Section 1, Chapter 12 - Watch Administration Flashcards
What are the responsibilities of ATC Watch Managers?
Operational Efficiency and General Administration:
- Ensure staff operational efficiency and general administration.
- Ensure training is carried out according to current procedures.
Supervision:
- Supervise the state and use of Control Rooms and ATC domestic accommodation.
NOTAMS:
- Check the validity of all NOTAMS.
- Ensure accurate information is available to customers and staff.
- Notify pilots via R/T for minor repairs on the airfield or brief non-radio aircraft pilots before using the manoeuvring area.
Essential Aerodrome Information:
- Issuing ‘Essential Aerodrome Information’ to pilots, even when NOTAMS are issued.
TOIs (Temporary Operating Instructions):
- Ensure the OSS checks the validity of all TOIs each Morning Shift.
- Re-issue any TOIs before the expiry date if required.
What are the procedures for maintaining and disposing of the ATC Watch Log?
Maintaining the ATC Watch Log:
- The ATC Watch Log is maintained in the Visual Control Room by the ADC Controller.
- Approach Radar Controllers and the Watch Manager must notify the Aerodrome Controller (and vice versa) of pertinent information for the log.
- Management of the ATC Watch Log follows the criteria in MATS Part 1, Section 8, Chapter 1.
- Detailed instructions are provided inside the front cover of the ATC Watch Log.
Disposal of Log Books:
- Completed ATC Watch Log Books are returned to the Admin Office after completion.
How is the Watch Management Handover facilitated?
- The whiteboard in the briefing room is used to facilitate handovers at each HOW/TOW (Hand Over Watch/Take Over Watch).
- This procedure follows HQD 11/2017 guidelines.
What is the procedure for reporting staff absences?
- Direct any telephone call concerning a staff member’s absence to the Watch Manager/Deputy Watch Manager on duty.
- Refer to Unit Instructions (AA/GEN/10) for more information.
Where can information on driving licences and pool vehicle management be found?
Driving Licences:
- Refer to AA/UI/04/11.
Pool Vehicle Management:
- Details regarding the use of company vehicles are available in AA/UI/04/11.
What is the procedure for handling relations with other agencies and occurrences that may lead to reports or enquiries?
- Watch Managers should be informed of any occurrences that may result in a report or enquiry from involved parties (e.g., Airport Authority, Aircraft Operators, Aircrew).
- Refer telephone enquiries to the Watch Managers.
- ATCOs responsible for an operational position should not handle these enquiries to avoid interference with operations.
- When necessary, submit a report to the NATS General Manager/Watch Manager.
What are the procedures for equipment checks during the night shift?
ADC (Aerodrome Control):
- Complete the VCR Night Checks checklist.
- Note the completion of the checks in the ATC Watch Log.
APC (Approach Control):
- Complete the APC Night Checks checklist.
- Note the completion of the checks in the ATC Watch Log.
Recording Unserviceabilities:
- Record any unserviceabilities in the ATC Watch Log.
- Also, record unserviceabilities on the Engineering Handover Sheet, which is the primary method for informing Engineers.
What are the main functions and requirements of the Electronic Briefing System?
Main Functions:
- Provide ATCOs/OSS with a single source to update their knowledge of operational procedures (SIs, TOIs, OPNOTs, and Admin Notices) before each watch.
- Ensure changes to procedures, facilities, etc., are incorporated into the station’s permanent documentation.
Requirements:
- All ATC staff must acknowledge reading and understanding any relevant notices prior to taking over watch, in compliance with MATS Part 1 instructions.
What are the conditions for an ATCO to avail of the 4-hour dispensation?
Between 2130L and 0630L:
- An ATCO may avail of the 4-hour dispensation as per CAP 670 Part D, D28 at any time.
Between 0630L and 2130L:
- The following criteria must be met:
- Obtain prior agreement from the GM. If the GM is on leave or uncontactable, the WM/DWM/SCOD may invoke this procedure. Leave a message/email with the GM.
- Discuss the possibility of using the dispensation at the start of the operational duty or as soon as possible.
