The aviation industry is filled with several terminologies that might not be easily decipherable to people who are not part of the industry. One of such terminologies is the Available (AVAIL). This term is an essential aspect of aviation communication and plays a crucial role in ensuring safe and efficient air travel. In this article, we will take a deep dive into the available (AVAIL) terminologies in aviation to help you gain a better understanding of their meanings and importance.
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The Meaning of Available (AVAIL) in Aviation
The term Available (AVAIL) in aviation refers to communication between an air traffic controller and an aircraft pilot, which is used to indicate the availability or unavailability of certain facilities or systems at an airport or en-route location. It can also refer to the availability status of essential equipment or services required for safe and efficient air travel. AVAIL message is a standardized message used in aviation to transmit information between controllers and pilots regarding the availability of services or facilities.
The Available (AVAIL) term is used to ensure that pilots are made aware of any equipment or services that may be crucial to the success of a flight’s operation, such as runways, taxiways, and navigation aids. It is also used to inform pilots about any service disruptions that may affect their flight, such as malfunctioning air traffic control systems or weather conditions that may limit visibility.
The Available (AVAIL) term is crucial because it gives pilots the option of deciding whether to proceed with the flight or delay it if there are any issues with the equipment or services that may be critical to the success of their flight. By providing the required information to pilots, they can make informed decisions and ensure that all necessary precautions are taken to guarantee safe and efficient air travel.
The Different Types of Available (AVAIL) in Aviation
The Available (AVAIL) term in aviation can be classified into four different types, namely: System Availability, Facility Availability, Broadcast Availability, and Information Availability.
System Availability
System availability refers to the functionality status of critical equipment required for safe and efficient air travel, such as the airport landing system, runway lighting, and air traffic control systems. This type of Available (AVAIL) is used to inform pilots about the status of crucial systems that affect their flight operation, helping them make informed decisions about their flight plans. For instance, if the runway lighting system is unavailable, the pilot will need to decide whether to land in low visibility conditions or delay the flight.
Facility Availability
Facility availability refers to the availability status of essential services required for safe and efficient air travel, such as fuel, weather information, and maintenance services. This type of Available (AVAIL) is used to inform pilots about the availability status of these facilities, allowing them to decide on the most appropriate options for their flight operation. For example, if fuel services are unavailable, the pilot can choose to land at an airport with available fuel services or reschedule the flight.
Broadcast Availability
Broadcast availability refers to the availability status of information relevant to flight operation, such as weather information, flight safety information, and navigational aids. This type of Available (AVAIL) is used to inform pilots about the availability status of the information, allowing them to decide on the most appropriate course of action for their flight operation. For instance, if there is a weather information broadcast availability, the pilot can choose to evaluate the weather conditions and make informed decisions based on the information available.
Information Availability
Information availability refers to the availability status of relevant data required for safe and efficient air travel, such as flight plans, air traffic control instructions, and weather updates. This type of Available (AVAIL) is used to inform pilots about the availability status of the data, allowing them to decide on the most appropriate course of action for their flight operation. For example, if there is information availability for the flight plan, the pilot can choose to alter their flight plan based on the information available.
The Importance of Available (AVAIL) in Aviation
Available (AVAIL) is critical in aviation because it ensures safe and efficient air travel. By providing pilots with the necessary information regarding the availability status of important equipment, services, and information, they can make informed decisions that guarantee the safety of the flight operation. The Available (AVAIL) term plays a critical role in preventing accidents and ensuring that the flight operation is as smooth as possible.
In conclusion, the Available (AVAIL) terminologies in aviation are an essential aspect of communication between air traffic controllers and pilots regarding the availability or unavailability of services, systems, information, and facilities required for safe and efficient air travel. The four types of Available (AVAIL) are System Availability, Facility Availability, Broadcast Availability, and Information Availability. They play a crucial role in ensuring that pilots are aware of the availability status of crucial equipment, services, and information required for successful flight operations. By providing pilots with this information, they can make informed decisions that ensure safe and efficient air travel.
If you want to learn more about Aviation communication, you can check out this Advisory Circular provided by the FAA.