The ATM system will continue to evolve through the use of technology. To permit certain categories of non-equipped flights to operate in mandatory equipage airspace, exemptions are given.
The controller is often used as the mitigation to permit these flights to operate, however there is a limit to the number of pieces of information, which can be displayed, either on the data display or the radar to indicate these exemptions, and also the cognitive function of the controller to react to numerous triggers.
Despite the use of individual safety case applications, there is an identified need to conduct a safety analysis on mixed mode operations, in all its variances.
IFATCA Policy is:Efforts should be undertaken to reduce existing Mixed Mode Operations by creating intrinsically safe solutions. Introductions of new Mixed Mode Operations should be avoided by creating intrinsically safe solutions. When safety of a Mixed Mode Operation cannot be completely managed at an intrinsic level, assessment shall take place to ensure that the change in the ATM system does not increase controller workload to an unacceptable level. |
| See: WP 96 – Buenos Aires 2003, WP 93 – Dubrovnik 2009, Resolution B21 – WP 60 – Virtual 2022 |
Last Update: July 20, 2022