Upper Airspace Harmonization in Kolkata Flight
Information Region (FIR) has been taken up for implementation. This was
announced by the Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Shri Ashok Lavasa,
after reviewing the Air Navigation Improvement Project. The main components of
the project include state-of-the-art integrated ATS automation system,
integration of multiple radar and ADS-B sensors, airspace restructuring with
multiple sectors and remote operation of VHF from Kolkata, using IP based Voice
Control and Communication System (VCCS). This is part of AAI’s initiative
towards establishing a single continuum of upper airspace (26000 ft and above)
to facilitate uniform application of separation standards and procedures with
significant benefits including enhanced safety and operational efficiency. The
improvement initiative would have the following main features:
(a) Integrated ATS
Automation System:
The Integrated Automation System provides adequate safety nets in the form of
conflict alerts, minimum safe altitude warning to the Controller, advanced
decision support tools and improved HMI enabling faster decision-making and
conflict resolution by the Controller. ATS Automation System has been successfully
installed and operationalised at 38 medium and small airports as well, in
addition to metro airports.
(b) Integration of Multiple
Radars and ADS-B Sensors: Integration of nine radars of different manufacturers and
eight ADS – B located across the region into the automation system has been
completed and the surveillance picture of all the aircraft in the eastern
region is seen at Kolkata ATC Centre. The integration of Radars/ADS-B sensor
information into automation enables authorization of direct routing to flights
by the controllers, thereby, reducing flying distance/time, saving fuel for
the airlines and facilitating on-time performance. The minimum distance
between two aircrafts will be reduced through application of Radar Based Separation
minima.
Automatic
Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast (ADS-B) is a new generation surveillance
technology that enables aircraft to transmit critical information on the
location, speed and altitude to ground stations connected to air traffic control
centres. The system uses GNSS to determine the position of the aircraft and
broadcast the data in real time, enabling the Ground Automation Systems and Air
Traffic Controllers to benefit from highly accurate position of the aircraft.
This leads to safer operations and improved operational efficiency.
The
installation of ADS-B has already been completed at 21 sites to complement the
existing network of radars for ensuring seamless surveillance across the entire
continental and oceanic airspace.
(c) Voice Control and
Communication System (VCCS): VCCS is a system that permits Controllers to
perform air to air, air to ground and ATS unit to ATS Unit communication
exchange using a single switch operation. The system permits enhanced
operational efficiency of the ATS Units and enhanced safety of the aircraft
operations.
VCCS with
IP based technology to cater for 100 Controller positions at Kolkata and 150
positions at Delhi, is being installed providing for efficient, fail-proof and
comprehensive communication network among ATS units and between the Controller
and the aircraft.
The Upper Airspace Harmonization of Kolkata FIR
Initiative would ultimately result in marked improvement in ATM operational
efficiency, safety of aircraft operations, fuel efficiency for Airlines,
savings in operating cost for Airlines, environmental benefits due to reduced
fuel burn and reduction in pilot/controller workload. Earlier, as a part of
Upper Airspace Harmonization project, Airports Authority of India (AAI) had
completed restructuring of Chennai FIR and operationlised the same with
substantial benefits. The project won the International Janes ATC Award in
2012.
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UM/SA/IK