ATC Showcases

Performing ILS inspection on airports with drones

Instrument Landing Systems (ILS) at airports are periodically calibrated using an aircraft equipped with a Flight Inspection System, such as the NLR Citation II research aircraft. If the ILS works well, and the transmission is free from disturbances, some periodic measurements can be carried out from or near the ground. This comprises Reduced Flight Inspection (ReFI). The main benefits of ReFI are 65% lower calibration cost, 90% less environmental impact (noise, emissions), and higher runway availability. The ground measurements can be carried out via Drone Flight Inspection (DFI).

Collins Aerospace and NATS to enter agreement to explore data-driven aviation solutions

Collins Aerospace and NATS plan to enter into an agreement to develop next-generation Air Traffic Management solutions and services that improve the performance of the global air transportation system. Through the agreement, Collins Aerospace and UK-based NATS expect to explore how the use of traditional and non-traditional aviation data can drive airspace efficiencies and create a data-centric approach to air traffic management.

Multiple Remote Tower - Is it becoming a reality soon?

By, Joern Jakobi, Business Manager, DLR and Michael Drews, Communications Manager, DLR. Do you know why planes are the safest means of transportation? One of the main reasons is air traffic services. Because they operate no matter how much traffic there is and always put safety first, these services can be costly to run. Particularly for airports where demand may be high on weekends and holidays, but low at other times of the week. Is there a way to offer the same or even higher level of service provision in a more cost-efficient way?

Simulator for Remote Tower Operations Training

by Kjell Arne Kamben, Edda Systems Avinor ANS, Norway, has opened the world’s largest Remote Towers Centre for live operations. To fulfil the corresponding training needs, in December 2021 Avinor ANS signed a contract with Edda Systems on delivery of a simulator for Remote Towers. Eight months later, in August 2022, the delivery was approved as successfully completed.Read the complete article here: ATC Network Special Bulletin - Remote & Digital Towers

Setting standards of excellence for a greener future

Authors: Michelle Bishop CANSO Director Programmes Nick Boud Think ResearchPrincipal Consultant In June this year CANSO announced GreenATM, their new independent, industry endorsed environmental accreditation programme for ANSPs. Why is GreenATM needed and what benefits does it present for participants? These are a couple of questions this article will address, as well as providing an insight into some of the topics assessed within GreenATM.

R&S®SERIES5200 Air Traffic Control Radios

Future-proof, reliable, and easy-to-use technology The R&S®Series5200 air traffic control radios from Rohde & Schwarz blend the company’s robust design philosophy, exacting research and development and uncompromising production standards. The result is a radio that is highly reliable, simple to use and easy to upgrade. Rohde & Schwarz has been involved in air traffic control (ATC) communications for 60 years, starting in the late 1960s and continuing unabated to the present day.