Introduction

Equipment at ATC facilities is becoming increasingly more sophisticated, including the ability to record different data used by controllers. Advancement in technology enables various items of data to be recorded and it is important to determine what data is being saved, for what purpose the data will be used and by whom.

Discussion

For the purpose of this paper recorded data includes the following:

• voice recordings (radio, telephone, background voice, etc.)
• video recordings
• radar recordings
• computer recordings
• written recordings (strips, logs, etc.)

We require guidelines on the use of this recorded information by regulatory and safety authorities. These guidelines should reflect the importance of the confidentiality of this information.

Recorded data shall be used only in the following cases:

• when investigating ATC related accidents and incidents
• for search and rescue purposes
• when a controller wishes to review information regarding his own activities
• for the purposes of adjusting and repairing ATC equipment

Access to recorded data shall be limited to authorized personnel for the purposes listed above. There are many ways in which ATC data can be recorded and saved. It is imperative that in all cases, the recorded data used is the same as that which is presented to or originated by the controller.

Conclusion

IFATCA should establish policy on the use and access to ATC recorded data.

Recommendations

It is recommended that the following be accepted as IFATCA policy on the Use of Recorded Data:

a) Recorded data shall only be used in the following cases:

• when investigating ATC related accidents and incidents;
• for search and rescue purposes;
• when a controller wishes to review information regarding his own activities;
• for the purposes of adjusting and repairing ATC equipment.

b) Access to recorded data shall be limited to authorized personnel for the purposes listed in paragraph (a).

c) The recorded data used shall be the same as that which is presented to or originated by the controller.