The disturbing trend continues.
In previous posts I've lamented the loss of the PIRS, the closing of the GPO stores across the nation, and the fact that military manuals will no longer be available through inter-library loan. Now, the government wants to remove public access to air navigation information that has been publicly available since the 1940's.
Bethesda, Md, Dec 3, 2004 -- The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) announced November 18, 2004, it is considering withdrawing its Flight Information Publications (FLIP), Digital Aeronautical Flight Information File (DAFIF), and Navigation Planning Charts from public sale and distribution. NGA has proposed to implement the changes on October 1, 2005. Today, NGA invites public comment on the proposed action through June 30, 2005.
Comments may be returned to: aero.ocr@nga.mil
or mailed to:
National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency
Mail Stop D-111, Attn: Public Release of Aeronautical Products
4600 Sangamore Road
Bethesda, MD 20816-5003
DoD Flight Information Publications have been distributed to the public since the 1940's. A huge number of applications and computer navigation devices rely on DAFIF for up-to-date source data. It is the only public domain, global aviation database.
The Agency is considering this action principally because increased numbers of foreign source providers are claiming intellectual property rights or are forewarning NGA that they intend to copyright their source. NGA relies on foreign data obtained through bi-lateral geospatial information sharing agreements and through direct purchase from private foreign companies. This foreign produced source is merged and integrated with NGA produced data to create and maintain the aeronautical data and products in question.
If adopted, FLIP, DAFIF, and navigation planning charts will be available only through the Department of Defense (DOD) distribution system. U.S. Federal and State government agencies and authorized government contractors will not be affected by this action.
Terrorist threats are not mentioned in the NGA press statement.
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