Technology has created the possibility to provide aerodrome control service from a location other than the aerodrome itself. This new concept is being developed both in SESAR and NEXTGEN and is also studied in other countries such as Australia.
IFATCA Provisional Policy is:When implementing DATS, standards, procedures, guidance and clear requirements shall be developed. Requirements at a minimum should include, but are not limited to:
For reasons of safety and human factors issues the minimum frame rate in a digital air traffic services unit shall be 25 FPS. DATS shall provide an equivalent or greater level of safety, compared to the previous configuration. When replacing a conventional tower, DATS should be capable of providing an equivalent or greater level of service as the aerodrome control tower. Standardised training requirements shall be developed for all ATCOs that work directly or indirectly with DATS. A specific endorsement is required to operate at an aerodrome where DATS are provided. When an ATCO is endorsed to provide ATS at more than one aerodrome, special consideration shall be given to the associated human factors issues. IFATCA currently does not support the provision of DATS to multiple aerodromes simultaneously due to the lack of knowledge about the operational hazards, the effects of the operational mode and the associated risks. |
