ATIS Section J.pdf

DTFAWA-17-R-00032

AUTOMATIC TERMINAL INFORMATION SERVICES (ATIS) SYSTEM

HIGH-LEVEL SPECIFICATION

The FAA’s Mobile Air Traffic Control Towers (MATCTs) and the Deployable Air Traffic Control Facilities (DATCFs) function as air traffic control facilities when a fixed air traffic control tower (ATCT) is unable to perform its mission. These assets are very constrained in terms of the space available for the installation of equipment. The capability of these mobile assets is modelled after a level 1 ATCT. However, because it is not possible to predict where a mobile asset will be used, it must be capable of performing its basic functions in different environments. The deployment of an asset may require complete “stand alone” operation or it may have to interface with equipment/systems existing at the site of the deployment. Additionally, the system must be scalable so that it can be built out to support the requirements of fixed ATCTs.

The following is the set of high level requirements for the ATIS system that would be installed in the FAA’s mobile, modular, and fixed ATCTs:

• Proposed system must have been certified for operation by the FAA within the preceding 3 years

• Must be scalable from a simple, small tower configuration up to a major tower such as the Atlanta, GA air traffic control tower o Dual systems, one for incoming traffic and one for outgoing traffic o Scalable to support a “hot” backup o Provide the ability to interface with other information exchange systems while maintaining a minimal footprint

• Capable of 24/7 operation

• Mountable in a 19-inch rack maintaining a minimal footprint

• Provide automatic monitoring and control equipment in the cab

• Support a minimum of two simultaneous queries from the Public Switched Telephone

Network (PSTN) while continuously broadcasting via radio frequency

• Provide a single systems that would handle both departing and arriving aircraft

• Automatic or manual data entry

• Built-in Test Diagnostics with fault identification

• Interface to Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS) and Automated Weather

Observing System (AWOS)

• Continue to broadcast while recording an updated message

• Provide Operator’s and Maintainer’s manuals

• Provide training to FAA personnel on the installation and maintenance of the system