Remote Tower Solutions

The project is not completed with the commissioning of a remote or virtual tower solution. Now it is a matter of conducting the post implementation phase and having possible fallback scenarios ready. Have the set goals been achieved, have any additional requirements for the system arisen during the subsequent operational tests or is there a need for changes? These are important questions that must be answered consistently to ensure a stable and beneficial implementation in the long term. If further airports are to be integrated, a thorough lessons-learned analysis is also important. DAS benefits methodically and in terms of content from numerous project experiences.

The planning of the entire operational transition from a conventional tower to a remote tower is based on the transition plan. This includes the planning and control of all important milestones with regard to installation, the establishment of new services and interfaces to existing systems as well as the acceptance and test series leading to the final commissioning. This allows important measures to be defined and potential risks to be identified. Extensive testing of individual systems and operating scenarios is essential for a high level of confidence in operational usability. Our experienced transition and change management is the key to the project’s success. Following the introduction of RTC in Germany, DAS is using its experience and knowledge to ensure a smooth transition.

In order to be able to start operating a remote tower solution, not only is the “physical” equipment required, but the operating personnel of the controllers and technical engineers must also be trained accordingly. To this end, an individually tailored and content-based training plan is important in order to convey the changes to the work routine. In addition to the theoretical content, this also includes the use of a simulation environment with operation-specific traffic scenarios that effectively map the local requirements.

As with any other major implementation of air traffic services or ATM systems, a comprehensive safety assessment is required before the introduction of a remote or virtual tower solution. In this context, official approval of the new remote tower solution is also an important milestone for these projects. On the one hand, this depends on structured and reliable documentation, but also on a well-coordinated process throughout stakeholder management.

A key aspect is the development of the controller workstation (CWP), which must be addressed carefully at an early stage. It represents the central environment for the controller, including the new visual surveillance system. A suitable HMI design can enable intuitive control functions and improve acceptance of the system. Intensive validation as part of a series of tests can ensure that the operational requirements for safe and efficient flight operations are met. DAS is familiar with important aspects of validation and can provide support with the operational experience gained from its own RTC projects.

The implementation of a remote tower project requires a set of concepts on various topics such as training and transition. The general operational concept lays the foundation on which all other concepts are built. It describes the detailed structure of the systems and their use as well as subsequent operation. The operating concept thus answers the “what” and “how” of the remote tower solution. DAS analyses the current traffic and operational situation at the airport in order to consider individual adjustments for remote operation. This allows the operating phases to be optimally defined and safe flight operations to be guaranteed.

The feasibility study is essential on the way towards actual project implementation. It provides an essential conceptual basis and prepares a possible tender by defining the requirements of the overall system. Key individual requirements can be identified, particularly with the help of site inspections and discussions with the various stakeholders. This phase also includes an analysis of the cost-benefit balance, in which the financial aspects and the realization of a successful business case are defined. Thanks to its RTC experience, DAS can optimally support the analysis of cost drivers and the identification of synergies in the early stages of a project.

For a remote tower project, the first step is to find the most suitable strategy. This includes defining the desired objectives, scope as well as the time horizon. Should the implementation of an RTC project result in cost savings, can a technical harmonization of the ATM systems be achieved or is it about the effective provision of air traffic control services from one center, where tower and approach are to be merged? With the right strategy, many important fundamental questions can be answered effectively. DAS supports customers in selecting the right solution from the various remote tower concepts.