A publication of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association
Issue link: http://natca.uberflip.com/i/905671
NATCA SBS continues to work with the Agency toward a more proactive approach to ADS - B avionics issues that result in position error. Though these are infrequent occurrences, the Agency's ability to respond has been hampered by a lack of resources, bureaucracy, and legal cons traints. These issues occur when standards for installation or configuration within aircraft or ground systems are not met. ADS - B is a cooperative surveillance source relying on the position information de termined onboard the aircraft. Multiple ATSAP rep orts have been file d on the known issues to date. Controllers and facilities are encouraged to report any identified events through ATSAP and any other mechanism. In order to reduce the number of safety compromising events in the NAS an effective, effici ent response mechanism is needed. The Agency has deployed additional mitigations including enhanced validation (EV) and a No Services Aircraft List (NSAL). Governance o f the NSAL has been a concern. Though all parties appear to be in agreement that is sues identified by facilities are not debatable, there is no formal governance at the moment and issues are being dealt with on a case - by - case basis. NATCA is working with the Agency to streamline thi s process as much as possible. However, all indication s are that there will always be lag time i n adding aircraft to the NSAL. First, the issue has to be identified by a facility after a significant event has occurred. Second , the PO needs to be notified. Third, the PO needs to direct the provider to imple ment the NSAL change. This can mean days pass before resolution. The current version of enhanced validation (EV) has a limited effect (15nm around a Te rminal Radar) on these issues. Additional EV techniques are being investigated to expand the range bey ond 15nm an d tighten the parameters used. Initial review of the operati onal implications is positive. Further, this is a real time benefit that li mits the effect on operati ons. The biggest question is fu nding and timing to implement. With 2020 approach ing rapidly, these changes are needed sooner than later to limit the random effects of avionics issues. SBS Article 114 work group discussions resulted in all B787 airc raft being placed on the NSAL. These aircraft have a latent avionics issue that causes false position information to b e displayed to the controller. This has alarmed several facilities and caused both SCT and NCT to demote ADS - B in their sort cell priorities. Boeing has released a Service Bu lletin to address the problem. United, American and a few foreign carriers have confirmed completing the Service Bulletin allowing the m to be removed from the NSAL. All other B787 aircraft will remain on the NSAL until verification of the Service Bulletin is received. Advanced IM After months of dela y, American Airlines has decided to go ahead with providing funding for equipping a portion of their fleet with ADS - B - In i n support of the AIRS project. It is widely believed that the success of this project will determine the future of upcoming ADSB - In a pplications. ASDE - X Tech Refresh: Dan Hamilton is working with Bridget Gee (runway safety Rep) In the development of Taxiway alerts. Tech refresh training continues to move forward as we roll it out to facilities. BOS PVD and BDL were trained the week o f Nov 6th. ASSC: CVG Cadre training will be conducted the week of Nov. 27 .