Digital Aeronautical Flight Information File, commonly known as DAFIF, is a comprehensive database that plays a critical role in modern aviation. It serves as a centralized digital repository containing extensive aeronautical information necessary for planning, navigation, and safe operation of flights. Developed and maintained initially by the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) of the United States, DAFIF combines data from multiple sources to provide precise, up-to-date, and globally consistent flight information.
DAFIF includes critical data elements such as aerodrome details, navigational aids characteristics, airspace boundaries, communication frequencies, and topographical features that affect flight operations. This well-structured dataset supports flight planning software, avionics systems, and air traffic control platforms, contributing to the overall efficiency and safety of aviation worldwide.
Components and Technical Specifications of Digital Aeronautical Flight Information File
The Digital Aeronautical Flight Information File consists of several key components designed to support various aviation needs. This dataset is presented in standardized digital formats such as Shapefiles and XML, which facilitates interoperability between different Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and flight management systems. DAFIF contains over 700,000 individual data points collected from more than 35,000 navigation aids and 44,000 aerodromes worldwide.
Technically, the DAFIF database provides georeferenced information with coordinates defined in the World Geodetic System 1984 (WGS 84), ensuring compatibility with global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) such as GPS. Airport data includes runway dimensions, surface types, lighting systems, and taxiway layouts. Additionally, navigational aids like VORs, NDBs, DME, and ILS are characterized by frequencies, identification codes, operational hours, and signal coverage patterns.
Applications and Importance of Digital Aeronautical Flight Information File in Aviation
The Digital Aeronautical Flight Information File is instrumental for a wide range of aviation applications. Primary users include commercial airlines, military aviation, general aviation pilots, and air traffic management authorities. By providing accurate and standardized information, DAFIF enables flight planning systems to generate optimized routes, calculate fuel requirements, and ensure compliance with international airspace regulations.
Beyond flight planning, DAFIF supports safety analyses in risk management by offering detailed terrain and obstacle data, which are critical during approaches and departures in challenging environments. Aviation software developers rely on DAFIF to build reliable navigation applications and simulators. Although access to public versions of DAFIF has been restricted since 2006, it still serves as a foundational aviation dataset referenced by many commercial aeronautical information providers such as [Jeppesen](https://ww2.jeppesen.com).
Digital Aeronautical Flight Information File and International Aviation Standards
The Digital Aeronautical Flight Information File adheres to international aviation standards set by organizations like the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). ICAO mandates the accuracy, standardization, and periodic update of aeronautical data to ensure global harmonization. DAFIF aligns with ICAO Annex 15, which governs the provision of aeronautical information services, ensuring that users receive reliable data necessary for flight operations.
DAFIF data is updated every 28 days, dictated by the Aeronautical Information Regulation And Control (AIRAC) cycle. This ensures users have timely information in step with changes in airspace structures, airport conditions, and navigation procedures. The stringent update intervals combined with the precision of geographic coordinates (accuracy within a few meters for critical aid locations) exemplify the database’s compliance with international safety requirements.
For More: What is CLNS in Aviation? (Connection Less Network Service)
