Ask the Captain: Is our air traffic control system really outdated?
Ask the Captain: Is our air traffic control system really outdated? :-Question: Why do media and politicians regularly describe our air traffic control system as “outdated” or “based on 1960’s technology,” when huge improvements have been made over the past 20+ years such as RNAV, NextGen, DSR, GSR, STARS, etc? What is your opinion on the state of our ATC system? Love your column!
— Steve M., Atlanta
Answer: Glad you like the column. I enjoy writing it.
The improvements in the U.S. ATC system are significant, but have come at a much slower pace than some other countries. As an example, the incorporation of required navigation performance (RNP) was unbelievably slow and took decades longer than it should have.
Part of the problem is not the FAA’s fault; the federal procurement process is so cumbersome that too often equipment is outdated when it is installed. This procurement process can, and should, be improved.
Overall our ATC system is very good. There is a much greater quantity of traffic in the U.S. than in most countries and we move that traffic very well. The professionalism of the controllers and technicians is an important reason for the success.
Politicians and the media point out that the U.S. system is not the most modern, but due to its size, modernization is much more difficult. I have great trust in the system.
Q: I recall when the FAA was buying the new air traffic control system back in the 1980s. Whatever happened to it?
— Will, Tampa
A: NextGen, as the FAA named it, continues to be a part of the U.S. ATC system. There have been delays and cost overruns, but slowly we are seeing it being implemented.
Q: How does a pilot know to avoid other air traffic in congested airspace? How does ATC manage so many flights a day?
— submitted via email
A: The air traffic control systems are very complex and effective. Air traffic controllers use radar to separate traffic, issuing instructions to keep the required separation. Additionally most airplanes have a Traffic Collision and Avoidance System (TCAS) installed to give the pilots warning of an impending traffic issue.
Pilots know about other traffic from information from the air traffic controller and from the TCAS.
ATC manages the large number of flights by professionalism, good standard operating procedures and good equipment.
Q: Does ATC care about passenger comfort? I just don’t understand why we need to follow a low and slow approach through rough weather. I’ve been banged up twice in low altitude turbulence due to contact with the interior.
— submitted via email
A: The professionals that control traffic have a challenging job. The descent profiles are more often due to the amount of traffic. The controllers are required to direct specific flight paths for noise in many airports. In fairness, I have had controllers offer alternative routing for a better ride; they do care about the comfort of passengers.
Q: If ATC issues a heading, but the captain feels it is unsafe, who has the final say?
— Paul Vaughan, New Mexico
A: The captain always has the final decision regarding safety or accepting a clearance from ATC.
Source:-https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/columnist/cox/2017/07/16/air-traffic-control/479082001/
