A recently completed SESAR validation exercise (EXE-04.07.08-VP-687) has shown the potential of a new control function and support tool to help clearing air traffic flow and capacity hotspots in Europe’s ATM. Taking place in Reims, the exercise illustrated how this new tool can improve air traffic controllers’ situational awareness, allowing them to perform early complexity alleviation measures.

The trial took place as part of the SESAR drive to refine the role and responsibilities of the controller team organisation in line with the Programme’s dynamic Demand and Capacity Balancing (dDCB) concept. This concept is paving the way to realising SESAR vision of flow-centric operations. In this framework, a number of solutions are being validated, such as the Extended Air Traffic Control Planner (EAP).

The trials validated the introduction of EAP as a new function aimed at bridging the gap between Air Traffic Flow and Capacity Management (ATFCM) and Air Traffic Control (ATC). When traffic is both high and complex, classic ATFCM/ATC procedures are not responsive enough to alleviate ATFCM hotspots in real-time and to fine-tune mitigation measures. To address this shortcoming, SESAR member DSNA makes use of the EAP to apply dynamic-ATFCM in its day-to-day operations, within a much shorter time frame than has been possible before. This new function aims at identifying and clearing ATFCM hotspots, and performing early complexity alleviation measures close to ATC activities.

To support the EAP function a new tool has been developed that:

• Supports the Local Traffic Manager by identifying ATFCM hotspots and proposes options to clear them;
• Identifies Short Term ATFCM Measures (STAM) candidates; and
• Coordinates and monitors STAM implementation by ATC sectors.

The live trial evaluated a complete EAP and Control Working Position. Delphine, an air traffic controller at Reims UAC, said: “The first feedback is very positive and promising. ATFCM experts and ATCOs on the job are welcoming the supporting tool that is ensuring a complete information and coordination process as well as providing ATC sectors with a better situational awareness of the ongoing ATFCM situation”.

The next steps are to improve the complexity assessment and resolution, which will be undertaken by DSNA with the support of ENAC, the French civil aviation Academy. Together they will continue to refine the EAP solution in a Free Route context and to start deployment into operation at Reims UAC early in 2016.

Photo credit: Copyright DSNA