Question: Defining required traffic metering accuracy

Which arrival traffic metering accuracy is needed in order to achieve goals set in our operational concept? Examples of such goals are: environmental performance (aircraft noise), flight efficiency (fuel consumption) airspace/runway capacity or controller workload. 

Solution:

• Analysis of current and desired operational situation (see Working Method).
• The results of the analysis are used to calculate the achievable metering accuracy given the target situation.
• The calculations will take into account all relevant material like: flight profiles, airspace design, operating practices (pilots and controllers), fleet mix, etc.

The result of the activity may consist of:

• Adjustments to the targeted Operational Concept that were identified as required to achieve metering accuracy.
• If desired, instead of changing the Operational Concept, the outcome could be defined in terms of achievable accuracy and corresponding ATM System operation performance (environmental, efficiency or capacity).
• A set of detailed ATM System requirements that can be used as input to implement the changes to obtain the targets set. These requirement can pertain to technical systems, procedures or operating practices.

Question: Implementing a modified Operational Concept

We have identified the changes we need in our operational concepts, but how do we find a balanced mapping of these conceptual requirements onto system modifications, procedural changes or controller skills?  

Solution:

• Analysis of current and desired operational situation (see Working Method).
• The initial analysis will feed the process of a detailed design activity in which:
• • Alternative implementation schemes (allocation to systems, procedures or practices) are identified.
  • The pros and cons of each scheme are qualified and quantified to the extent possible.
  • The implementation scheme of choice is used to detail further implementation requirements to each area involved. For example: it may be decided that a new tool is not going to be needed after all, but rather special focussed controller training supported by procedure enhancements will achieve the goal that was set.

Question: Integrating a new tool into the Operational Concept

We have identified or acquired a tool that will be used to support improvements in our operational concept. What are the requirements that we have to impose on the configuration and use of this tool in order to satisfy the requirements set by the operational concept?

Such a question may often arise when sophisticated ATM technical tools are introduced and their performance aspects are complex to harness. In order to integrate the tool into the Operational Concept however, a clear set of performance parameters need to be defined and implemented.

Solution:

• The functionality of the tool and the characteristics of the current operational situation are analyzed. (see Working Method).
• A detailed design activity is executed to derive:
• • methods and techniques to quantify the operational performance of the tool
  • if not available, operational performance parameters to integrate with the parameters identified for the tool performance
  • possible changes needed to operational procedures
  • training courses for controllers
  • consultation with airline representatives about airline/pilot operating practices