A publication of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association
Issue link: http://natca.uberflip.com/i/862302
enabled yet, but it appears that it will be a very powerful new decision support system for TMCs once it is fully operational. Ultimately ATD - 2 should make TMC and controllers' jobs less complicated and allow us to be more efficient. Begin ning on Aug. 7 , NASA began providing training on the system to CLT TMCs and FLMs. ZDC TMCs will also receive training on the system prior to going live at the end of September. All training is sched uled to be complete by Sept. 15th. The way the ATD - 2 syst em integrates with existing TBFM means that what ZDC TMCs will see on their TBFM displays will be the same as what they are already used to seeing with other IDAC/IDST facilities. Therefore the impact to ZDC operation should be minimal if not an improvemen t. NASA is also training AAL Ramp personnel on their use of the Ramp Traffic Console part of the system. Departure metering is a relatively new concept between FAA and ramp management personnel to manage airport surface operations. While different forms of metering have been used at many airports across the NAS over the last several years, the use of an automated metering system is a relatively new development. ATD - 2 has been designed to emulate what is expected from an automated departure - metering progra m when the TFDM system becomes a reality in the next few years. Using automation to meter departures will reduce the number of phone calls and other voice communications necessary to conduct a departure metering program thus allowing for a more efficient u se of time and resources. Finally, NASA Public Affai rs personnel were in Charlotte T ower and TRACON last week taking video and photos of CLT personnel using the ATD - 2 system for a forthcoming informational video on the system. Interviews were conducted w ith NASA researchers, myself, and AAL ramp personnel for inclusion in the production. As always, I will continue looking out for the best interests of TMCs and controllers as this research project progresses. AIRSPACE Jim Davis (PCT) is the National Air s pace Representative for NATCA. Below are reports from the various airspace team leads and Mr. Davis : Florida Metroplex July 2017 Report Participated in briefing Airport Authorities status of Florida Metroplex Caribbean Group activ i t i es: Participated in Caribbean Study update meeting with ZMA and ZSU Participated in spectrum analysis for Caribbean Study Participated in t elcons with Industry Participated in numerous Caribbean, ZMA, ESA t eleconferences Submitted by Greg Harris, Florida Metroplex NATCA Art 48 rep and Caribbean Lead Las Vegas Metroplex To date the Las Vegas Metroplex has been waiting on ZLA to p rovide support to our project. They have been held up due to staffing issues, as well as wrapping up the