NATCA Bookshelf

National Office Update: Nov. 18-Dec. 22, 2019

A publication of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association

Issue link: http://natca.uberflip.com/i/1206003

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 30 of 37

Software meetings the week of Dec. 16 included final decisions on strip design and national adaptation parameters. This has been a long time coming but it is now set in stone. CHI decisions were also incorporated. In addition, TFDM Ops team spent two days answering questions on how the system should display and process information. The disconnect between controller and engineer was on full display. Multiple SIGs and CRs were discussed. Deployment wise, Nate Miller (NATCA TFDM) is working with CLT and LAX on final design review for hardware, the number of displays, and the final location in the tower. Mr. Rose has advised the Program Office of the possibility of sites requesting TFDM monitors in the TRACON when the TMU either moves downstairs or if that is where the TMU will be located. This is something that was not considered. PHL and CLT have already requested additional displays for the TRACON TMU. This is only an issue at up/down facilities. Additionally, an LGA site survey was conducted on Dec. 11. Nate Miller was in attendance to become familiar with the hardware deployment phase of TFDM. Advanced Electronic Flight Strips currently deployed at CLE, PHX, and CLT are receiving a new build, 5.7. PHX will be the keysite and testing occurred the week of Dec. 2. NATCA SMEs from all three facilities participated in the three-day event and deemed it suitable. Early January will see the initial deployment of the new software. TFDM Training Update Submitted by Bridget Brazelton (DEN) - Ms. Brazelton and the training team met in Atlantic City, N.J., this reporting period to review the final edits of the newly certified training courses (Terminal Flight Data Manager (TFDM) Air Traffic Control Specialist (ATCS) Course, Terminal Flight Data Manager (TFDM) Air Traffic Control Specialist (ATCS) Cadre Course, and TFDM Operations Supervisor (OS)/Controller-in-Charge (CIC)/Traffic Management Coordinator (TMC) Course). Although each iteration is improving, several edits were still not completed by the vendor and were sent back for inclusion. The training team attended a demonstration of TFDMs playback and recording capabilities at the William J. Hughes Technical Center. Users can view a video playback of a position's screen showing all strip marking and movements during a specified time period. There is a follow-up meeting scheduled in January at which QA/QC personnel will have the opportunity to weigh in on the software's scope and usability. Training for this feature is being developed as a briefing and accompanying job aid. Several follow-up meetings were held with Phoenix ATCT to further coordinate the facility's training plan. National Cadre are being scheduled to travel to the tower and teach the courses over a three-month period. Each training class will span four days. Between these formal training events, Ms. Brazelton was able to attend system testing in Atlantic City, N.J., as well as meetings held to discuss software development and changes, system requirements and human factors workgroups. This helps keep the

Articles in this issue

view archives of NATCA Bookshelf - National Office Update: Nov. 18-Dec. 22, 2019