ARINC Solves Flight-Following Problem Near
New Zealand

Communications via HF radio in the region around Antarctica are often limited by atmospheric conditions. Using ICEAREA and ARC/Info, ARINC performed a communications coverage analysis of an omnidirectional antenna located at McMurdo, Antarctica. The image of the geographic map overlay shows that radio coverage for flights between that continent and New Zealand is inadequate—90% of the time, planes cannot remain in contact as they approach or leave New Zealand.

ARINC then reanalyzed the coverage using a rhombic antenna system. Now, coverage extends well beyond New Zealand and controllers never lose radio contact with pilots. Displaying the results on a broad-scale geographic map overlay immediately shows the difference—planes will remain in contact with flight controllers essentially all of the time, regardless of atmospheric conditions.