Commission Regulation (EU) No 677/2011 (repealed)Show full title

PART A Requirements for the Transponder Code Function

1. The objectives of this function are:

(a)

to improve the robustness of the code allocation process through allocation of clear roles and responsibilities to all involved stakeholders, with the overall network performance at the centre of code allocation determination;

(b)

to provide increased transparency of code allocations and of the actual code usage enabling the better assessment of the overall network efficiency;

(c)

through enshrinement in regulation, to provide the regulatory basis allowing better enforcement and oversight.

2. SSR transponder codes shall be allocated through the Network Manager to the Member States and the air navigation service providers in a manner that optimises their safe and efficient distribution taking the following into account:

(a)

the operational requirements of all operational stakeholders;

(b)

the actual and predicted levels of air traffic;

(c)

the required use of SSR transponder codes in compliance with relevant provisions of the ICAO Regional Air Navigation Plan, European Region, Facilities and Services Implementation Document and guidance material.

3. An SSR transponder code allocation list that describes the complete and up-to-date allocation of SSR codes in the airspace laid down in Article 1(3) shall be made available to Member States, air navigation service providers and third countries at all times by the Network Manager.

4. A formal process for establishing, assessing and coordinating the requirements for SSR transponder code allocations shall be implemented by the Network Manager, taking into account all required civil and military uses of SSR transponder codes.

5. The formal process laid down in point 4 shall include, as a minimum, relevant agreed procedures, timescales and performance targets for the completion of the following activities:

(a)

submission of applications for SSR transponder code allocations;

(b)

assessments of applications for SSR transponder code allocations;

(c)

coordination of proposed amendments to SSR code transponder allocations with Member States and third countries in accordance with the requirements laid down in Part B;

(d)

periodic audit of the SSR code allocations and needs with a view to optimisation of the situation, including re-allocation of existing code allocations;

(e)

periodic amendment, approval and distribution of the overall SSR code transponder allocation list laid down in point 3;

(f)

notification, assessment and resolution of unplanned conflicts between assignments of SSR transponder codes;

(g)

notification, assessment and resolution of wrong assignments of SSR transponder codes, detected at code retention checks;

(h)

notification, assessment and resolution of unplanned shortfalls in allocations of SSR transponder codes;

(i)

provision of data and information in accordance with the requirements laid down in Part C.

6. Applications for SSR transponder code allocations received as part of the process laid down in point 4 shall be checked by the Network Manager for compliance with the requirements of the process for format and data conventions, completeness, accuracy, timeliness, and justification.

7. Member States shall ensure that SSR transponder codes are assigned to aircraft in accordance with the SSR transponder code allocation list contained in point 3.

8. A centralised SSR transponder code assignment and management system for the automatic assignment of SSR transponder codes to general air traffic may be operated by the Network Manager on behalf of the Member States and air navigation service providers.

9. Procedures and tools for the regular evaluation and assessment of the actual use of SSR transponder codes by Member States and air navigation service providers shall be implemented by the Network Manager.

10. Plans and procedures shall be agreed between the Network Manager, Member States and air navigation service providers to support the periodic analysis and identification of future SSR transponder code requirements. This analysis shall include the identification of potential performance impacts created by any predicted shortfalls in the allocations of SSR transponder codes.

11. Operations manuals containing the necessary instructions and information to enable the network function to be conducted in accordance with the requirements of this Regulation shall be developed and maintained. These operations manuals shall be distributed and maintained in accordance with appropriate quality and documentation management processes.