scope:

This European Telecommunication Standard (ETS) covers the specification of equipment for provision of a terrestrial Aeronautical Public Correspondence (APC) service working in the frequency spectrum bands allocated at World Administrative Radio Conference (WARC) 92 (1 670 to 1 675 MHz and 1 800 to 1 805 MHz). The ETS fully specifies aspects of the radio interface and Terrestrial Flight Telecommunication System (TFTS) Ground Network (GN) required to maintain interoperability of equipment. Within Europe European Radiocommunications Committee (ERC) Decision ERC/DEC (92)01 [13] is applicable to TFTS frequency spectrum.

The general architecture of the TFTS is considered in ETS 300 326-1 [1]. This part expands on that explanation to consider aspects of fixed network interworking. This part does not specify any specific signalling system for that purpose. It only specifies the functionality required for correct operation of the system.

Call handling and decision processes are specified. These should be used in conjunction with ETS 300 326-2 [2]. These explanations include the decision processes for the handover function.

Signalling requirement between Ground Switching Centres (GSCs) are specified for supporting inter-GSC handovers.

The TFTS Aircraft Station (AS) was specified by the European Airlines Electronics Committee (EAEC) and has subsequently been adopted as (ARINC) Characteristic 752 [14] by the Airlines Electrical Engineering Committee (AEEC). ARINC Characteristic 752 [14] makes reference to this ETS for specification of certain radio and telecommunication matters to avoid ambiguity. The TFTS AS is one of a set of facilities within an overall architecture being defined for aircraft on board telecommunications by the AEEC.

An Interim European Telecommunications Standard (I-ETS) is being produced which covers aspects of conformance testing for TFTS aircraft mobile stations. The specification of data application and facsimile will be the subject of a further (I-)ETS.