AIS subscriber files effective date 25 October 2007.

Dear Subscribers,

For the 25 October 2007 subscriber files, unless otherwise noted in the daily 
National Flight Data Digest (NFDD), the files incorporate data published in 
the NFDD through:

    NFDD # 185 dated 24 September 2007


PLEASE NOTE: THERE ARE FORMAT CHANGES TO THE AIRPORT SUBSCRIBER DATA FILE FOR
THIS SUBSCRIBER CYCLE...

   The APT.txt file now includes a new field that indicates this airport or 
   heliport is used for medical purposes. The coordinates for touchdown zone 
   on the runway ends has also been removed. Elevation is still provided, 
   but touchdown zone coordinates are not a surveyed attribute. Finally, the 
   runway weight bearing capacity, measured by single, dual, tandem, and dual 
   tandem wheel configurations, no longer has a determination method.

UPCOMING FORMAT CHANGES 20 DECEMBER 2007:
The previously announced changes to the SDD.txt and STARDP.txt have been 
delayed yet again. We now expect to implement these format changes with the 20 
December 2007 charting cycle. Additionally, there will be changes to the 
AWY.txt and ATS.txt subscriber files.

   The SSD.txt and STARDP.txt files are being modified to allow additional 
   text in the DP/Transition/Body name. These names potentially can be 
   truncated.

   The AWY.txt and the ATS.txt file will add columns to report the segment 
   magnetic course, magnetic course in the opposite direction, and the 
   distance to the next point in that segment. This data will not be 
   provided for all airways. In fact, this will initially be provided only 
   for some oceanic airways in the ATS.txt file.
   
FILE TO BE DISCONTINUED:
The data reported in the OTH.txt subscriber file has now been incorporated 
into the standard APT.txt airport subscriber file. It is our intention to 
retire the OTH.txt file after this charting cycle effective date. If you are 
still using the OTH.txt file, and will not be able to transition, please 
let us know.

The current file formats are included with the complete data download from the 
"FADDS - Facility Aeronautical Data Distribution System" website, or by 
requesting the "layout data" set.

The upcoming format definition files are found in the "Additional Data" 
directory of the complete download, or by requesting the "Additional Data" set 
from FADDS. 

Also included in the additional data files are shape files describing Class B, 
C, D, and E airspace.  Many geographic information system (GIS) applications 
are capable of reading shapefiles (the dbf, shx, and shp file extensions) 
included with each type of airspace.  This data is considered Beta, and is 
currently not for navigation. It is provided for analysis and feedback.  We 
have been reviewing the feedback received on these files first posted a few 
cycles ago and have new shapes files generated for Class B, C, D, and this 
cycle, Class E airspace. Please provide feedback to Aeronautical Information 
Services (AIS) at 9-awa-ator-ais-feedback@faa.gov. In 2007, AIS plans on 
distributing certified airspace shapefiles, including Class E airspace.


REMINDER: 

The standard delivery mechanism for the subscriber files is the Facility 
Aeronautical Data Distribution System (FADDS). The FADDS is located at 
http://nfdc.faa.gov. There is no cost to subscribe; users can select all or 
any of the files to download; you can register to receive email alerts when 
the new subscriber set becomes available; and the system reduces the cost of 
distributing time-critical data. If there are changes to the contact 
information currently on file or you are unsure whether the information is 
correct, please contact Dan Gerecht, 202-493-5512 or Daniel.B.Gerecht@faa.gov. 
You can also e-mail your request to 9-awa-ator-ais-feedback@faa.gov. 

INSTRUCTIONS FOR REGISTERING TO THE FACILITY AERONAUTICAL DATA DISTRIBUTION 
SYSTEM (FADDS)

    Please point your browser to http://nfdc.faa.gov 

    On the right side of your screen you will see a link to log in. 

    You must register as a 'New User' to request access to the site.

    On the 'New User' screen select the product you are requesting to download. 

    The FADDS administrator will be notified and access/permissions will be 
    assigned.  

    Please contact AIS if you have difficulty logging into the site. 

ADVANCED NAVIGATION ROUTES:

The ANR.txt file ("Advanced Navigation Routes") is a regular part of the 
subscriber files. No ANR data, however, has been added to the database. 
Therefore, the ANR.txt subscriber file contains no data. This is not an error.

Your contact information, and comments or suggestions, can be 
directed to Aeronautical Information Services at the following 
contact points:

    Telephone: 1-866-295-8236 ext. 35442. 
    email: 9-awa-ator-ais-feedback@faa.gov 
