A publication of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association
Issue link: http://natca.uberflip.com/i/617391
o There will likely be changes to the availability of existing headset models regardless of the vendor selected, although the most popula r models will remain unchanged. · Potomac TRACON (PCT) is currently engaged in the SMS process t o investigate the removal of their existing Emergency Communications System (ECS). o Their existing system provides both A/G multi - cast capability and G/G backup. o An SRM panel convened in August on the removal of the ECS identified 2 high hazards. o The FAA may convene an additional panel to readdress the identified hazards. · Grand Rapids Tower/TRACON (GRR) is reporting multiple issues with their aging voice switch. There has been a Corrective Action Request (CAR - 2015 - 027) issued to investiga te. SURVEILLANCE and B ROADCAST SERVICES (SBS) OFFICE: Eric Labardini (ZHU) is the SBS Article 48 Representative. Mr. Labardini and the reports of other SBS Representatives are below. The NATCA Surveillance and Broadcas t Services (SBS) team includes: Eric Labardini (ZHU), National SBS Article 48 Rep, Craig Bielek (A90), Dan Hamilton (SFO), National Airport Surface Surveillance Capability (ASSC) Rep, Andrew Stachowiak (I90), and Tom Zarick (ZDV), National Interval Management Rep ADS - B: · As of this update, over 18,000 aircraft (over 10%) are equipped with ADS - B Rule compliant avionics in the NAS. The SBS Program Office is raising the concern with the user community in meetings such as Equip 2020 and others regarding the projected growth of ADS - B equipage versus the Jan uary 1, 2020 deadline to do so. Current projections fall short of the estimated tot al NAS fleet required t o equip. Users that wait too close to 2020 may find that the availability of installers falls short of demand. · ADS - B IOCs have taken place at all ERAM and MEARTS facilities. · 71 of 160 Terminal sites have reached their ADS - B IOC and the ma jority are operating on Fusion. The remaining Terminal sites are ARTS 2E sites awaiting an upgrade to the ELITE (STARS) build. The transition t o Fusion follows and ADS - B IOC. The most recent Terminal events: o Fresno Fusion, December 1 o South Bend ADS - B IOC, December 3 o Savannah Fusion, December 8 · In addition, new Terminal sites reaching IOC are promoting ADS - B as the priority sensor (above radar) while prior Terminal si tes are reconfiguring to do so. A plan to promote ADS - B in EnRoute site sort cells is being developed, and ZHU has been running in this configuration since mid - August. · All ADS - B Ba seline Radio Stations have been deployed across the NAS providing all the necessary coverage to at least equal r adar coverage if not exceed it. Expansion Radios are being deployed in: o Mexico (3 feeding the Gulf of Mexico) o Adak, AK o Bishop, CA