EUROCONTROL. An introduction to the EUROCONTROL Network Manager Operations Centre

Transcription

1 EUROCONTROL An introduction to the EUROCONTROL Network Manager Operations Centre

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3 Since it started tactical operations in 1995*, the EUROCONTROL Network Manager is a key player in improving the overall performance of the European Air Traffic Management Network, making the best possible use of available airspace capacity. This is a fully collaborative activity between all operational actors involving Airspace Users and States not only in Europe, but also involving the wider major airspace structures and traffic flows. EUROCONTROL NM Network Operations collaboration and partners * EUROCONTROL Network Operations stem from the Central Flow Management Unit (CFMU), which was created in 1995 as a response to the chronic delays plaguing European air traffic throughout the 1980s. In 2011, the European Commission nominated EUROCONTROL as European Network Manager with Implementing Rules being the backbone of NM Network Operations. The ultimate purpose of these new binding rules, with further amendments in 2019/2020 and applicable to all aviation stakeholders, is to improve the performance of the European ATM Network.

4 Traffic and delays The average European Air Traffic Flow Management (ATFM) delay is composed of various enroute and airport delays, as shown in the graph below. Average ATFM delay per flight One single flow management system over Europe Together with its partners, the aircraft operators community (AOs) the airport authorities and the air navigation service providers (ANSPs), the EUROCONTROL Network Management Directorate provides centralised support, in a complex ATFCM structure, and this through its Network Manager Operations Centre (NMOC) and support services. It involves many operational actors. 41 Member and 2 Comprehensive Agreement States : flights daily traffic peak: 37,101 flights Numbers for Billed airspace users that fly at least once a year in the NM area of operations 2 Airports in the NM network, with more than 10 flights/day 3 FMP only in the NM ATFCM area 4 Users with active tokens or certificates

5 Network Operations The Network Manager Operations Centre aims to support the entire network; It aims to: meet the Single European Sky performance targets ensure safety optimise the network capacity in the use of airspace optimise the traffic flows minimise flight delays improve flight efficiency minimise environmental impact support Crisis Management provide high predictability of demand (flight plans) and actual traffic situation (flight positions) simplify flight plan handling for all actors, with access via business to business (B2B) Network Manager Operations Centre Key Functions The Network Manager Operations Centre primarily carries out three operational services: Airspace Data Management Flight Planning Services Air Traffic Flow and Capacity Management A System Operations Team constantly monitors the Network Operations systems and data. The Operations room is organised along the following positions: Airspace Data Management Flight Planning Services 5 Short-term Strategic and Pre-tactical Flow Management Operations Tactical Flow Management Operations Aircraft Operator Liaison Officer (AOLO) Military Liaison Officer (MILO) Real-Time Systems Operations & Monitoring 5 This service is also delivered in the Operations Room in Brétigny, France

6 The various positions in the Network Manager Operations Centre (NMOC)

7 AD - AIRSPACE DATA MANAGEMENT This function is responsible for maintaining and pre-validating the airspace data required for NM operations (CACD + CADF). The Airspace data provided by all States to the NMOC, will be used to create a four dimensional model of the airspace structure. The airspace data system contains both static data such as for instance air traffic control (ATC) sectors and lay-out of air-routes, as well as dynamic data such as sector configurations and sector capacities, usage of routes (via NOTAMs, AUP/UUP...). Management of the Airspace Data Aeronautical data: official ICAO published (EAD/Annex XV): Collection, implementation and maintenance of airways, routes, SIDs, STARs, CDRs, aerodromes and all related data as published in the States AIPs. Operational airspace data Creation and dynamic maintenance of operational airspace data such as sector data as agreed with ANSPs and States. AOs addressing management Support to AOs in the setup and maintenance of addressing parameters related to NM services (addressing, ORMs, CASA parameters). ANSPs addressing management Maintenance of addressing parameters for IFPS and CASA messaging. Operational pre-validation and Network impact assessment In close coordination with and giving support to the ANSPs, the AOs/CFSPs and National Authorities and on their request, providing major permanent Airspace data validations or major temporary Airspace data requirements (military exercises, major events like Olympic games ) Centralised Airspace Data Function (CADF)/ASM Daily support and management of AUP/ UUP in close coordination with Airspace Management Cells (AMC) and national authorities.

