This Standard describes the detailed NAS data specifications for use in defining all data interfaces controlled by the National Airspace System Configuration Control Board (NAS CCB) (e.g., interfaces specified in an Interface Requirements Document [IRD] - or, where there is no parent IRD for data specifications, the Interface Control Document [ICD] - that becomes a NAS Configuration Item [CI]).

Purpose. The purpose of this Standard is to establish and communicate application-independent data exchange requirements to be applied during the development and support of software systems. Each individual data standard is a description of a data element shared among NAS Information Systems and is portrayed through a common set of metadata (data about data). The metadata set is compliant with the recommendations set forth in ISO/IEC 11179 and follows best practices for managing shareable data. Appendix C of this document contains a list of the individual data standards that meet requirements of the NAS systems. This list, which is managed through the authority of the NAS CCB, is dynamic and changes to meet the information needs of the FAA. The individual data standards are maintained in the FAA Data Registry (FDR) tool and are available at the FDR Web site (see Appendix C).

Applicability. The established individual data standards shall be applied to new procurements through Acquisition management System (AMS) guidance and procedures. The FAA does not require the data standards to be retrofitted to existing NAS systems, although it is good practice to consider them during periods of software upgrade. Other NAS stakeholders are encouraged to adopt this Standard.