ARINC 424
Encyclopedia
ARINC 424 or ARINC 424 Navigation System Data Base Standard is an international standard file format
for aircraft navigation data maintained by Airlines Electronic Engineering Committee and published by Aeronautical Radio, Inc.
. The ARINC 424 specifications are not a database
, but a "standard for the preparation and transmission of data for assembly of airborne navigation system data bases".
The ARINC 424 specification is a 132-byte
fixed-length record format. Each record consists of one piece of navigation information such as an airport
, heliport
, runway
, waypoint
s, navaids, airway
s, arrival routes
, and departure routes
.
The ARINC 424 contains several sub-specifications for different data formats. New formats have been introduced as capabilities of equipment have increased and new classes of equipment (such as GPS) have been introduced. The sub-specifications are indicated by a format number. The three sub-specifications currently in use by the NACO are ARINC 424-13, ARINC 424-15, and ARINC 424-18.
File format
A file format is a particular way that information is encoded for storage in a computer file.Since a disk drive, or indeed any computer storage, can store only bits, the computer must have some way of converting information to 0s and 1s and vice-versa. There are different kinds of formats for...
for aircraft navigation data maintained by Airlines Electronic Engineering Committee and published by Aeronautical Radio, Inc.
ARINC
Aeronautical Radio, Incorporated , established in 1929, is a major provider of transport communications and systems engineering solutions for eight industries: aviation, airports, defense, government, healthcare, networks, security, and transportation...
. The ARINC 424 specifications are not a database
Database
A database is an organized collection of data for one or more purposes, usually in digital form. The data are typically organized to model relevant aspects of reality , in a way that supports processes requiring this information...
, but a "standard for the preparation and transmission of data for assembly of airborne navigation system data bases".
The ARINC 424 specification is a 132-byte
Byte
The byte is a unit of digital information in computing and telecommunications that most commonly consists of eight bits. Historically, a byte was the number of bits used to encode a single character of text in a computer and for this reason it is the basic addressable element in many computer...
fixed-length record format. Each record consists of one piece of navigation information such as an airport
Airport
An airport is a location where aircraft such as fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, and blimps take off and land. Aircraft may be stored or maintained at an airport...
, heliport
Heliport
A heliport is a small airport suitable only for use by helicopters. Heliports typically contain one or more helipads and may have limited facilities such as fuel, lighting, a windsock, or even hangars...
, runway
Runway
According to ICAO a runway is a "defined rectangular area on a land aerodrome prepared for the landing and take-off of aircraft." Runways may be a man-made surface or a natural surface .- Orientation and dimensions :Runways are named by a number between 01 and 36, which is generally one tenth...
, waypoint
Waypoint
A waypoint is a reference point in physical space used for purposes of navigation.-Concept:Waypoints are sets of coordinates that identify a point in physical space. Coordinates used can vary depending on the application. For terrestrial navigation these coordinates can include longitude and...
s, navaids, airway
Airway (aviation)
In aviation, an airway is a designated route in the air. Airways are laid out between navigational aids such as VORs, NDBs and Intersections ....
s, arrival routes
Standard Terminal Arrival Route
In aviation, a standard terminal arrival route or standard terminal arrival is a published procedure followed by aircraft on an IFR flight plan just before reaching a destination airport.-Description:...
, and departure routes
Standard Instrument Departure
Standard instrument departure routes, also known as departure procedures are published flight procedures followed by aircraft on an IFR flight plan immediately after take-off from an airport.- Introduction :...
.
The ARINC 424 contains several sub-specifications for different data formats. New formats have been introduced as capabilities of equipment have increased and new classes of equipment (such as GPS) have been introduced. The sub-specifications are indicated by a format number. The three sub-specifications currently in use by the NACO are ARINC 424-13, ARINC 424-15, and ARINC 424-18.