As the FAA and ICAO work to create harmonized global standards, procedures and guidance on SatVoice use, the agency recently published InFO 15008 to remind Iridium SatVoice operators of the approaching need to modify their equipment to ensure continuous positive communications to the flight deck. The changes will be required in all Part 121, 125 and 135 installations and operations centers to make them use safety voice systems if they intend to operate their SatVoice as a long-range communication system backup capable of replacing one of the high-frequency radio systems required to operate in the west Atlantic route system.

Iridium’s safety voice system prioritizes SatVoice calls to the cockpit so ATC can always communicate with pilots. The requirement for safety voice systems is expected to become applicable by November 2016, but does not apply to Inmarsat SatVoice systems.