28. ATFM - ATM1

Question 1

Define ATFM

Answer 1

Air Traffic Flow Management

“A service established with the objective of contributing to a safe, orderly and expeditious flow of air traffic by ensuring that ATC capacity is utilised to the maximum extent possible, and that traffic volume is compatible with the capacities declared by the appropriate ATS authority.”

Question 2

Define ATFCM

Answer 2

Air Traffic Flow and Capacity Management

ATFCM is a service that is enhancing ATFM with the objective of managing the balance of demand and capacity by optimising the use of available resources and coordinating adequate responses, in order to enhance the quality of service and the performance of the ATM system.

Question 3

Strategic flow management

Answer 3

Strategic phase - 7 days or more prior to days of operation.

Involves re-routing & re-scheduling

NMOC uses a Collbrative Decision making process (CDM).

Result is the Network Operations Plan (NOP)

Question 4

PRE-TACTICAL FLOW MANAGEMENT

Answer 4

One day to six days before the day of operations

Compares predicted capacity and makes adjustments to the plan made in the strategic phase.

- Analysis of Planned Events
Military training
Air shows
Aerodrome works etc

Result is the ATFCM Daily Plan (ADP) or Initial Network Plan (INP)

Question 5

TACTICAL FLOW MANAGEMENT

Answer 5

Day of operation

Managed in realtime and modifying plans to real events.

Results is realtime optimisations to the network.

Question 6

Tactical ATFM operations should consist of:

Answer 6

Executing the agreed tactical measures provides a reduced and even flow of traffic where demand otherwise exceeds capacity.

Monitoring the evolution of the situation ensures that the ATFM measures applied are having the desired effect

Take or initiate remedial action when long delays are reported, including re-routing of traffic and flight level allocation, thus utilising the available ATC capacity to the maximum extent.

ATFCM endeavours to make airspace and aerodrome capacity meet traffic demand.
When these endeavours are exhausted, make demand meet the max. available capacity.

Question 7

What is CTOT?

Answer 7

Calculated Take Off Times - “Slots”
Sent over AFTN aiming to allow continuous maximum flow rate without congestion along the Airways system.
Window is 5 minutes before to 10 minutes after the CTOT.
CTOTs allocated to individual departure times to combat bottlenecks and reduce safety risks as much as possible.

Question 8

What is CDM?

Answer 8

Collaborative Decision Making

CDM must be an inclusive and transparent process that:
• Uses the most comprehensive, up-to-date accurate information.
• Decisions taken by those best positioned to make them.
• Ensures all stakeholders are given the opportunity to influence the decision.
• Decisions agreed collaboratively to reach performance objectives based on shared on- time information.
• Stakeholders include NM staff, FMPs, ANSPs, AOs, affected military authorities and airport authorities.

Question 9

SLOT ADHERENCE - WHO IS RESPONSIBLE?

Answer 9

• ATC and Airline operators are jointly responsible
  for slot adherence

Controllers must ensure aircraft can meet the slots before authorising start up.

• Slots are a last resort to all the previous attempts to alleviate pressure.
• It is therefore imperative that these are complied with.