NATCA Bookshelf

National Office Update: Dec. 30 - Feb. 3

A publication of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association

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• 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. 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. Andrew Stachowiak (I90) Terminal SBS SME - During the week of Dec. 16, we had our SBS quarterly meeting discussing the year in review of all of our programs. I participated in meetings updating Radar Divestiture, uAvionix SkyBeacon tracking issues research, and Surveillance Analysis/Enhancement. We also planned for Radar Divestiture tools testing at the WJHTC in Atlantic City, N.J. Track Based Display Mode (TBDM) 3nm keysite activities began Jan. 7 at ZSE and will begin Feb. 13 at ZBW. The ADS-B 2020 rule is in effect and we are closely monitoring any large groups of non-participants throughout the NAS. ADS-B Avionics Issues - • NATCA SBS continues to work with the Agency toward a more proactive approach to ADS-B avionics issues that result in position error. These issues occur when standards for installation or configuration within aircraft or ground systems are not met. ADS-B is a cooperative surveillance source relying on position accuracy determined onboard the aircraft. Controllers and facilities are encouraged to report any identified events through ATSAP and via automation trouble reports. • Issues with the uAvionix SkyBeacon wingtip mounted ADS-B unit used for general aviation aircraft are still being worked along with AVS (flight standards) and AIR (flight certification) in efforts to correct these issues. ASDE-X Tech Refresh - • Now that our terrestrial ADS-B infrastructure is deployed and the 2020 mandate is approaching, there is an ongoing discussion about the desire to stop supporting MLAT on the surface. ADS-B radios input to ASDE-X and ASSC offer

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