Aeronautical Information Management
The Aeronautical Information Management (AIM) Department serves as the backbone of our aviation information infrastructure. The department is responsible for managing and providing quality-assured aeronautical data, and works tirelessly to ensure the safety, regularity, and efficiency of air navigation within the Kingston Flight Information Region (KFIR).
Discover our products and services, including NOTAM, AIP, and aeronautical charts, which are designed to keep pilots informed and the airspace safe.
Products We Offer
NOTAMs are critical for alerting pilots and aviation stakeholders about potential hazards, changes in operational status, unserviceable navigation equipment, and airspace restrictions.
Access our up-to-date NOTAM information here.
The AIP is a fundamental resource that provides permanent aeronautical data and information. This information set includes AIP Amendments for permanent changes, and AIP Supplements for temporary and long-duration changes. Stay updated with the latest AIP here.
AICs provide information that is not ordinarily included in the established AIP or NOTAM categories, such as long-term forecasts and administrative notices. These are, however, crucial for understanding changes that might impact flight operations. Stay updated with the latest AIC here.
The JCAA’s AIM department produces and maintains aeronautical charts and digital data sets, including terrain and obstacle data, aerodrome mapping, and instrument flight procedure data.
Aeronautical charts are specialized maps, designed for aviation purposes, that provide detailed graphical representations of our airspace, terrain, navigational aids, airports, and other relevant information essential for flight planning and navigation.
Pilots and other aviation personnel use aeronautical charts to determine routes, airspace restrictions, navigation fixes (also known as navigation aids or waypoints), terrain elevations, and other critical details necessary for safe and efficient flight operations.
The JCAA’s Digital Data Sets are collections of aeronautical information, which are stored and transmitted digitally. They include:
Terrain and Obstacle Data Sets: Information on terrain elevation and man-made obstacles.
Aerodrome Mapping Data Sets: Detailed diagrams of airport layouts.
Instrument Flight Procedure Data Sets: Guidance for instrument flight procedures.
These data sets aid in navigation, hazard assessment, and flight planning, to enhance the safety and efficiency of our air operations.
Services We Provide
The Air Traffic Services Aerodrome Reporting Office (AD/ARO) at the JCAA offers comprehensive flight planning and pre-flight information services to ensure the efficiency and safety of all aviation operations within the Kingston Flight Information Region (FIR).
Flight Planning:
We assist with the submission and management of flight plans for scheduled, non-scheduled, and general aviation flights, to include charter airlines, cargo carriers, military operations, and business jets.
Pre-flight Information:
We provide critical pre-flight information to ensure pilots are fully informed about the latest conditions and requirements for their intended routes.
The JCAA’s Pre-flight Information Service is a vital resource provided to pilots and other aviators before departure. It offers comprehensive data and insights that are essential for safe and efficient flight planning and operations, to include:
- Weather Updates
- Airspace Status
- Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs)
- Airport Information
Post-flight Information Service
The JCAA’s Post-flight Information Service offers invaluable insights and data to pilots and aviation professionals, following the completion of a flight. The Post-flight Information Service facilitates a thorough review of various aspects of the flight, to aid performance evaluation and future planning.
With our timely delivery and multi-channel approach, the JCAA’s AIM department ensures that vital aeronautical information reaches our stakeholders promptly, to facilitate safe and efficient flight operations.
Flight plans must be submitted in the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) 2012 FPL format, at least sixty (60) minutes before the intended departure time.
This will allow for thorough analysis and validation of the plans, per ICAO standards.
Need Assistance? Contact our AD/ARO team for assistance with flight planning and pre-flight information services.
How AIM Works
Aided by various technologies and systems, the JCAA’s AIM department gathers data from several sources, including air traffic management, airport operators, pilots, and other relevant agencies. This data undergoes rigorous verification and validation processes to ensure its quality and reliability.
Following validation, the data is integrated into the JCAA’s centralized AIXM-compliant database system, which conforms to International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards. The information is then made available through various formats, including static and dynamic elements like AIP, NOTAM, and Flight Plans.
