NATCA Bookshelf

• ADS-B IOCs have been completed at all En route (ERAM and MEARTS) facilities. All ERAM sites have promoted ADS-B to the top of their sort cells. All four MEARTS facilities are operating on Fusion. Radar Divestiture: • Over two years ago, the NATCA SBS team started a collaboration with the Agency in efforts to optimize the NAS. Due to the implementation of ADS-B, it was realized that modifying our radar infrastructure could benefit the presentations we all use on a daily basis. How so you ask? During the FUSION Rollout, it was discovered that radar overlap, and radar reflection could cause issues such as false targets and target "stitching." Additionally, with ADS-B becoming a primary surveillance source, the team agreed that it was time to start optimizing our efforts. • This program has now reached a point where communication and ongoing dialogue will begin soon with various facilities. It is important to keep in mind that no individual will walk into your building and instantly turn off a radar. However, there is an opportunity to divest radars in the NAS while maintaining a suitable level of surveillance coverage that meets each facility's operational needs. This will be a long and completely transparent process involving data gathering, expert analysis, local facility coordination, and a safety panel for each proposed radar removal. In some situations, additional radar feeds could be added to enhance surveillance. • As this program matures, activities and other information will be updated here. Additionally, if you have any questions or concerns, please contact Dan Hamilton at adsb@natca.net. Craig Bielek and Andrew Stachowiak - During the short week of Nov. 11, we participated in all-day meetings regarding radar divestiture, uAvionix SkyBeacon tracking issues research, surveillance analysis/enhancement, and planning for the upcoming TIM at the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center (MMAC) in OKC. The week of Nov. 18, we attended a highly detailed Technical Interchange Meeting (TIM) surrounding radar divestiture. There was strong involvement from a key group of experts that are tasked with making this program work. Participation from the PMO, NATCA, OSF, Tech Ops, and contracted Ops was vital to this three-day collaboration. More updates will follow as the group works through concepts and plans into analysis and action. The Track Based Display Mode (TBDM) three nm keysite activities that were scheduled for early December at ZSE and ZBW, have been pushed into January 2020. There was a meeting Dec. 10 that determined the schedules for these two facilities going forward. We are assisting in mitigating tracking issues revolving around low-cost uAvionix SkyBeacon transponders that are inexpensively installed in the wing-tips or tails of GA aircraft to meet the ADS-B out 2020-rule.

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