job description for the nextgen mid-term atct controller - FAA Human ...

In addition to actively controlling the aircraft and vehicles in their area of responsibility,
controllers respond to requests for route and flight plan deviations and provide severe weather
avoidance (using the Low Level Wind Shear Alert System [LLWAS]), fuel optimization
planning, and noise abatement to achieve optimized flow scenarios. They may provide
additional services on a workload-permitting, case-by-case basis; the provision of these services
is subject to the controller’s discretion. For example, controllers may perform visual flight rule
(VFR) flight following Tasks and amend flight plans. In addition, other information is
formulated and issued in the form of advisories, which can be either general or specific, such as
turbulence or bird activity notifications.
ATCT line controllers must give equal consideration and balance individual operational needs
with the needs of an entire system. To do this effectively, they must have access to near realtime
and accurate information, which allows them to remain flexible and effective in maximizing
operations. As controllers provide and manage separation, they are also responsible for
resolving conflicts within the system.
Current ATCT Activity 5: Resolve Conflicts
ATCT line controllers strive to actively prevent or mitigate conflicts to give system users the
ability to react in a timely manner. Their goal is to prevent such occurrences, or to reduce the
likelihood of such occurrences, as they manage air traffic. However, conflicts can occur between
two aircraft, between an aircraft and the ground, and between aircraft and airspace and can occur
when vehicles or aircraft fail to conform to instructions. These occurrences can be the result of
errors in judgment by any of the many participants in the NAS or as a result of unforeseen
circumstances, including severe weather, emergencies, or other unusual circumstances.
After a potential or actual conflict is identified, controllers determine its validity by using several
different methods. The method used depends partly on the facility’s unique configuration and
the availability of tools and equipment. First, controllers may use an OTW view to scan airport
movement areas or nearby airspace to determine whether a conflict exists. Second, controllers
may listen to and verify readback from pilots regarding a potential or actual conflict via the
RDVS/ETVS. Third, if available, controllers may monitor radar displays (e.g., D-
BRITE/RACD/Tower Display Workstation [TDW]) for minimum safe altitude warning
(MSAW) alerts, converging course information, and traffic conflictions. Finally, if an ATCT
facility has ASDE-X, controllers may scan its display for potential surface area incursions.
These steps for determining the validity of a conflict are not mutually exclusive.
Once the validity of the conflict has been verified, then controllers issue alerts or advisories via
the RDVS/ETVS with a specific description (e.g., traffic, severe weather, unsafe conditions)
using radio or landlines. After issuing advisories or safety alerts, controllers continue to monitor
the aircraft as it maneuvers through movement areas or nearby airspace using the OTW view if
visibility permits or via radar or surface surveillance (e.g., ASDE-X) displays. Controllers
monitor movements to ensure that operators comply with issued instructions and that the
situation has been resolved.
Conflict mitigation is the ATCT line controller’s primary responsibility. All available system
procedures and resources are focused on the recognition and mitigation of conflicts. Although
conflicts cannot be eliminated entirely in complex systems like the NAS, they can be resolved on
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