The Facility Reference Data File (FAA), abbreviated as FRDF, plays a critical role in the aviation industry by providing comprehensive, standardized geographical and facility data essential for flight planning, navigation, and air traffic control operations. As the aviation sector continues to evolve with advanced technology, the FRDF remains a foundational dataset maintained by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to ensure accurate, timely, and consistent information about navigational aids, airports, heliports, and other aviation-related facilities.
Facility Reference Data File (FAA): Definition and Purpose
The Facility Reference Data File (FAA) is a detailed database maintained by the FAA that contains extensive information on aviation facilities nationwide. This data includes navigational aids such as VORs (VHF Omnidirectional Range), NDBs (Non-Directional Beacons), ILS (Instrument Landing System) components, airports, heliports, and other related facilities. The core purpose of the FRDF is to serve as a reliable, accurate dataset for aviation stakeholders including pilots, air traffic controllers, and flight service stations to enhance safety and efficiency in flight operations.
Updated on a frequent basis—typically every 28 days to align with the FAA’s aeronautical information publication cycles—the Facility Reference Data File (FAA) ensures users have access to the latest facility status changes, geographic coordinates, operational hours, communication frequencies, and technical parameters. The dataset is instrumental for use in Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) systems, GPS avionics, and various flight management systems (FMS), making it a backbone of both legacy and modern aviation navigation systems.
Technical Composition of the Facility Reference Data File (FAA)
The Facility Reference Data File (FAA) encompasses complex technical data segmented across various aviation facility types. For example, VOR stations in the FRDF include specifics such as station frequency (typically between 108.0 and 117.95 MHz), Morse code identifiers, geographic latitude and longitude with precision to the fourth decimal point, operational status (active, decommissioned, or maintenance), and associated service volumes—often radius-based, such as 40 nautical miles for en route VORs.
Airports described within the Facility Reference Data File (FAA) feature detailed metadata including runway dimensions (lengths ranging from 2,500 feet to over 14,000 feet to accommodate all aircraft types), surface types (asphalt, concrete, gravel), lighting systems (runway edge lights intensity and type), and communication channels such as CTAF and ground control frequencies. The FRDF further provides heliport data such as landing pad size, markings, and lighting, essential for both routine operations and emergency services.
How Does the Facility Reference Data File (FAA) Impact Aviation Operations?
The widespread use of the Facility Reference Data File (FAA) enhances multiple facets of aviation operations including safety, navigation accuracy, and air traffic management efficiency. Flight planning software relies on the FRDF to validate flight routes and ensure that all potential navigational aids and airport facilities along a route are accounted for. By having access to the latest FRDF updates, pilots can avoid using decommissioned navaids or airports that are temporarily closed, thus mitigating risks during flights.
Air traffic controllers utilize the Facility Reference Data File (FAA) to monitor and manage traffic flow around these facilities. Data such as communication frequencies, operational hours, and beacon statuses help controllers maintain situational awareness and coordinate approaches and departures efficiently. Furthermore, the FRDF contributes to the accuracy of automated systems including the FAA’s NextGen air traffic modernization, which integrates satellite-based surveillance and navigation technologies for more precise aircraft tracking and routing.
For additional technical details and FAA data specifications, the official FAA website provides access and documentation on the Facility Reference Data File (FAA) and other key aeronautical datasets. You can explore further at FAA Digital Products.
