Future Air Navigation System

Future Air Navigation System (FANS) is an ICAO-developed framework for modernizing air traffic management through satellite navigation, digital communications, and automated surveillance.

Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Contract: A surveillance method in which aircraft periodically transmit position data derived from onboard navigation systems. ADS-C lets aircraft report their positions over data links where ground radar coverage is limited.
Oceanic airspace: Airspace over oceans, often beyond the direct reach of conventional ground-based surveillance and communications. FANS enables more efficient traffic management across these radar-poor regions.
International Civil Aviation Organization: A United Nations specialized agency that develops international standards and recommended practices for civil aviation. ICAO sponsored the committee that developed the FANS modernization framework.
Air traffic control: A service that directs aircraft movements to prevent collisions and organize safe, efficient traffic flows. FANS modernizes tools within this broader service without replacing air traffic control itself.
Controller–Pilot Data Link Communications: A digital messaging service that exchanges routine air traffic control clearances and reports between controllers and pilots. CPDLC carries many routine exchanges that FANS moves away from voice radio.
Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum: A standard that permits aircraft to fly at vertical intervals of 1,000 feet between flight levels 290 and 410. FANS monitoring and communications support safe application of reduced vertical separation in oceanic operations.
Special Committee on Future Air Navigation Systems: An ICAO committee established in 1983 to study future air navigation requirements and propose a global system concept. This committee gave FANS its name and established its system-level direction.
Secondary surveillance radar: A radar system that interrogates aircraft transponders to obtain identification and altitude information. Unlike ground-based interrogation, ADS-C can provide aircraft reports beyond radar coverage.
Required Navigation Performance: A navigation specification requiring aircraft to monitor their position and meet defined accuracy and alerting standards. RNP capabilities let FANS support more precise routes and separation procedures.
Organized Track System: A set of daily routes arranged to manage traffic flows across busy oceanic airspace. FANS-equipped aircraft can receive and report along changing tracks with fewer voice communications.

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ACARSCompared with: FANS services use datalink for air traffic communication but are distinct from ACARS itself.