Module 1 Section 1 Flashcards
Identify the most common names used to describe airport communications centers in the industry today.
Airport Communications Center, Communications Dispatch Center, Emergency Operations Center, Airport Communications Operations, Control or Command Center, C2 C3 or C4 Center, Airport 911 Center, Airport Dispatch, Emergency Communications Center, Communications Centre, Security Operations Center, Fusion Centers
Describe the airport communications system and its basic telecommunications elements.
Airport communications is an all-inclusive system, meaning all elements of the system must be effectively managed and planned. They must function together in harmony so the system is capable of providing a secure and safe environment and the best customer service possible for all users of the airport
The three elements are:
1.) the airport communications specialist
2.) emerging technology
3.) equipment
Describe the airport communications system and its ultimate goal.
The ultimate goal of the airport communications system is the efficient and effective communications coordination for the community served.
Explain the history, background and basic practices of airport communications centers.
Tucson, Arizona opened the first municipally owned airport in 1919 with commercial air service starting in 1928. The airport communications center component was not officially developed until 1982. Institutions like AAAE, ICAO, NFPA, FAA, and TSA. have identified the best practices and procedures for these departments.
Explain the essential service from the airport communications system and its core objectives.
The basic function of the ACS is to give immediate information needs of the airport stakeholder and their normal activities and during emergencies.
The two objectives are:
1.) allows the public to access services from the airport
2.) allows responders to communicate in a way that assists them in carrying out their responsibilities.
Describe the primary tasks performed by the airport communications system.
There are four primary tasks:
1.) communications between the stakeholder and the department, revolving around (emergency and nonemergency, stakeholder questions, stakeholder and executive notifications)
2.) communications among members of the department
3.) communications between departments
4.) communications between other departments and outside agencies
Describe the core objectives of the airport communication center (ACC).
To provide a method for stakeholders to access services provided by the airport operator.
To process these requests and assign appropriate resources and personnel to take care of them.
To maintain contact with personnel in the field, thus allowing field personnel to carry out their responsibilities of maintaining the airport, protecting and saving lives and property.
Describe what a concept of operations plan (CONOPS) is and how it is used in the planning process.
a tool used by management that will explain in broad terms the modus operandi for the many systems located within the airport communications center (e.g., telephone and radio systems, call-taking systems, facilities, record systems, computer systems, tactical dispatch plans, procedures, etc.). The concept of operations plan helps to answer fundamental questions such as
- what form the ACC should take
- what the mission and core objectives are
Explain what consolidation means and the different types.
Full - all existing communications center services are moved into a single center with a single management structure
Partial - multiple centers may be combined and others may continue independently driven purely by political, operational and fiscal realities.
Co-located - multiple center may be moved to the same location and maintain separate operations, infrastructure and common equipment may be shared and cost may be reduced. When deciding to consolidate it is good to keep in mind:
- the overall costs of consolidation
- the philosophy and political will of departments affected
- funding
Explain how airport communications may be configured.
Typical hours of operation are 24 hours a day, 365 days per year, including weekends and holidays. Generally configured for emergency communications support. Another example, non-emergency communications support, aircraft gate assignment support, operation of the subway system, maintenance dispatch and monitoring of the airport security system.
Describe the primary disciplines of airport communications.
- law enforcement communications
- fire communications
- access control systems
- ems communications
- airport operations
- customer service
Describe a mission statement and its importance to the airport communication center.
A short official statement an organization makes about the work that it does and why it does it. The cornerstone of effective organizations. A declaration that best describes why a business exists. The Mission statement list the elementary purposes of the organization. It defines its philosophies, ambitions, goals and core values.
Explain what a written directive system is and define policy, procedure and protocols.
Written directive system are good administrative control in place to help minimize liability exposure and enhance the quality assurance of the center. Provides employees with a clear understanding of the constraints and expectations relating to the performance of their job tasks.
Policy, procedures and protocols are provided by the organization to help employees act in a manner prescribed by the agency. Can potentially help mitigate legal action against the organization
Policy - guide to thinking, answers the why question.
Procedure - guide to action, a specific guideline used to achieve the goal of the policy, answers the how question.
Protocol - highly defined procedure typically placed into a reference system, generate actions that are predictable, repeatable and verifiable for a specific situation. Ex. Call guides, triage cards, EMD
Explain the structures and function of airport communication center and how classification plans are used in structure development.
In most airport organizational structures, the ACC is a stand-alone component that falls under the division of Airport Operations. A classification plan typically lists job titles and general duties, responsibilities and qualifications for each position. The classification plan involves providing a description of the different kinds of work performed in the center.
Describe a chain of command and how it applies within the airport communications center.
Many centers divide staff and job responsibilities and depict them graphically onto an organizational chart. The organizational chart is a visual communication tool that allows employees and stakeholders to see job titles and reporting relationships within the center. Definition of chain of command is the order of hierarchy by which an organization wields and delegates authority and power from top management to every employee at every level. By design instructions flow downward and accountability flows upward.
