A publication of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association
Issue link: http://natca.uberflip.com/i/1156478
was a great example of this programmatic collaboration and I would like to thank TFDM representatives for helping to make this familiarization trip happen. The Ops Team members spent two days together with local SMEs getting a deeper understanding of the EFS system . This familiarization work will help in the near future as the TBFM Ops Team is already being asked technical/operational questions by engineering as to how certain facets of TBFM should integrate with the TFDM system. The first of a new series of TBFM Enhancement 2 (previously known as Workpackage 4) requirement meetings was held in Washington, D.C. this week. TBFM Ops team members attended, along with a number of NATCA FTRs and other representatives. The purpose of these meetings will be to work through a series of topics relating to new technologies/capabilities that will be part of the TBFM system in the future. During the week of July 15, TBFM Ops Team members travelled to ZME, BNA, and LIT to verify the installation of IDSTs for IDAC. BNA Tower - Since we had two workstation configurations at BNA, it took longer for us to install in the cab. Engineering Services were able to install the articulating arms in the cab at both positions and mounted the monitors on them per AT instructions. However, once hardware was installed, there was an FTI connection issue. The FTI POC from the cutover team worked with the team to resolve the issue. Once fixed and after software updates, the team was able to start testing and completed the installations successfully. LIT Tower - The LIT installation went well and there were no major issues found. The facility requested equipment to be set up at another location to facilitate training. This request was worked on and will be in place when the Ops Team returns for IDAC training in August. During the week of July 22, TBFM Ops Team members travelled to ZME, HSV, and JAN to verify the installation of IDSTs for IDAC. HSV Tower - The team briefed with representatives from Tech Ops and AT. The install was completed with very little issues, allowing the TBFM team to complete the install checklist with no problems. During the outbrief, the facility advised that they had completed the ELMS course and had named 2 cadre. JAN Tower - IDST equipment installment was initiated the first morning. While equipment installation was conducted, the Ops team trained three personnel from JAN air traffic staff as SMEs. The second day, the team conducted system checks and hands-on training. The system time in the upper right corner on the Notification Bar periodically flashes white, which makes the time unreadable. Leidos was made aware of the issue. During the week of July 29, keysite verifications of the new TBFM 4.8.4 System were conducted at ZOB, ZNY, PIT, and DTW. The purpose of keysites is to verify the functionality and stability of new TBFM releases at focused locations prior to national release. The system was loaded the first day in the support labs at ZOB and ZNY and local SMEs together with Ops team member and support representatives, checked out the system. Upon approval from the local TMU representatives, the system was loaded on Ops Tuesday night. During the next two days, the system was evaluated at not only ZOB and ZNY, but the IDSTs were verified at PIT and DTW . The 4.8.4 system allows for the scheduling of aircraft more than 30 minutes past current time and allows for multiple IDSTs to be used operationally at the same time. There were some minor issues found and they will be evaluated and worked on for national release.