Airport Traffic Control Center (ATCC) - Supporting tower visibility under crucial conditions

In 2006/2007 the research project "Airport Traffic Control Center" (ATCC) has been started in cooperation with various partners from the economic research sectors under the chairmanship of Deutsche Flugsicherung GmbH - DFS. The target of this project is the development and supply of a control station supporting the apron controller (in the tower) in order to coordinate the air traffic more efficient during crucial conditions or also complex airport geometry. The analysis of possible influences, which result from additional technologies, on working conditions and control methods, comes before the actual development of the control station. The performance of a series of workshops together with air traffic controllers and area by area also pilots is therefore planned in order to collect such criteria. The basic technological challenge in this process is to supply all necessary functions and information in order to ensure the airport operation under CAT - III conditions (equivalent to zero visibility). This platform therefore also offers material for discussion about the link between on-board- and ground systems. The advised air traffic controller centre ought to be able displaying all movable objects (cooperative as well as non-cooperative vehicles) on the ground and within the airports close area in real time and guaranteeing optimal visibility independent from weather conditions. The chair supports this project in analysing the operation procedures as well as in developing visibility concepts as for example an on-board displaying system for the taxing process in accordance with the A-SGMGCS ICAO requirements.