The below guide offers a glimpse into our efficient Aeronautical Information Management (AIM) processes, and outlines the key steps.
Data Acquisition: AIM gathers data from an array of sources, including air traffic management, airport operators, pilots, meteorological agencies, government bodies, and more.
This diverse data ecosystem ensures a comprehensive view of the aviation landscape.
Verification and Validation: Upon collection, the team undertakes rigorous verification and validation processes to ensure the quality, accuracy, and reliability of the data.
This meticulous approach ensures that the information integrated into the AIM system is trustworthy and compliant with international regulations.
Integration into AIXM-Compliant Database: The verified data is seamlessly integrated into a centralized database system, that is compliant with the Aeronautical Information Exchange Model (AIXM). This standardised approach ensures consistency and interoperability across the aviation industry.
Dissemination of Aeronautical Information: Aeronautical information is disseminated through various channels, including AIP, AIP Amendment, AIP Supplement, AIC, NOTAM, and Flight Plans. These dynamic elements are delivered, using cutting-edge software systems that enhance accessibility and usability for aviation stakeholders.
Investment in Advanced Software Systems: To meet the increasing demands of the aviation industry, AIM continuously invests in advanced software systems. These systems facilitate efficient information retrieval, data chain management, production of AIP datasets, Digital NOTAM, Information Briefing, and aeronautical data exchange.
Service is Our Promise!!
The JCAA’s AIM therefore serves as the backbone of aviation intelligence, to ensure that aviation professionals have access to reliable and up-to-date information for informed decision-making.
AIM Operational Units and Areas
The Publications Unit processes and disseminates aeronautical information of a lasting nature, while handling the publication and maintenance of the AIP, AIP Amendments, AIP Supplements, and AICs.
International NOTAM Office (NOF):
The International NOTAM Office ensures that stakeholders receive timely information on potential hazards, operational changes, and other pertinent data.
The AD/ARO unit provides flight planning services and pre-flight information for all categories of flights, to ensure the accuracy and compliance of flight plans.
This unit evaluates the impact of obstacles on air traffic and develops aeronautical charts and flight procedures to ensure safe navigation.
Access Obstacle Evaluation Application (Air Navigation) Forms here.
Benefits of Aeronautical Information Management (AIM)
Our AIM services offer numerous benefits, including:
- Access to high-quality digital data: Ensuring reliable, efficient, and secure information in real-time.
- Enhanced situational awareness: Providing accurate and timely information to pilots and stakeholders for better decision-making.
- Streamlined processes: Improving efficiency and reducing costs through advanced data management systems.
For more detailed information on our products and services, or to register for access to our aeronautical publications, visit our AIM registration page.
Obstacle Evaluation Services
The primary goal of our obstacle evaluation services is to ensure that all existing and proposed structures around aerodromes do not compromise the safety and efficiency of air navigation.
Safety First: Regular monitoring and assessment of structures within and around aerodromes are vital for maintaining safe and efficient aircraft operations.
We evaluate the potential impact of new and existing structures on air traffic procedures and aircraft operations, to ensure that no obstacles interfere with air travel and our airspace.
Risk Mitigation – Keeping everyone safe:
If a structure poses a risk to aircraft operations, we work toward a resolution that balances the interests of property owners and airport operators.
However, in cases where a resolution cannot be reached, it may become necessary for the JCAA to enforce restrictions that prioritize safety, per international standards.
Are you planning a New Structure? If you plan to build near an aerodrome, submit your structure for evaluation, to ensure it complies with safety regulations.
Existing Structures: Ensure that your existing structure does not pose a risk to air traffic, by requesting an evaluation.
Contact Us for Evaluations
Use our online forms to submit your structure for assessment.
Need More Information? Contact our team for detailed guidelines and assistance with your evaluation needs.
Benefits of Our Service
Safety Assurance
Knowing your structure meets safety standards and that you are contributing to a safe and efficient airspace.