8 FP - FLIGHT PLANNING SERVICES As part of its pan-european function for consolidating and dispatching flight plans across Europe, the NMOC operates a centralised system for flight plan processing - the IFPS (Integrated Initial Flight Plan Processing System). The IFPS system gathers, checks and redistributes flight plan data for all flights operating entirely or partially under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) for General Air Traffic (GAT) within its area of responsibility. A flight plan containing detailed intentions must be sent to the NMOC. The IFPS shall take action to ensure that the flight plan is acceptable to air traffic services. These flight plans, numbering up to peaks of a day in 2018 (with associated messages), are checked against the airspace structure in the Integrated Initial Flight Plan Processing System (IFPS). Any inconsistencies need to be resolved, through the manual intervention of the Network Manager Operations Centre staff, before the flight plan can be accepted. A Flight Plan history A copy of every accepted flight plan is then sent by the Network Manager Operations Centre to all the ATC units in Europe affected by that particular flight. In order to guarantee this service to all European ATC units, the Network Manager Operations Centre has one IFPS System composed of 2 Units: one in Brussels, Belgium and another in Brétigny, France. They also act as contingency sites for each other. It covers that part of the ICAO EUR Region [International Civil Aviation Organization] (ICAO) known as the IFPS Zone (IFPZ) and is supported by fully redundant infrastructure and disaster recovery mechanisms. Integrated Initial Flight Plan Processing Systems (IFPS): rationalises the receipt, initial processing and distribution of flight plan data for the 41 EUROCONTROL Member States as well as for the 2 Comprehensive Agreement States; Morocco and Israel; provides the Flow Management System (ETFMS) with a copy of flight plan data; gives air navigation service providers flight plan data that can be automatically processed; provides real-time assistance, 24/7 in flight planning for aircraft operators. Flight Efficiency Support: contributes to the flight efficiency by assisting airspace users in flight planning more efficiently and reducing their environmental impact. Call Sign Management Cell (CSMC): participates actively in raising awareness about call sign similarity reduction process; supports Aircraft Operators in using the Call Sign Similarity Tool (CSST) which detects and de-conflicts similarities within AO schedules. SAFA/SACA/ACC3/TCO The Network Manager provides support to the EU s Safety Assessment of Foreign Aircraft (SAFA), Safety Assessment of Community Aircraft (SACA) and ACC3 (Air Cargo or Mail Carrier operating into the Union from a Third Country Airport) programmes as part of its safety and security alerting services. Following close cooperation between the European Commission and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), the Network Manager also informs the authorities to prevent potential unsafe non-community aircraft not holding a single safety authorisation validity, called "third country operator authorisation" (TCO), from entering European airspace.

9 FM - AIR TRAFFIC FLOW AND CAPACITY MANAGEMENT (ATFCM) ATFCM aims to optimise ATC capacity across the ATM network, minimising the impact of constraints on airspace users, while ensuring that there are no excessive loads on ATC capacities at airports and en- route. This in order to meet traffic demand as effectively as possible, as well as underpinning safety and flight efficiency. This central service is a fully integrated process, divided into four phases, beginning with the strategic dimension and moving through pre-tactical to tactical with post-operations reporting and performance measurement. Strategic Phase avoiding imbalances between capacity and demand for events taking place a week or more in the future (large-scale military exercises, major sports events, etc.). Pre-tactical Phase producing the best possible ATFCM plan for operations on the following day in full collaboration with the Network Manager Operations Centre partners such as ATC and aircraft operators. Tactical Phase monitoring and updating the ATFCM plan made yesterday based on the current situation and continuous capacity optimisation to today s real time traffic demand. Post Operations analysing and performance measurement comparing the anticipated outcome (where assessed) with the actual measured outcome, generally in terms of delay and route extension. 1 year 1 week real-time Traffic Forecast Resources Airspace ATC Airport Strategic Flow & Capacity Planning Harmonised Planning considering Traffic Demand Airspace Structure ATC Capabilities Airport Capabilities Pre-tactical Flow and Capacity Management Optimised Daily Plan and anticipation of events in order to maintain the network stability Tactical Flow Reaction to real-time events to minimise disruptions impact and/or to take benefit of opportunities Post Operations Feedback on all phases Airspace Structure Review of event implementation/ discussion of issues Lessons learned used for future events Feedback Feedback Feedback Feedback Planning Execution ATFCM phases overview Short-term Strategic and Pre-tactical Flow Management Operations PreTACT manages the short-term strategic and pre-tactical Air Traffic Flow and Capacity Management (ATFCM) which takes place in the 6 days before a flight. It also simulates network events (major sporting events, industrial action, new systems at air traffic control centres, major military exercises, etc) to mitigate impact. Its task is to: optimise available capacity to meet forecast demand, and/or manage demand to minimise delay and cost; publish the agreed plan for the day of operations after a process of intensive Collaborative Decision Making. These operations are supported by the computerised ETFMS system in the form of Predict, Tact and Simex.

