A publication of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association
Issue link: http://natca.uberflip.com/i/1033775
business case was built on an assumption that today's robust radar infrastructure could be reduced once ADS-B becomes the predominant surveillance source. • The Agency built their business case on an assumption that 100+ secondary radar sources could be removed throughout the NAS. This causes concern in airspace that does not require ADS-B (many Class D or other Approach Controls). NATCA has been pointing toward another option, removing overlapping radar sources completely, rather than harming operational capabilities nationwide. • The SPA WG has developed a draft list of 18 candidate sites for full removal. However, there are several that require more discussion and analysis. NATCA is working closely with the Agency on potential candidate sites. Another concern is the reliance on military radar sites to provide replacement coverage; these sites have historically had issues with availability and clutter. • NATCA and Ops Support SMEs from SBS have reviewed these 18 sites identified by the SPA WG. With assumptions made about military radar availability, ADS-B availability, overlapping radar coverage and more, the team found seven to be potential candidates. A quick look at the NAS based on these same assumptions identified an additional 15 potential candidates for removal. This is only a high level review and any actual decisions would occur post 2020 with local facility engagement. • An SRM Panel concluded that partial removal (only secondary or primary radar) actually resulted in higher risks than complete removal. This assumes that complete removal would only occur where the effects were minimized by other overlapping radar sources nearby. A subsequent panel meeting concluded that ATC services would need to remain identical from a high level perspective. Only at the local level can determinations be made to compromise on today's coverage. Terminal Fusion: • The Fusion Focus Group continues to track and resolve facility reported issues with Fusion. These are largely issues with the underlying surveillance infrastructure, and experts from all fields are available to assist. Please report any issues to your OSF and our NATCA SBS group for assistance. It is critical that actual data is recorded for evaluation and resolution. • SCT issues continue to be a large focus. NATCA SBS is heavily involved in the Surveillance Automation Analysis Team (SAAT), which is examining long term alternatives to help improve overall surveillance in the SCT airspace. The result is a multi-faceted approach including WAM, raising LGB radar, introducing other nearby radar feeds, STARS software changes, and radar software changes. In addition, SAAT is focused on mitigating tracking issues in the LA Basin due to the construction of the new NFL stadium on final approach to LAX. • The LGB radar site is now back online and in use at SCT. The radar site was raised from 37 feet to 67 feet. Feedback from SCT has been positive. • Agreements are being worked with the military to ensure availability and performance of the North Island radar. Adding this additional surveillance source shows promise for tracking issues around SAN airport.