Air Traffic Management, or ATM, refers to the system and services that direct an aircraft’s safe and efficient movement within the airspace. ATM includes different components and technologies for the smooth operation of an airplane. Here is more information about five services found in the air traffic management system:
1. Aeronautical Information Services
Aeronautical Information Services, or AIS, collects, manages, and disseminates aeronautical information to support the aviation industry. It provides current information on airspace structures, flight procedures, navigational aids, and meteorological data. Secure communication gateways may improve the confidentiality and integrity of aeronautical information conveyed through AIS.
These communication gateways include secure terminal equipment phones. AIS uses Radio Over IP to establish reliable and flexible voice communication channels between AIS operators and other stakeholders. This technology allows for efficient coordination, quick dissemination of aeronautical information, and real-time communication with pilots and air traffic control.
2. Air Traffic Management Training and Education
These services focus on training and educating air traffic controllers, technicians, and other aviation professionals. Training programs cover various subjects, including air traffic control procedures, airspace management, communication skills, and specialized equipment and systems. Many air traffic management systems incorporate high-definition or HD video to provide training and education programs.
High-quality video content can provide realistic simulations, instructional videos, and virtual training environments. This allows aviation professionals to learn and practice key skills. Pilots, air traffic controllers, maintenance workers, and other aviation professionals all receive training using HD movies. Video conferencing systems use multi-channel HD video. It permits many parties to communicate via high-quality video.
3. Air Traffic Control
Air traffic control, ATC, provides real-time control and guidance to aircraft operating within a controlled airspace. Air traffic controllers communicate with pilots, provide instructions, and facilitate separation between aircraft to prevent collisions. Serial Over IP technology, or SoIP, integrates legacy serial-based equipment or systems into modern IP-based infrastructure. SoIP is helpful in air traffic control for connecting and controlling older equipment, such as radar systems or data displays, over IP networks.
Radio Over IP technology, or RoIP, can enhance air traffic control communication by enabling flexible and reliable voice communication channels. RoIP allows for the seamless integration of diverse communication systems, improving interoperability among air traffic control centers and remote towers. RoIP leverages encrypted communication using secure, real-time transport protocol for safe information sharing.
4. Incident and Accident Investigation
In the event of an aircraft incident or accident, investigation services conduct thorough research to determine the causes and contributing factors. This process helps identify areas for improvement in safety procedures, trainings, and system enhancements to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Low-bitrate speech decoders like Mixed-Excitation Linear Predictive Enhanced, or MELPe, and Tactical Secure Voice Cryptographic Interoperability Specification, or TSVCIS, are helpful when bandwidth is limited. MELPe and TSVCIS features can compress voice communications during investigations, allowing for efficient transmission and storage of recorded conversations.
5. Communication, Navigation, and Surveillance
Communication, Navigation, and Surveillance services, or CNS, feature various technologies and systems that enable effective communication, precise navigation, and aircraft surveillance. Voice Over Internet Protocol, VoIP, can be used for voice communications, allowing the controllers to communicate with pilots and ground personnel. The echo canceller and noise reduction software in VoIP can improve audio quality.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, UAVs, can be used for surveillance, providing real-time data and information for CNS operations. They can capture aerial imagery, monitor airspace, and assist in conducting surveys or inspections. UAVs can be equipped with navigation systems, like GPS, to provide accurate aircraft location information.
Use a Reliable Air Traffic Management System
Advancements in technology, such as automation, data analytics, and digital communication, enhance the effectiveness and capacity of ATM services. Some features can be integrated into the air traffic management system to boost operation. Invest in an ATM system that can meet the growing demands of air travel and its safety regulations.