Advanced controller tools present an opportunity to look at managing the resources of the air traffic control workforce in new ways, especially when it comes to planning and pre-tactical tasks. With access to electronic flight data, decision-making tools such as what-if or look-see functions, the role of the planning controller has become more flexible. SESAR’s multi-sector planning solution reconsiders the usual air traffic control team – composed of a planner for each tactical controller – and proposes a structure whereby a planner can support two tactical controllers, each responsible for a different sector.
The new operating procedures are a direct result of enhancements to the planning tools, such as the aforementioned solution, which improve the efficiency of the planning and decision‑making process. They are not expected to be applicable to all sectors at all traffic levels, but a number of sectors can be combined in this way and operate efficiently at reasonably high traffic levels.
A further phase of solution development is extending the new team structure beyond one planner supporting two tactical controllers, to several tactical controllers under the responsibility of a single planner controller. This evolution will require developing the way in which boundaries are defined between planning and tactical control. The solution is available for industrialisation and is implemented in: Italy, Israel, Norway, Poland, Romania,
SJU references: #63/Release 2
Benefits
- Improved safety
- Optimised air navigation service provision
- Improved capacity
- Increased cost efficiency
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