Technological Evolution: A Paradigm Shift in Future ATC

The availability of Air Traffic Control (ATC) services and the means to navigate aircraft rely heavily on the communication, navigation and surveillance (CNS) technologies. The integrity and reliability of these technologies ensure a safe and efficient flight. However, the current CNS systems are at their limit to support the increasing air travel demand. Furthermore the current CNS systems limit the ATC services in low altitude, remote and oceanic areas. In order to meet the predicted air travel demand, apart from the capacity of the ATC to manage the airspace, the airspace usage has to be optimized. One way of achieving airspace capacity is by reducing the separation minima between aircraft, which is conditional upon achieving a higher level of positioning data accuracy than at present. Automatic Dependant Surveillance Broadcast (ADS-B) is envisaged to have the potential to overcome the limitations of the current surveillance systems. The ADS-B system has the capability to provide radar like services not only in terminal and en-route areas, but also in remote and oceanic areas to the ATC and the cabin crew. Unlike the radar system which operates independently, the ADS-B system relies on the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) to determine an aircraft's accurate location, time and related data. This paper introduces new components into the ATC operational environment as a result of the emergence of the ADS-B technology and its supported applications such as Cockpit Display of Traffic Information (CDTI) and Aircraft Separation Assurance System (ASAS); and proposes a new ATC operational loop model. Based on the model, this paper, further analyses and maps the potential change in the role of the air traffic controller and pilot in performing the required ATC functions with the aid of the new technologies to ensure safe flight operations. This paper highlights the impacts of the change in the ATC operations by having safety as the baseline.