability for the clients is covered by an SLA with

the provider, with an availability requirement of 99.975%. This

is supported by the 24h operational and technical Service Desk

enabling rapid dissemination of information on any issues

identified.

The EAD is using modern technologies, such as VPN or SSL, for

the timely and secure distribution of static and dynamic data. As

such, the EAD is a truly reliable source of aeronautical information.

Data Coverage

Worldwide

n Original and processed NOTAM, SNOWTAM and ASHTAM

messages

n Minimum set of SDO required for NOTAM validation and

Pre-Flight Information Bulletin (PIB) generation encompassing

Aerodromes identification with associated Runways, Airspaces

(FIR, UIR, TMA, P-D-R), Routes, Navaids and Waypoints.

ECAC

n AIPs, AICs, Amendments, Supplements, and Charts

n Original and processed NOTAM, SNOWTAM and ASHTAM

n Full set of aeronautical information data published in AIP

including: Aerodrome information, procedures, obstacles;

enroute information, airspaces, routes, navaids and waypoints;

and general information, organization, authority and units..

Accessing EAD

EAD Basic

EAD Basic is the database’s Public Access Service application

for private pilots, GA specialists and the general public. EAD

Basic allows users to browse the database via the web - with

instant access, anytime, anywhere.

You can quickly and easily create basic Pre-flight Information

Bulletins (PIB), generate standard aeronautical data reports and

browse Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) and chart

publications.

EAD Basic can be accessed from: http://www.ead.eurocontrol.int/

6

EAD Pro (ECIT - EAD Client Interface Terminal)

EAD Pro is a suite of specially-designed software applications for

mid-size and business aircraft operators. When installed on a PC,

EAD Pro provides you access to all EAD services (SDO, INO, PAMS, BF)

via a user-friendly, graphical interface. EAD Pro is a fully integrated,

state-of-the-art AIS solution, which lets you manage aeronau-

tical information and retrieve the data you need, in real-time.

Each EAD service is separately available on a license fee basis

and is augmented by a maintenance contract providing annual

releases of the software, supplied by a private company.

If the use of an ECIT is not required, EAD Pro can be made

available by secure internet connection using Secure Socket

Layer (SSL) technology.

MyEAD (ESI - EAD System Interface)

MyEAD, the EAD system-to-system solution, allows client

applications, which require aeronautical information, to access

and exchange data seamlessly with the EAD by sending and

receiving messages based on XML schemas.

MyEAD requires the client to carry out some software

development, based on Application Programming Interfaces

(API) supplied by EUROCONTROL, to access all EAD functions.

A set of technical documents is available for developers to under-

stand the MyEAD concept, create XML messages related to the

different EAD components, and realise the software assessment.

Web Services

Web services provide a standard means of interoperation between

different software applications, running on a variety of platforms and/

or frameworks. A client application has the ability to retrieve informa-

tion from the EAD subsystems (e.g. SDO) via web service calls in order

to deliver sophisticated added-value services.

Download

For clients who require defined batches of data, the EAD offers

the ability to download files from the EAD Internet File Server.

Downloads can be made at regular intervals, or by ad-hoc request

through the EAD Service Desk from which the Client will receive a

notification that the file has been made available.

AFTN

If needed, NOTAM information contained in the EAD can also

be made available through a regular AFTN connection.

Supporting tools

Service Desk

The EAD Service Desk is the primary point of contact between

clients and the EAD providing 24h operational and technical

support for all clients, both Data Provider and Data User.

Through the online SD Interface, clients can report errors,

request downloads, ask questions and make suggestions.

SIGMA

The SDO Input Guidance Manual (SIGMA), has been developed

by the EAD to support Data Providers in uploading Static Data

into the EAD. SIGMA includes encoding rules of AICM/AIXM,

as well as EAD SDO specific rules, and contains AIP references

where appropriate. The SIGMA Forum is an online discussion

tool monitored by the EAD where users can ask questions and

make use of the mutual knowledge available.

SIGMA can be accessed from: http://www.eurocontrol.int/sigma.

EAD Training support and eLearning

Training is made available to all new clients of the EAD on

each of the subsystems and the use of the service desk. This

can take place in a variety of ways including: the EAD Training

Centre in Frankfurt, on site at the client’s premises, or by tele-

phone. In addition, introductory and continuing training is

available through the EAD e-learning facility. More informa-

tion on the available EAD eLearning modules can be found at:

http://www.eurocontrol.int/ians/public/standard_page/

training_catalogue.html

General Overview

7

Solutions for Data Providers

SDO – Static Data Operations

SDO is the central repository of validated static data based on

AICM/AIXM specifications. It is the heart of the EAD and enables

Data Providers to maintain the static data for their area of respon-

sibility and allows them to retrieve static data from other areas.

After data validation, the information is made available to

the different sub-systems to produce the AIP and Charts,

to validate the NOTAM information at creation or during

processing, and to perform the pre-validation of a flight-plan

when using the Briefing facility.

