A publication of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association
Issue link: http://natca.uberflip.com/i/1182646
able to run AEFS on TFDM monitors. This test was a success and next will be the switch that will be used to transition between AEFS and TFDM. This is exactly like the switch that was used between CARTS and STARS when the transition happened at the Big 11 TRACONS. AEFS build 5.7 will also be tested and deployed over the next couple months. The AEFS build 5.7 SRMP was completed on Oct. 7, and all findings forwarded to AJT for signature. The build was deemed safe for operational use. Departure Spacing Program (DSP) in the Northeast Corridor will be replaced eventually by TFDM. Mr. Rose advised the Agency that if they want to deploy TFDM on time in the Northeast that updates and changes to DSP need to halt to ensure TFDM can mimic DSP. If changes are made late in the game, folks may have issues switching to a new piece of equipment which does not have the same functionality. The CLE Site Implementation Review (SIR) meeting was attended via telcon by Mr. Rose and Robert Kerr (NATCA CLE). There are no major issues to report. TFDM Training Update Submitted by Bridget Brazelton (DEN) - First Course Conduct (FCC) happened Oct. 22-31 for the three TFDM training courses: Air Traffic Control Specialist, OS/CIC/TMC, and the Air Traffic Control Specialist Cadre course. Ms. Brazelton, John Short (NATCA DFW), and members of the TFDM training team taught FCC. In advance of this effort, Ms. Brazelton traveled to Atlantic City for a final course walk-through and review of the recently updated materials with FAA Training (AJI). Twelve NATCA cadre and two contractors have been trained over the last two months, with six more onboarding in the near future. The training team attended a briefing in Atlantic City regarding the recall and playback capabilities of the TFDM system. The meeting provided the opportunity to give early feedback on QA/QC briefing materials currently in development for use in the field. Ms. Brazelton attended a meeting with LEIDOS and the FAA concerning a SIG (System Issue Group) written to upgrade the training simulator. Requested improvements include the addition of a scenario pause button, the ability to simulate amendments to ERAM flight fields, as well as simplification of the power-up, power-down, and restart process. Current procedures to restart the system are not only lengthy but often require on-site technical support. Discussions are continuing regarding the best process to make changes to a facility's adaptation after initial deployment. Earlier in the program's development, a course number was earmarked for adaptation training. At this stage NATCA TFDM determined the user interface for adaptation to be too complex and technical to be done locally. The responsibility will remain with second level engineering (TSLE) and changes will be made at the request of the facility. Adaptation specialists chosen by each facility will attend the TFDM ATCS and OS/CIC/TMC courses for general system familiarization. Additional adaptation familiarization training provided by TSLE will quickly follow to ensure local SMEs have the knowledge required to help adapt local systems. The first adaptation familiarization is slated for January 2020.