A publication of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association
Issue link: http://natca.uberflip.com/i/1104355
Global Data Link (GOLD) Meeting NATCA was invited to participate in the Seattle GOLD April 1-5. This was a preparation meeting for the panel meeting in Singapore slotted for late May. Two important issues the international community wanted to eliminate was the downlink message for "Pilots Discretion," and the ability to deny a clearance due to traffic, while issuing an alternate clearance in one singular message. Both of the downlinks are used frequently by all three FAA oceanic sites. NATCA and the U.S.-based pilots were able to build and express a legitimate case to keep these dynamics in the GOLD manual. It is our position that although global harmony is important, our paramount concern is protecting the integrity of the NAS which is the largest most complex airspace in the world. FAA operational representation is a must for international meetings and workgroups. FDN/NCP Status This month, we have finished, or are in the process of working the following: • 56730 – ZNY ATOP incorrectly indicates that it is not CDA when a CPDLC response is not received – done. • 56111 – ZOA unable to input SIGMET Whiskey 1 – Increase Base Sectors due Feb. 18. • 51500 – 23nm Lateral Separation originally due Nov. 15, 2018, but changes to the FDN are going to be discussed at the ATOP team meeting. At some level we are also discussing the following related to either 23 lat or 20 long: • 52196 – Feedback message when trying to apply three or D flags is incorrect. • 56196 – Enhanced trial probe for OOC reports. • 56532 – Unable to apply 30/30 or D50 until an ADS-C and CPDLC connection has been established. • 51586 – Weather deviation follow-up to 51050. • 56179 – 20nm longitudinal separation. • 56397 – Failure mode enhancement. • 56398 – Performance enhancement: improved monitoring capabilities for communication and surveillance network performance. PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS Garth Koleszar (ZLA), Lydia Baune (GEG), and Josh Cooper (SCT) are members of the National Professional Standards committee. Their report is below: The Professional Standards program is in its ninth year and continues to have a positive impact on the professionalism of controllers nationwide. The program has about 530 active members, with a total of nearly 1,000 trained to serve as committee members representing every facility in the National Airspace System. Committee members receive training on communication skills and conflict resolution during a three-day course taught by NATCA. We have two upcoming classes on the schedule: at ZHU May 7-9 and at ZAB May 14-16. We have one additional class for our district chairpersons.