- Watch management must assess the workload with the ATCO before reaching 2 hours of operational duty and agree to continue beyond that.
- Note any use of the 4-hour dispensation during these times in the watch log for review at the LJC (Local Joint Committee).
What are the definitions and procedures for Single Manning and Lone Working?
Single Manned Position:
- A single ATCO/AFISO providing an Air Traffic Service/Flight Information Service, with or without operational support staff (e.g., at night when Radar in the Tower is in operation and the only other relief ATCO is on an extended break).
Lone Working:
- Any person carrying out their duties, including non-operational staff, with no other personnel in the building.
“Ops Normal” Procedures:
- Applied on an hourly basis by the ATCO in both Single Manned and Lone Working situations.
What is the ATC action for Single Manning procedures?
- An “Ops Normal” call must be made to the Single Manned position ATCO on an hourly basis by the other person in the building (e.g., the relieving ATCO).
Note: The relieving ATCO may also be operating a Single Manned position if in APR.
The “Ops Normal” call is not required if:
* R/T transmissions or communications are made or heard.
* There is another person adjacent to the single manned position.
What are the procedures for Lone Working?
ATC Action:
- Inform BIAL Control Centre that NATS will be Lone Working from (time) to (time).
BIAL Control Centre Action:
- Contact ATC to carry out an hourly “Ops Normal” check during the Lone Working period.
- If the call is unanswered by ATC, perform a physical check of the building.
- Contact the GM in the event of an emergency.
- The hourly “Ops Normal” call is not required if R/T transmissions or communications are made or heard.
What is the operational guidance for lone working during a night (N) duty period?
Identifying Staff Shortfall:
Identify any night duty period staff shortfall as early as possible.
Unit management will attempt to reduce impact through:
* Staff shift redeployment with individuals’ agreement, potentially involving roster manipulation beyond the specific shift.
* Shift manipulation by extending the afternoon shift or starting the morning shift early.
* Use of an AAVA, pre-approved by GM if the issue is not resolved by 1) and 2).
Preparation and Notifications:
Afternoon Shift Watch Manager Responsibilities:
* Issue a NOTAM stating “Belfast Aldergrove ATS may not be available due to staff shortages.”
* Commence an ATIS broadcast with a message consistent with the NOTAM.
* Inform the MET Office, GS Scot Lower, ADM, Control Centre & RFFS, PSNI, and Military Ops about the staff issue and potential service interruptions.
Operations During N Duty:
Operations will be ‘self-relieving,’ and the ATCO shall manage breaks to minimize operational impact.
Controllers should use the permitted extended 4-hour period of duty.
Provide advance notice to all parties before taking a break period, including duration.
Preparation for Break Period:
* Set METCOM to AUTO.
* Cross-couple VHF APC Frequency 133.125 to UHF TWR Frequency.
* Advise GS Scot Lower of service reinstatement time.
* Inform Mil OPS, PSNI, AFS, and ADM of the service period outage.
* Select ‘ring of reds’ (except Romeo stopbar) and appropriate AGL pre-set service selections for the runway in use.
* The break period is ‘responsibility free,’ with no ancillary tasks expected. The duty controller may leave the VCR at their discretion.
* Upon return, ensure a runway surface inspection is completed before any fixed-wing movements.
Additional Notes:
Roster changes and breaks must comply with SRATCOH regulations (CAP670 Part D Part 2).
During rest periods, Military & Police Flight Operations will continue with aircrews making blind transmissions.
In an emergency, AFS will route to the apron via Romeo, Bravo, and Lima, making blind transmissions on the active frequency.
What is the telephone procedure for OSS and ATCOs?
- Use station identification (e.g., “Aldergrove Assistant” or “Aldergrove Tower”) when answering external phone lines.
- When OSS are not in position in the VCR, do not answer extension 4281.
- Relevant external agencies for operational reasons should contact ATC via extension 4211, which should be answered, workload permitting.
- Do not release the details of extension 4211 to any third parties.
Where are the ATC training requirements for Belfast International Airport detailed?
ATC training requirements are detailed in the Unit Training Plan, AA/MAN/010.
