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

DRIVER 4: DATA COMMUNICATIONS
Data Communications (Data Comm) refers to a digital communication system that will provide
controllers with the capability to communicate with pilots using a computer-based data entry
system—assuming that aircraft are properly equipped and the message meets certain operational
constraints. Data Comm is a large system comprising multiple ground and airborne subsystems
that interact with each other to exchange messages between controllers and pilots.
Data Comm will result in a number of benefits. First, Data Comm will reduce the number of
radio transmissions, which will reduce the congestion on radio frequencies that is so prevalent
near high-density airports. Evidence that this benefit will be realized is supported by human-inthe-loop
(HITL) experiments conducted at the William J. Hughes Technical Center, which
showed that dissemination of taxi-out instructions via Data Comm reduced voice frequency use
on the ground control frequency by 12% when 75% of the departure aircraft were equipped with
Data Comm. Second, Data Comm will allow controllers to work more efficiently. For example,
controllers will be able to send a single message to multiple aircraft simultaneously if the aircraft
are properly equipped. Data Comm can be used to transmit longer, more complex messages than
could be adequately communicated in a voice communication. Third, Data Comm will reduce
hearback/readback errors. Finally, Data Comm supports shared situation awareness. That is,
Data Comm messages are typed into the system, which will allow control instructions to be
reflected in air traffic management systems.
Latency challenges are associated with Data Comm messaging, and the length of the latency is
variable. Although the exact delay in Data Comm messages is unknown, for Data Comm to
meet requirements to be implemented in Segment One, it must meet a 95th percentile latency
requirement of 8 seconds or less for time-critical clearance messages and of 30 seconds or less
for all other data messages. In addition, delays will likely be associated with controllers and
pilots recognizing the receipt of Data Comm messages and crafting and sending a response. Due
to these latency challenges, it is anticipated that radio transmissions will continue to be used for
time-sensitive messages and that Data Comm messaging will be reserved for issues that are less
time sensitive. Despite this challenge, which will persist into 2018, the benefits of data
communications are significant.
Data Comm is proposed to be implemented in three phases: Segment One, 2012 through 2017;
Segment Two, 2017 through 2022; and Segment Three, 2022 and beyond. Consequently, the
ATCT line controllers’ job in the mid-term will be affected primarily by Segment One and
marginally by Segment Two. These two segments are presented in detail below:
• Segment One (2012–2017): Segment One functionalities will enable ATCT line
controllers to meet many of their data communications requirements. For example, in
Segment One, Data Comm will allow controllers to compose messages, will provide
predefined messages for controllers, and will allow these messages to be transmitted. In
this segment, the FAA will add the ability to broadcast messages in mass format.
Further, in terms of ATCT-specific requirements, Data Comm will be used for
transmitting Automated Terminal Information Service (ATIS) messages and other
functions. For example, Data Comm will process requests for current ATIS and enable
NAS users to manage the contents of the ATIS.
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