SDO provides also a Graphical Validation tool for complex

static data changes, to visualise and verify information before

publication.

INO – International NOTAM Operations

A worldwide database of original and processed messages

used in AIS and ATM, INO provides consistent and validated

NOTAM, SNOWTAM and ASHTAM.

INO enables Data Providers to create, maintain and distribute

NOTAM, SNOWTAM, and ASHTAM for their NOTAM office

in accordance with ICAO Standards And Recommended

PracticeS (SARPS) and EUROCONTROL Operating Procedures

for AIS Dynamic Data (OPADD).

INO supports the NOTAM management process by providing

increased quality and consistency through a single repository,

NOTAM-SDO linkage, NOTAM grouping, and making available

NOTAM templates and proposals. In addition NOTAM can be

monitored by estimated NOTAM, NOTAM history, and NOTAM

proposals.

PAMS – Published AIP Management System

A library of ECAC states’ Aeronautical Information Publications

(AIPs), AIP Amendments, AIP Supplements and Aeronautical

Information Circulars (AICs) and Charts, PAMS provides access

to all related aeronautical information used in AIS and ATM.

PAMS enables Data Providers to store AIP, Amendments,

Supplements, AIC, and Charts, including meta-data such as

effective date and document heading in a document library.

The storage format to be used is either PDF or XML format.

PAMS supports the automatic creation of NOTAM proposals, in

accordance with the static data operational procedures, when

a newly created document is to be published.

AIP Production– Aeronautical Information Publication Production

AIP production is used to generate and maintain the

official national AIS documentation: AIP, AIRAC & non-AIRAC

AIP Amendments and Supplements, AICs and checklists for

Supplements and AICs. The static data information (Aerodrome,

FIR, etc,), necessary for the creation of documents is replicated

from the SDO database to the AIP database.

The AIP system provides facilities for: managing the different

versions of a document using the AIP manager, modifying

a document using the database by inserting a database

link inset in a paragraph or entering a table link inset in a

document, and generating document amendments in PDF or

XML format.

Solutions

8

CHP Production (Chart Production)

Chart production is used to generate and maintain aeronau-

tical charts defined in an AIP. The static data information

(Aerodrome, FIR etc) necessary for chart creation is replicated

from the SDO database to the Chart database.

The Chart production system provides facilities to: Set up a

chart’s geographical reference, compose a chart with elements

from the database, synchronise a chart with annotation from

the database, update a chart for a new effective date, maintain

chart specifications. and publish a chart.

Solutions for Data Users

SDO-Static Data Operations

SDO allows Data Users to query the database for AIP

information and generate pre-defined reports or to create

their own, user-defined reports. A set of predefined filters

can be incorporated in the report creation (e.g. validity

period, sorting order, aeronautical region etc.). The report

can be generated in plain text or in XML format.

User Defined reports allow the creation, deletion, modification,

retrieval, storage and execution of user-defined reports by a

data User in the EAD; while Pre-defined reports are created

by EAD Staff and are made freely available, for retrieval and

execution, to the data user.

SDO also includes a graphical reporting tool which, based on

data or spatial filter, allows the graphical display of any type of

static data which has coordinates (lat/long).

Solutions

EADService

StaticData

ECACAIP Library

DynamicData

AFTN, worldwideNOTAM reception

Worldwide AIP Subscription

TAM Processing

Worldwide MinimumStatic Data Set Update

AIP / Supp / AIC

TAM Creation

eAIP Production& Charts

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

PAMS

NOTAMDistribution

SDO

ECACAIS

O�ce

Military/Civil

EAD Work�owfor Data Provision

INO

Brie�ngFacility

9

INO – International NOTAM Operations

The EAD’s INO service provides consistent, validated world-

wide original and processed messages of the following types:

NOTAM, SNOWTAM and ASHTAM. INO offers Data Providers

the possibility of creating all different types of “TAM” messages

as well as basic data maintenance such as NOF Series, AFTN

address lists and distribution lists. Data Users can use INO for

Pre-Flight Bulletin (PIB) inquiries as well as Flight Plan valida-

tion against the IFPUV and Flight Plan submissions to the IFPS.

INO enables Data Users to have direct access to NOTAM,

SNOWTAM, ASHTAM for briefing purposes (PIB – Pre-flight

Information Bulletins). Additionally, monitoring of all incoming

NOTAM is possible.

Briefings available include: aerodrome, area and special area;

based on airspace or centre point radius; route, based on

aerodrome of departure/destination and over-flown FIRs; and

narrow route, based on a pre-defined route, a flight plan, or a

route described by the operator.

For each PIB, the following features can also be requested:

a “full” or “update” PIB; immediate notification during a pre-

defined period of time after creation of the PIB; storage of

pre-defined routes based on flight plan or ad-hoc definition;

storage of frequently requested PIB in a profile; allowing the

user to re-use the definition of the PIB later on; schedule a

profile based on a date/time parameter.