10 FM - AIR TRAFFIC FLOW AND CAPACITY MANAGEMENT (ATFCM) Daily Network Plan The Daily Network Plan, together with all operational partners - enhances the civil and military coordination process at the European Network level. It aims to strongly support the daily ASM/ ATFCM process, to improve flight efficiency and to increase military mission effectiveness. works proactively with Air Traffic Control Centres, the Aircraft Operator Liaison and Military Liaison Officers to create a network plan in advance of the day of operation, coordinating issues affecting the network and mitigating the impact; shares the Daily Network Plan with the network of Aircraft Operators, Airports and Air Traffic Control Centres via the NOP Portal. Network Events Simulates network events such as major sporting events, industrial action and new systems at Air Traffic Control Centres to provide information to all parties affected; mitigates their impact through measures created, coordinated and implemented accordingly. Traffic Count Display Traffic Volume - Sectors

11 FM - AIR TRAFFIC FLOW AND CAPACITY MANAGEMENT (ATFCM) Tactical Flow Management Operations Real-time optimisation of capacity/demand. This function is supported by a computerised Air Traffic Flow and Capacity Management system known as ETFMS, which includes a Computer Assisted Slot Allocation system (CASA); monitors the traffic load and available capacity on the day of operations and interacts with Flow Management Positions to further optimise the use of capacity across Europe; carries out delay management where aircraft are affected by a regulation in order to offer alternatives and minimise delay. Tactical Network Management offers alternatives to regulated aircraft to minimise delay; optimises in close coordination with ANSPs: sector configuration and scenarios (re-routing, level capping); ATFCM measures; flight efficiency; H24 permanent helpdesk; monitors the overall tactical ATFCM situation to ensure the pan-european compatibility of ATFCM measures. provides most up-to-date information to all stakeholders and airspace users with a continuous update of the Headline News on the NOP Portal. coordinates and informs throughout the Network in order to optimise: the route network (re-routing, level capping, etc.); sector configurations; ATFCM regulations; flight efficiency. Status Display - Traffic Monitoring - Loads - Reroutings - Regulations

12 THE ROLES OF THE VARIOUS EXPERTS WORKING IN THE NMOC The operational staff fulfil a number of highly specialised roles covering different positions within the operations environment as shown in the diagram below. Operations Manager Deputy OPS Manager Senior NO Supervisor AD Senior NO Supervisor FP1 Senior NO Supervisor FP2 Senior NO Coordinator Supervisor Supervisor Supervisor Controller Specialist Specialist Specialist Specialist AOLO Officer Officer Officer Officer MILO ATFCM Domain Airspace Data Domain Flight Planning Domain OM - Operations Manager The Operations Manager provides clear leadership in the operations rooms for operational and staffing issues. He optimises the daily operational service delivery and drives a high performance operation based on the Network Manager Performance Plan. The OM manages all network operations service delivery functions with the objectives of maximising available capacity and its use, minimising constraints on airspace users, improving flight efficiency globally and individually, ensuring accurate flight plan and airspace data while respecting and promoting good safety practices. He implements the best operational plan on a daily basis, anticipates and minimizes local and network delays and ensures a continued and balanced performance improvement for flight efficiency, capacity and emissions. It involves i.a.: managing the NMOC day-to-day operations; acting as the focal point for crisis management within the European air traffic flow management arena; running NM teleconferences; performing operational briefings. AOLO - Aircraft Operator Liaison Officer The AOLO are the main point of contact with aircraft operators for any ATFCM measure. They: assist the PreTACT in preparing the daily pre-tactical plan; participate in daily tactical operations, in particular re-routing; monitor the weather, anticipate and report on its impact on the Network.

13 MILO - Military Liaison Officer The role of the MILO is to enhance the civil and military coordination process at the European Network level, with the aim of supporting the daily ASM/ATFCM process, to improve flight efficiency and to increase military mission effectiveness by: collecting, harmonising and publishing national information about major military exercises/events to update the Network Operations Plan; integrating these events and mitigating their impact on the network by coordinating the implementation of appropriate measures; contributing to the optimisation of the airspace allocation and executing network impact assessment using AUP/UUP data; supporting the States in increasing military mission effectiveness; contributing to the optimization of civil-military coordination in time of major disruptions. CSO team - Technical Supervisors, Multi System Assistants and Help-desk Specialists The CSO experts do real-time systems operations & monitoring ensuring the continuous availability of ATFCM service data processing and data communication facilities. This involves efficient monitoring and operation of NM Network Operations applications, platforms, networks and ancillary sub-systems in accordance with NM System Operations Procedures including the technical helpdesk support. They act as focal point for operational matters, ensure appropriate recovery and contingency procedures, coordination and ownership of the incident handling process, etc. as the single point of contact for all operational related technical incidents and problems for internal and 5530 connected end-users; is a technical helpdesk staffed by high- profile certified technicians and run in shifts to ensure that the Network Operations services are up and running on a 24/7 schedule.

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16 EUROCONTROL January 2019 EUROCONTROL This document is published by EUROCONTROL for information purposes. It may be copied in whole or in part, provided that EUROCONTROL is mentioned as the source and it is not used for commercial purposes (i.e. for financial gain). The information in this document may not be modified without prior written permission from EUROCONTROL.