Compliance: Adhering to regulations helps avoid potential stop orders, restrictions, and/or fines while ensuring harmonious development around aerodromes.
When buildings encroach on the airspace needed for aircraft operations, a conflict of interest, as well as potential risks, arise between property owners and airport operators. If these differences cannot be resolved, it becomes necessary for the civil aviation authority to establish restrictions to limit operations and developments, in the interest of safety.
If tall structures are erected in or near areas otherwise suitable for instrument approach procedures, such structures may limit the desired flexibility for radar vectoring, initial approaches, or the facility for an aircraft to turn en route, during the departure climb or during a missed approach.
Control of obstacles in the vicinity of airports is, therefore, a matter of national interest and concern to the government, local communities, property owners, and airport authorities. The Jamaican government, through the Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority, has the authority to establish criteria for the limitation of obstacles and to provide guidelines to those directly concerned with plans to erect tall structures.
Access Obstacle Evaluation Application Forms here.
Procedures Design Service
The JCAA’s Procedures Design service focuses on developing and maintaining precise air navigation procedures to ensure safe and efficient aircraft operations within the Kingston Flight Information Region (FIR).
Among other responsibilities, the unit:
- Creates and oversees the implementation of Procedures for Air Navigation Services – Aircraft Operations (PANS-OPS).
- Continuously develops and maintains both instrument approach, departure, and visual flight procedures, that adhere to The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs).
Optimized Airspace Utilization:
By refining the airspace design, and developing Air Traffic Service (ATS) routes that align with international standards, the JCAA’s procedures design activities contribute to enhanced air traffic flow, and the implementation of Performance-Based Navigation (PBN).
Safety as a Priority
The JCAA ensures that all procedures maintain a safe margin from terrain and known obstacles, to optimise air traffic flow and enhance operational safety and efficiency.
Charting Services
Aeronautical charting is vital for ensuring the safety and efficiency of air travel, by providing essential navigational information. The JCAA’s Charting Unit is dedicated to developing and maintaining high-quality aeronautical charts for the Kingston Flight Information Region (FIR).
Our Charts include:
- Airspace Configuration: Detailed information about the structure and boundaries of the airspace.
- Aerodrome Layouts: Clear depictions of airport layouts, including runways, taxiways, and other critical features.
- Airways/Routes: Comprehensive details of airways and flight routes to guide pilots.
- Navigational Aids: Information on various navigational aids to support accurate and safe navigation.
The JCAA’s charts meet the highest standards of quality and accuracy, while ensuring the integrity and reliability of aeronautical data, in accordance with ICAO’s Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs).
Easy Registration: Access our charts through our E-PUBs Portal. Register here for all valid static publications.
Stay Informed: Check regularly for updates and new chart releases to ensure you have the most current information.
Get in Touch
Contact our Charting Unit for any inquiries or support regarding aeronautical charts.
Database Management Services
The JCAA’s Database Management Services are designed to ensure the efficient provision of high-quality aeronautical information.
We are committed to maintaining a robust Aeronautical Information Management (AIM) database system, which is critical for the seamless flow and integrity of data, essential for air traffic management.
Key Features of Our Database Management Services
Continuous Monitoring and Optimization
Using robust data chain management practices, we continuously monitor and optimize aeronautical information, throughout its lifecycle, to ensure data accuracy and reliability.
Adherence to International Standards
Our processes are designed to strictly comply with the Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
We focus on designing, testing, and configuring accurate and efficient process workflows for all AIM functional units, to ensure the highest standards of quality.
Efficient System Administration
The unit routinely manages and administers the aeronautical information management system, on a daily basis, to ensure its continuous and reliable operation.
Technical Support: We systematically monitor the database to promptly resolve technical issues.
User Support: Continuous support and timely updates are provided to ensure the system meets the evolving needs of stakeholders.
Get Involved
To learn more about our Database Management Services, or to see how we can support your specific needs, please contact us or visit our website. We are dedicated to providing you with the highest quality aeronautical information to ensure safe and efficient air navigation.