PAMS – Published AIP Management System

The EAD’s Published AIP Management System (PAMS) service

provides a complete library of Aeronautical Information

Publications (AIPs), AIP Amendments, AIP Supplements and

Aeronautical Information Circulars (AICs), and aeronautical

charts for ECAC States. The storage format used is either PDF

or XML format.

PAMS enables Data Users to search aeronautical documents,

based on the meta-data filters associated with the documents

or the content of the documents itself.

Briefing Facilities for ARO

The Briefing Facility provides the ability to handle flight

plans and related information integrated in the INO

Data User application. It processes all incoming and

outgoing AFTN messages and provides this information

to the user in one single application. In addition to flight

plan data, the integration of the Briefing Facility into

the existing INO DU application, enables the AROs to

automatically generate or schedule a PIB for a planned flight.

Through the INO Briefing Facility, AROs are able to: create,

validate and distribute flight plans; manage repetitive flight

plans; manage client information and AFTN addresses; monitor

the real traffic situation; identify the status of different flight

plans; and manage incoming and outgoing messages.

The Flight Plan (FPL) function enables users to: create new FPL;

manage routes; pre-validate the FPL against SDO data; validate the

FPL against the IFPUV; save a FPL in the FPL list; send the FPL via

AFTN; generate a PIB for a specific FPL; and create AFTN addresses.

eRAD

As part of SDO, eRAD is Traffic Flow Restrictions (TFR),

in an electronic format, for what is commonly known as

route availability restrictions and FL Capping. It comprises

the full TFR set within the CFMU area together with the

required static data, from SDO, referenced by the TFRs. It

will enable an EAD Data User to integrate this informa-

tion into flight planning systems. Using eRAD will lead to

a higher acceptance rate of flight plans sent to the IFPS

through an integrated flight planning system.

The use of eRAD data through the EAD offers seamless

integration with Static Data from the EAD, covering all

relevant AIP data in AIXM format. It leads to reduced rejec-

tion rates while filing Flight Plans to IFPS while providing

optimisation of route planning (costs, fuel, time) through

integration of TFR into existing Flight Planning tools.

It makes Aeronautical Information, including AIP, NOTAM

and graphical representation of AIXM data, as well as

eRAD available from one single source.

StaticData

ECACAIP Library

DynamicData

Static DataReporting

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

AIPBrowsing

Aircraft OperatorsANSPsAIS ProvidersATCATS Reporting O�cesMilitaryCommercial Users

BIP, NOTAMARO FlightPlanning

EAD Functionsfor Data Users

10

Trial Period

The EAD Pro suite of software is made available to prospective

Data Users for a 3 month trial period.

User registration

To request access to the EAD Service, and become a Data User,

an online EAD Service Request Form needs to be completed.

Contact us through the contact details you find in this

brochure, to receive all relevant registration details.

After receipt of the request form a tailor-made offer will be

distributed, based on your specific requirements and needs.

This indicates the start of the connection activities.

Data User Agreement

Prior to connecting to the EAD, a Data User Agreement must

be signed between the Data User (client) and EUROCONTROL.

This agreement will define the roles, responsibilities and the

obligations of both the client and EUROCONTROL, including

liability regarding data.

Connection Support

During the connection activities, the EAD Migration Manager

will assist the client until the finalisation of the connection

process.

Becoming a client

EAD Information Request Form

We are interested in the European AIS Database (EAD), please send us more information.

Our contact details:

Company: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Unit/Dept.: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Name: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

First Name: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Title: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Position: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

E-mail: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Phone: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Mobile: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Fax: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Street: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Postal Code: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

City: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Country: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Nature of Business: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(I.e. airline, airport, commercial user, etc.)

We are interested in

q SDO - Static Data Operations

q INO - International Notam Operations

q PAMS - Published AIP Management System

q eRAD - Traffic Flow Restrictions

q EAD Basic

q EAD Pro

qMyEAD

q Data Download

EAD Contact Point

Mr Guido Haesevoets

EAD Customer Management AssistantEUROCONTROLEuropean Organisation for the Safety of Air NavigationCFMU/NOPS/EA

Rue de la Fusée 96B-1130 BrusselsPhone: +32 2 729 11 34Fax: +32 2 729 90 29E-mail: ead.service@eurocontrol.intEAD general website: http://eurocontrol.int/eadEAD Basic website: http://ead.eurocontrol.int

EUROCONTROL

May 2010 - © European Organisation for the Safety of Air Navigation (EUROCONTROL)

This document is published by EUROCONTROL for information purposes. It may be copied in

whole or in part, provided that EUROCONTROL is mentioned as the source and it is not used for

commercial purposes (i.e. for financial gain). The information in this document may not be modified

without prior written permission from EUROCONTROL.

www.eurocontrol.int