The content of this chapter is relevant to using a HTML browser in order to consult the content of an eAIP in HTML format.

The eAIP may be presented on two different media - on paper and on the screen. Presenting the information on a computer screen and presenting the same information on paper have different constraints. XML and HTML are Web technologies, developed specifically to display information on computer screens.

It is probable that most users will consult the content of an eAIP through the use of a HTML browser. Occasionally, a user may need to print parts of the eAIP and shall use the PDF format for this purpose. HTML is the preferred format for consulting an eAIP dues to its enhanced capabilities, such as:

  • Pop-up hints;

  • The presentation of dynamic content (for example, annotations with Notice to Airmen (NOTAM));

  • The ability to view changes on demand.

There are some differences between these:

  • An A4 sheet of paper, which is the typical AIP format, printed with a 300 dpi printer has a width of approximately 2400 pixels;

  • A typical computer screen has 1024 pixels, which is half of the width of the A4 paper. For the text to remain legible, the length of a text line shall be reduced by at least one third when compared with A4 paper.

On the other hand, the concept of fixed length pages does not apply to the computer screen. For electronic presentation, it is more natural to group the information in chapters, per subject.

An eAIP consists of a set of eAIP/eSUP and eAIC files which are issued collectively on a common publication date. Typically, Aeronautical Information Services (AIS) websites featuring eAIPs shall present the eAIPs history on the “start page”, for all eAIPs. This history page shall list all eAIPs already published. The first eAIP listed shall be the currently effective one[1], followed by any eAIP already published but not yet effective. Finally, expired eAIPs shall be listed as well. The screenshot below shows the history page of EUROCONTROL's eAIPs specimen.

For each eAIP listed, a link shall be provided through its effective date, which links to the eAIP cover page, displayed within the full HTML interface.

eAIPs provided on CD-ROM may include this history page as well, although with fewer eAIPs listed. At least two eAIPs will be listed, the current and next AMDT and any AICs and SUPs from previous eAIPs which are still active.

Note

This feature is not available within the European AIS Database (EAD)/Published AIP Management System (PAMS). PAMS provides its own way of accessing expired eAIPs.

The cover page is the default start page of a given eAIP. It displays the publication and effective dates, and content description provided by the publisher.

The eAIP Menu is shown below and shall include the following details:

(1)

Logo of publishing organisation or national flag(s);

(2)

State(s);

(3)

Link to this eAIP's cover page;

(4)

Link to list of past, current and future AMDTs (not available within EAD/PAMS;[2]);

(5)

Link to current page in PDF format (not available within EAD/PAMS;[3]);

(6)

General help information about the eAIP;

(7)

Links to current page in other languages, if available.

When selecting the AMDT tab and highlighting a particular amendment, the AIP section shall have a check box in the top right corner, which shall allow the user to select whether to graphically display the changes in the AIP. The user shall tick () this check box to display differences between current and previous version of the visible AIP section.

Note

"current version", refers to the version of the AIP which is open, and whose effective date is indicated in the table of contents and list of changes. This is not necessarily the currently effective AIP.

The Amendments shall be interpreted in the following way:

  • First the "Show Amendments" shall be ticked ();

  • Inserted text blocks shall have a light shade of pink or blue background;

  • Deleted text blocks shall have a darker shade of pink or blue background and shall be struck-through;

  • Pink shades shall denote AIRAC Amendments, while blue shades indicate non-AIRAC ones;

  • Placing the mouse pointer over changed text shall display its effective date.

    Note

    There may be no change in the section being consulted even if "Show Amendments" is ticked.

Other navigation and browsing features may be available, such as "Hint" text for abbreviations and location indicators, internal links, content of remarks included by reference, etc. Some of these are presented as part of the eAIP Specimen chapter.



[1] Users should nevertheless check the effective date, to be sure that they are browsing the correct document.

[2] EAD/PAMS provides its own way of accessing expired eAIPs.

[3] EAD/PAMS provides its own way of accessing PDF files.