NATCA Bookshelf

33 NextGen Now | Winter 2014 extrapolation/updating of future routing. This also includes automatically triggering the ATCOs attention regarding planned activation of military airspace along the flight path. Controller-Pilot Data Link Communications (CPDLC) assist controllers today at several airports and en route facilities in Europe with the transmission of departure, arrivals and any other instructions, such as frequency changes, SSR code changes, etc. Short-Term Air Traffic Flow Management Measures (STAM), such as minor ground delays, flight level capping, and minor re-routings applied to a limited number of flights can reduce the complexity of anticipated traffic peaks. Flow Management Positions (FMP) are therefore called to increasingly play a key role in bridging the gap between ATFCM and ATC; some already use occupancy counts to identify "hotspots" in traffic bunching. From a Functional Airspace Block (FAB) perspective, several improvements have been seen reference the arrival management of flows for major European hubs, including Paris, Amsterdam, Munich, Frankfurt, and London Heathrow (XMAN - cross-centre arrival manager), introducing speed control from as far as 350NM out – reducing holding time as well as CO2 emissions. From an organizational point of view, the cooperation between Naviair (Denmark) and LFV (Sweden) related to the Danish/Swedish Functional Airspace Block and establishment of the joint subsidiary NUAC has been selected as one of the 10 most successful transport projects in Europe. The COOPeration of Air Navigation Service Providers (COOPANS), in combination with the system supplier Thales, has significantly assisted in system consolidation and design of a single operating platform. So – all is well in Europe and with SESAR? Despite the efforts being made, many achievements give the impression of being more of a patchwork exercise rather than being a Europe-wide accepted and supported initiative. The data-link service implementation is lacking system support and wider application. An increasing amount of data-link communication failures (ATN disconnections – provider aborts) due to network problems are increasingly frustrating for both aircrews and air traffic controllers. We furthermore witness system implementations disregarding agreed ICAO annexes regarding Safety Management Systems with change management processes being contrary to every known best practice measure. Poor standards in system conception and ergonomics defeat the purpose of assisting and enhancing the air traffic controllers' work. The work of IFATCA is crucial for the future of our profession. This is to assist our members in their bottom-up approach to improve the day-to-day work and to guarantee the safety of the flying public. IFATCA enjoys a worldwide reputation amongst all partners in Air Traffic Management with representation in many areas, including ICAO and Eurocontrol working groups. Promoting safety and efficiency in international air navigation is of paramount importance to us. Not everything is well in the SESAR world – but we continue to work on it!

• Cover