afi met bulletins exchange (ambex) handbook - ICAO

AMBEX HANDBOOK 7th Ed. 8/58
2. AMBEX SCHEME - GENERAL
2.1 Objective
2.1.1 The main purpose of the AFI Meteorological Bulletins Exchange (AMBEX) Scheme is to:
2.2 Structure
• ensure the most efficient and economical exchange of operational meteorological
(OPMET) information within the AFI Region as well as with the other ICAO regions to
meet the requirements of users of OPMET information, and
• ensure the implementation of the OPMET-related SARPs in Annex 3 and Annex 10, and
the relevant provisions of the ICAO Air Navigation Plan (ANP) for the AFI Region in a
highly efficient and standardized way.
2.2.1 The above objective is achieved by implementing a number of AMBEX collecting and
disseminating centres (AMBEX centres), Regional OPMET data banks (RODBs)*, and inter-regional
OPMET gateways (IROGs). All these operational units form the AMBEX scheme. In order to ensure
seamless global exchange of the required OPMET information, the AMBEX Scheme should be
developed in compliance with similar structures in the other ICAO regions, as well as with the
aeronautical fixed system (AFS) satellite distribution systems used to disseminate OPMET data.
* Note: The AFI OPMET Regional Data BANKS are currently located in Dakar, Senegal and
Pretoria, South Africa.
2.3 Products
2.3.1 The AMBEX scheme prepares and delivers to the aviation users the required OPMET
information in the form of bulletins. The scheme should handle all types of OPMET information in
alphanumeric bulletin form and should provide facilities and services for scheduled and non-scheduled
delivery of OPMET information to users.
2.4 Communications -General
2.4.1 Use of AFS Components
According to Annex 3, 11.2,” telecommunications facilities used for the exchange of operational
meteorological information should be the aeronautical fixed service”. The use the AFS for the OPMET
exchange encompass two components:
• Use of terrestrial AFTN circuits; and
• Use of satellite distribution systems-SADIS .