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Introduction
At the time of this printing, coverage is not available in all locations. See
our website at www.bendixking.com for network status.
When the network is fully deployed, continuous coverage of the conti-
nental US is possible at altitudes as low as 5,000 ft. AGL, except for
regions of precipitous terrain. As with all VHF communications, the line-
of-sight range increases with altitude. However, there is no appreciable
increase in coverage above 17,500 ft MSL. The following illustration
shows how altitude influences FIS coverage.
To receive FIS products, an aircraft must be equipped with a compatible
VDL receiver (KDR 510), dedicated VHF antenna, and appropriate dis-
play (KMD 550/850). FIS uses a one-way (ground-to-air) broadcast pro-
tocol. Data is continually broadcast without the need to request informa-
tion, nor acknowledge receipt.
Both basic (no-cost) and value added fee-based products are trans-
mitted. Basic products are displayed using standard ICAO/WMO textual
format. Most fee-based products are displayed in a graphical form.
The following basic services are obtained through a no-cost subscription
service:
Aviation Routine Weather Reports (METARs)
Aviation Selected Special Weather Reports (SPECIs)
Terminal Area Forecasts (TAFs)
Pilot Reports (PIREPs)
The following are offered through a fee-based subscription service:
NEXRAD Base Reflectivity
Graphical METARs
The ground station network repetitively broadcasts the same product
until either newer data is available or the information has exceeded a
pre-determined expiration time. Basic products are broadcast at least
once every 5 minutes.
Revision 2 Nov/2002
2
KMD 550/850 FIS Addendum
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