A publication of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association
Issue link: http://natca.uberflip.com/i/1217493
• The next AIRS meeting occurred the second week of January in Phoenix. The agenda focused on equipage indicators as well as CAVS and CAS discussions. Terminal Fusion - • The Fusion Focus Group continues to track and resolve facility reported issues with Fusion. These are largely issues with the underlying surveillance infrastructure, and experts from all fields are available to assist. Please report any issues to your OSF and our NATCA SBS group for assistance. It is critical that actual data is recorded for evaluation and resolution. • Mr. Stachowiak wants to know if there are any facilities NOT on Fusion? If so, please reach out: andrewjstachowiak@yahoo.com. We are always evaluating additional surveillance sources to help any Fusion-related challenges. Vehicle ADS-B - • 1,565 vehicles equipped at 23 airports. • DCA and IAD vehicle transmit maps have been approved by both facilities and have moved on for final approval. • PDX began equipping vehicles before the end of 2019. UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS (UAS) Tony Walsh (ZMP) is the NATCA Article 114 Rep for UAS. UAS Article 114 Representative Changes - Jeff Richards has moved into full retirement and will no longer be working with the UAS program. We thank Jeff for his years of excellent work representing NATCA in the world of UAS integration. Additionally, Steve Weidner also retired from the FAA at the end of December. Tony Walsh (ZMP) has taken over as the National UAS Rep for NATCA. Mr. Weidner will be working for NATCA full-time and will assist Mr. Walsh with UAS integration. Recreational UAS Operations Above 400' AGL Tabletop - In preparation for an SRMP on recreational UAS operations above 400' AGL, a tabletop exercise was held to go over potential scenarios and identify issues with operations in that airspace. John Murdock (PHL/NATCA AJV8 Rep/NATCA Wake Rep) participated on behalf of NATCA. Representatives from various offices within the Agency as well as outside entities (ALPA, AMA, DOD, etc.) participated. National SRMP for Recreational UAS Operations Above 400' AGL - Identified areas of concern from the table-top exercise were brought before an SRMP. NATCA was again represented by John Murdock on this panel. The panel identified three hazards, all of which were mitigated down to medium hazards. The hazards and mitigations identified during this panel were then used as general guidelines for four local SRMPs that were conducted the following week. Those hazards were: • UAS operator loses situational awareness of the aircraft they are operating; • Inability of the UA to respond as directed; and • Ability to authorize UAS operations in proximity to manned aircraft above 400' AGL or above the UAS Facility Map altitudes.