A publication of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association
Issue link: http://natca.uberflip.com/i/572176
Through Data Comm, controllers and pilots can send and receive digital data instructions to each other, supplementing existing voice communications. By conducting departure clearances more efficiently, we'll be a ble to reduce taxi out times, thus redu cing delays and fuel emissions. We're also reducing controller and pilot workload, congestion on the airwaves, and the likelihood of communication errors that can occur from voice exchange. Key site deployment is the start of a long implementation process. There are many, many people that deserve credi t for getting us to this point. Everyone at Salt Lake, Bush and Hobby control towers worked hard to install, test, train on, and manage this new capability. Prior to that , our folks at Boise Tower helped us see how the new tower data link service (TDLS) software code would work in a real - time operations environment, so we could identify and fix problems early in the process. Salt Lake, Houston and Atlanta en route centers configured their ERAM system so flight data can be transmitted to the control towers, enabling the departure clearance capability. ERAM second level engineering at the Tech Center, the TDLS second level engineering team at the Aeronautical Center, and Nati onal Enterprise Operations personnel in Salt Lake and Atlanta w ere a big part of this process. Of course, I also want to thank the PMO and our labor partners, NATCA, PASS and NAGE, for collaborating at both the national and local facility levels so we coul d accomplish these milestones. At the key sites, we're working closely with aircraft operators including Southwest, UPS, FedEx, and United, who are providing and training dedicated flight crews so w e can test this new capability. We're also working with th e Air Force, which has an air national guard base at Salt Lake airport, making this a good example of cross - governmental teamwork. Although I can't acknowledge everyone, I want to thank all those who have helped us reach this point. Implementing Data Comm is one of the four NextGen priorities designated by the FAA in 2014, along with increasing the use of performance - based navigation, making multiple runway operations more efficient, and improving surfa ce operations and data sharing. We believe, and industr y agrees, that progress in these areas will provide the most signifi cant benefits in the near term. Data Comm's key site deployment is a big step toward fulfill ing these priority commitments. We'll continue to deploy at 53 more control towers before starti ng implementation of Data Comm's en route services. Let's continue to work together and safely embrace these new capabilities. Thanks everyone, Teri L. Bristol ATO Chief Operating Officer MEMBERSHIP AND MARKETING DEPARTMENT WHAT'S NEW AT NATCA STORE: Briefcase Denier nylon briefcase with removable padded inserts. Molded rubber top carry handle, quick release flap buckle, adjustable and detach a ble shoulder strap. Real zip - close po cket, multiple inside pockets. Measuring 17 " x12 " x 3.50 ". NATCA l ogo embroidered. Now available in black. Price: $43. Made in USA. Click HERE to view the item and order from the NATCA Store. Select USPS or UPS as your shipp ing preference on your orders. Reminder: Apparel items take 3 - 4 weeks to deliver from date of order. If you need items by a certain date, please contact