Radio Rebirth: Discussing Matters with SCATANA, Airwaves Renewed
In times of crisis, the need for clear and efficient communication systems becomes paramount. This is especially true in the realm of aviation, where systems like the VOR (VHF omnidirectional range) and SCATANA (Special Aerospace and Transportation Advisory Committee Navigation Aids) play crucial roles.
VOR, a global system of short-range beacons, is used by aircraft to determine their direction of travel. Each VOR station encodes azimuth information by the phase difference between two synchronized 30 Hz signals modulated onto the carrier. These stations define the 'highways in the air' that criss-cross the country, with jet airliners following these paths due to VOR beacons.
SCATANA, on the other hand, is a plan designed to manage emergencies, particularly Defense Emergencies and Air Defense Emergencies. A Defense Emergency is an outright attack on the United States homeland, overseas forces, or allied forces, while an Air Defense Emergency is an aircraft or missile attack on the continental U.S., Canada, Alaska, or U.S. military installations in Greenland.
SCATANA's primary objectives are to restrict the availability of radio navigation aids during emergencies and to clear the airspace over the United States of unauthorized traffic. It coordinated military, aviation, and communications authorities to make decisions about shutting down the air traffic system in emergencies.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has jurisdiction over radio navigation aids and can shut down VOR/DME, ILS, MLS, LF and HF non-directional beacons in times of emergency. The specific instructions for shutting down navigational aids are not publicly disclosed but are likely to involve remote control and monitoring equipment.
SCATANA has only been used in anger once, on September 11, 2001, when a 'ground stop' order was issued without ordering the shutdown of navaids. This order resulted in about 4,200 in-flight aircraft being grounded within about two hours without further incidents. The skies above the country remained empty of civilian planes for the next two days following the ground stop on September 11, 2001.
The SCATANA plan was part of a series of systems developed during the atomic age for orderly management of potential catastrophes, known as the 'Radio Apocalypse' series. Hardened communications systems were also provided to allow survivors to coordinate relief and rebuild civilization.
The VOR network around the United States peaked at nearly 1,000 stations, but the FAA's Minimum Operational Network plan aims to retire all but 580 VOR stations. This reduction in the number of VOR stations highlights the evolving nature of aviation technology and the adaptation of emergency systems to meet modern needs.
The history of SCATANA dates back at least 20 years before its current name was adopted, with the earliest reference under its current name dating back to 1968. However, the essential elements of the plan seem to date back even further.
In conclusion, VOR and SCATANA are important components of the aviation emergency response system, providing essential navigation aids and ensuring the safety of aircraft during times of crisis. Their continued development and adaptation reflect the importance placed on ensuring the safety and efficiency of the air traffic system in the face of potential emergencies.
