[Avionics Magazine 06-22-2016] U.K. Air Navigation Service Provider (ANSP) NATS has introduced AFPEX Lite, which provides a way for small General Aviation (GA) airfields to file and receive flight plans. The new service is designed for small airfields that want to send and receive up to 200 messages a month. AFPEx Lite offers elements of the full AFPEx service such as the ability to send and receive flight plans, as well as access to a help desk daily.
Aircraft coming in to land at Dunkeswell Airfield in Somerset. Photo: NATS UK.
The introduction of AFPEx Lite comes after NATS decided last year to begin charging users for the original AFPEx service following a review with the CAA. The move sparked significant debate and concern within the general aviation community, with the feedback prompting NATS to collaborate with the Airfield Operators Group (AOG) to find a way forward.
“We were very pleased that NATS agreed to meet the Airfield Operators Group having recognized the real potential that small airfields might be excluded from the new financial threshold set for AFPEx. The final solution negotiated, AFPEx Lite, will provide a welcome and more economic package for low usage airfields,” said Mike Pearson, chairman of the Airfield Operators Group.