Airport Remote Radio Access System (ARRAS)

In the past, when general aviation pilots or commercial pilots at smaller, outlying airports wanted to receive an Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) clearance, they typically had to call the Flight Service Station (FSS) from the airport pay phone! But, with ARINC's Airport Remote Radio Access System (ARRAS), these pilots can receive IFR clearance from air traffic control (ATC) just prior to departure, while sitting comfortably in the cockpit. The ground communications outlet (GCO) link is made via a VHF radio interface to the public telephone network.

ARRAS is contained in a 19 x 3.5 x 15-inch package and is easy to install, because it does not require any aircraft modifications or changes to the ATC facility. The system uses commercial off-the-shelf hardware and specially modified software that makes installation and setup a snap and ensures compliance with all FAA and FCC requirements.

Once installed and set up, pilots activate the system with four "key clicks." ARRAS dials the appropriate ATC facility using a prestored number and issues voice prompts as the call progresses. When the call is answered, the pilot is in direct contact with ATC and can obtain, cancel, or close the IFR clearance.

Because ARRAS greatly improves the ability of pilots and ATC to communicate, it can help reduce airport flight delays in general—often up to several minutes per flight—by allowing ATC to open airspace for other operations and eliminate aircraft delays.