Air Traffic Management and Capacity Management

Capacity Management

3.1.1 General

The capacity of an Air Traffic Services (ATS) system is influenced by several factors, including:

• ATS Route Structure: The design and layout of the air traffic routes.
• Navigation Accuracy: The precision with which aircraft navigate through airspace, which is essential for maintaining safe distances between aircraft.
• Weather-Related Factors: Weather can impose restrictions on visibility and route options, thereby affecting traffic flow.
• Controller Workload: The ability of air traffic controllers to manage traffic without compromising safety.

Efforts must be made to ensure that capacity meets both normal and peak traffic demands. However, increasing capacity must not compromise safety standards, as outlined in established procedures (referenced in Chapter 2).

3.1.2 Capacity Assessment

In assessing the capacity values of an ATS system, it is crucial to consider:

• Level and Type of ATS Provided: Considering different operational practices across various sectors.
• Structural Complexity: The intricacies of the control sector or aerodrome can affect how many aircraft an ATC unit can manage.
• Controller Workload: This includes tasks like coordination and operational roles that controllers must perform.
• Communications, Navigation, and Surveillance Systems: The reliability and technical availability of these systems influence overall capacity.
• Additional Relevant Factors: This could include historical data, technological advancements, or unforeseen circumstances affecting air traffic management.

3.1.3 Regulation of ATC Capacity and Traffic Volumes

To regulate capacities effectively, specific procedures should be instituted when traffic demand fluctuates significantly:

• Operational Adjustments: Changes to the number of operational sectors or positions to match traffic demand.
• Event Management: In cases where specific events negatively affect airspace capacity, reductions in capacity should be made, with as much foresight as possible.
• Traffic Volume Regulation: In anticipation of high traffic that may exceed ATC capacity, measures must be in place to control traffic volumes without jeopardizing safety.

3.1.4 Enhancements of ATC Capacity

To enhance ATC capacity, the appropriate ATS authority should:

• Periodic Reviews of ATS Capacity: To align capacity with current and anticipated traffic levels.
• Flexible Airspace Use: This can greatly increase operational efficiency and capacity. If traffic demand outstrips current capacity, authorities should implement measures to better utilize existing capacity and create plans for future capacity expansions.

3.1.5 Flexible Use of Airspace

The establishment of flexible airspace use agreements is essential for increasing capacity and improving efficiency. Such agreements should clarify:

• Airspace Limits: Horizontal and vertical constraints for the airspace.
• Airspace Classification: Identifying areas available for civil aviation.
• Responsibilities of Authorities: Determining which units are accountable for managing or transferring airspace.

The parameters of airspace availability and associated limitations should be meticulously defined to ensure a structured transfer process between ATC units.

Air Traffic Flow Management (ATFM)

3.2.1 General

An ATFM service must be established in regions where traffic demand exceeds defined ATC capacity.

• Implementation Basis: This service can arise from a regional air navigation agreement or a multilateral agreement.
• Centralized ATFM Organization: Development of ATFM services should be managed centrally, with flow management positions within each area control center (ACC).
• Exemptions: Certain flights may be exempt from ATFM measures or given priority over others.

3.2.2 Flow Management Procedures

ATFM operations are executed in three phases:

• Strategic Planning: Carried out well in advance (2-6 months prior), this outlines anticipated traffic demand and plans to resolve imbalances.
• Pre-tactical Planning: Conducted the day before implementation to fine-tune plans based on updated data.
• Tactical Operations: Immediate actions that respond to current traffic demands on the day of execution.

3.2.3 Strategic Planning

This phase should include:

• Collaboration with ATC and Operators: Analyzing upcoming demands and strategizing on traffic flows, re-routing, flight scheduling, and identifying tactical measures as needed.
• Traffic Orientation Schemes (TOS): Implementations should maximize efficiency by minimizing penalties regarding time and distance without overly restrictive routing.

3.2.4 Pre-tactical Planning

This phase refines the strategic plan by:

• Re-routing Traffic Flows and coordinating alternative routes.
• Publishing ATFM details for all stakeholders.

3.2.5 Tactical Operations

These operations involve executing agreed measures to manage traffic effectively.

• Monitoring Traffic: Ensure ATFM measures fulfill their purpose and adjust as necessary to prevent prolonged delays or operational bottlenecks.
• Communication with Relevant Parties: Prompt advisement of affected flight crews and operators regarding delays or restrictions is critical during this phase.

3.2.6 Liaison

Close collaboration between responsible ATC units and aircraft operators is vital throughout all phases of ATFM to maintain effective and equitable management of air traffic.

Conclusion

The overarching goal of the ATS is to ensure safe and efficient air traffic management, accommodating both routine and peak demands. Through careful capacity management and strategic planning, including the flexible use of airspace and ATFM procedures, authorities can maintain operational safety while meeting increasing aviation needs.