A publication of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association
Issue link: http://natca.uberflip.com/i/626428
• Ray Adams (EWR) was in MSY last week to bring up version 12. This requires bringing up the new s oftware on one processor and then building the new adaptation. The next day the second processor is brought up on version 12 and then the systems are connected to mirror one another. The next night the group will test the new interface with ERAM that provi des additional information to TDLS to help build CPDLC messages. Once the test is completed, the other processor is connected and the new interface is used. The new interface provides full route information in the editor window and alerts controllers if an aircraft departs with a revision in the pick list. • SME s were also in AUS running Instructor Led Training on the new system for the controllers. This is not only training via PPT, but also includes a hands on portion delivered on a laptop that simulates t he TDLS system. This allows controllers to process clearances and view all of the indicators that are used in TDLS. • New national SME s were in ACY last week to receive training on the TDLS system. These new SME s will travel to waterfall sites to help answ er questions for the controllers that are turning up th e system. Some of these new SME s will also receive additional training so they can also lead the Instructor Led Training on PDC and CPDLC. There will be times in the waterfall when SME s will be at as man y as 8 sites at once. These SME s will be administering training, walking the floor to provide subject matter expertise, building adaptations, validating new interfaces , or assisting the local 48 teams during DataComm Functional Validation. INTEGRATED DISPLAY SYSTEM REPLACEMENT (IDS - R): Richie Smith (N90) represents the membership as the Article 48 Representative to IDS - R. Mr. Smith's report for this month is below. • The IDSR program is slowing spooling up after the holiday break. This past week NATCA witnessed testing of a " Delta Release " software patch intended to fix the difficulties encountered with the NIDS to ACE IDS interface. PIT is patiently and eagerly awaiting this fix so as to move forward in the NIDS process. The test passed and regression testing will be run until January 12th before a formal decision is made. One issue was uncovered and the engineering team at the tech center is working on a way to adapt the software to reflect NATCA ' s needs. A few option s should be ready to be presented t o NATCA by January 12th. Each facility that has an ACE IDS to NIDS interface will have the opportunity to customize their database to their needs. • As to the future of the NIDS waterfall, the Joint Resolution Council meeting is still set for January 21st. The program office will be presenting a proposal to cut the number of NIDS networks from 71 to 41. The list of networks that the FAA proposes to drop from the waterfall are: o N90 D2 1 CVG R90 BDL CRP ZSU ICT SDF SYR LEX ORF o RDU YNG HS V LIT TOL MOB M98 AVL A11 MEM C90 MGM o D01 TUL TYS GSO ACY MCI • It is the suggestion of the program office that the waterfall schedule exclude the facilities above and their intent is to have these same facilities be at the begi nning of the waterfall of the next IDS Replacement product - EIDS. This new product, EIDS, is intended to replace all existing IDS systems and ERIDS, giving