ATIS/VOLMET FLEX: CLEARANCE ATIS/VOLMET/DATALINK AND DATALINK: AND AUTOMATED CLEARANCETERMINAL INFORMATION SERVICE ATIS/VOLMET Flex ATIS/VOLMET/DATALINK and Clearance A Flexible Solution Designed to Work Your Way
ATIS/VOLMET Flex An ATIS & VOLMET Solution Designed to Work Your Way Terma ATIS/VOLMET FLEX is the ultimate solution for capital and major international airports with large aircraft operations volume or airports with strong focus on service availability and performance. The system supports any combination of ATIS and/or VOLMET. The system s excellent flexibility allows you to configure the system in whichever configurations you may prefer. The service layout as well as input handling, GUI forms and readout may also be configured as wanted. With built-in DataLink capability, Terma ATIS/VOLMET Flex may optionally provide a range of additional services, e.g. Departure Clearance. In addition, the ATIS/VOLMET Flex can work as a DataLink gateway to other voice ATIS systems. Functionalities Validation of incoming data is performed automatically; an error alert will be sent if values fall outside of the user defined envelope, allowing the operator to make corrections prior to broadcasting. Supplementary data not available from external sources may be entered manually into the system. For voice broadcasting, the system decodes data (usually meteorological information, runway condition, and approach type) as they come in and converts them automatically into high quality voice broadcast. Meteorological data may come from sources such as METAR, SPECI, METREP, SNOWTAM, TAF, and SIGMET. The system lets users choose between speech-synthesized or pre-recorded broadcast, or both. The computer generated speech synthesis module allows for advanced voice and pronunciation adjustments in order to optimize speech clarity. Multiple languages are available. Terma ATIS/VOLMET Flex also supports pre-recorded human spoken vocabulary. By using prerecorded words, users can ensure easy updating of the vocabulary, local accent and correct pronunciation of specific words.
ATIS/VOLMET Flex Open and modular system architecture Terma ATIS/VOLMET Flex is built on an open client/server architecture and uses COTS components throughout the design. The open system utilizes the latest technologies and offers advanced user interface, object oriented programming and the newest network technologies. This allows for easy customization of features and functionalities as well as providing a pleasant and direct user experience. ATIS/VOLMET Flex is fully scalable as the flexible architecture provides for seamless integration with existing systems and unlimited potentials for future upgrades and extensions. Monitor ATIS VOLMET Speakers Keyboard & mouse Radio Broadcasting Equipment KVM Switch LSA Server A ATIS VOLMET Flex LAN X 25 Digicard COM Voice modem Voice announcer Server B ATIS VOLMET Flex LAN X 25 Digicard COM Voice modem Voice announcer Communication Unit Telephone Switch MET REPORT & SPECIAL (Serial) METAR/SPECI, TAF SIGMET Input (Serial) AWOS equipment AFTN Message Switch (GWDI) ETHERNET MET REPORT & SPECIAL (TCP/IP) TIME SYNCHRONIZATION (NTP) Remote Operator Position Remote Control & Monitoring Position AWOS equipment Master Clock System
ATIS/VOLMET Flex DataLink Integration The ATIS/VOLMET Flex system also features DataLink integration that greatly enhances the possible applications including D-ATIS/D-VOLMET, DCL and PDC functionalities. Terma has implemented D-ATIS/D-VOLMET and PDC/DCL systems at many national and international airports all over the world. D-ATIS/D-VOLMET, Digital ATIS/VOLMET, allows pilots to retrieve information e.g. on local weather conditions or runway and taxiway instructions via DataLink. DCL, Departure Clearance, refers to the automated service through DataLink for requesting and delivering departure information and clearance that adheres to ICAO s recommendations on read-back procedures. It provides a point-to-point communication between the aircraft and the ATC tower. D-PDC, Pre-Departure Clearance via datalink, is provided by an Air Traffic Service via an airline host. The latter then conveys the PDC with the pertinent data to the aircraft upon request from the pilots when it best suits their work planning. DCL/PDC Functional Diagram Strip printer Stripless system Tower positions Terma DCL/PDC LAN WAN Technical positions DataLink SITA Datalink ARINC Other Datalink Service Providers DCL/PDC systems in other airports ACARS With DataLink, the pilot may enter his departure clearance request from 25 minutes prior to departure on the Aircraft Communication Addressing and Reporting System (ACARS) with flight plan, call sign, gate position, destination, and ATIS letter. In response, the system automatically verifies the data for compliance between the flight plan and the data received from the aircraft. Once this compliance has been established, an automated clearance message including all essential information such as Standard Instrument Departure (SID) and current ATIS letter is generated and transmitted to the cockpit.
Benefits Cost-benefit effective system (studies show that the payback period is less than two years) Reducing Radio Frequency congestion Reducing work load of aircrew No dependency of DSP network Automatic clearances reducing work load in TWR during peak hours Can be stand-alone or integrated with existing FDPS 20 seconds saved per request via DCL compared to normal voice procedure During peak hours, DCL position save more than 20% effective time in Copenhagen TWR. During a day, effective saved time exceeds more than one man-hour Reduction of approximately two errors/ misunderstandings per day Reduced noise load in TWR Optimized overview of departing aircraft Time savings Estimated time saved using DCL compared to traditional voice clearance Less than 1 min. Approx. 1 min. Approx. 2 min. Approx. 3 min. More than 3 min. Number of pilots Source: Terma survey conducted with Scandinavian Airlines and Naviair in 2003 1 6 14 21 24
idworks.dk 4562 1109 System Specifications Key standard features Automatic decoding of data from text to voice Modular and open architecture Highly scalable Supports any combination of ATIS and/or VOLMET services, including time slot VOLMET Pre-recorded human voice and/or synthetic voice Manual interruption and input at any time Play back, verify and edit data prior to broadcasting Glossary list of standard information Free text Handling of input can be configured via XML files. Handling and output (read out on voice, text and DataLink) can be configured via XML files Generic LAN interface for AFTN and AWOS Generic serial interface for AFTN and AWOS Generic ICAO Annex 3 configurations for METAR, TAF, SIGMET and METREPORT Handling of services can be figured via XML files It is possible to integrate DataLink Flex (both DATIS/D-VOLMET and DCL/PDC) Pre-recorded voice where the user can add phrases via WINDOWS ROP Log and statistic are based on XML which can be presented as HTML via XSLT PTT functionality at the voice announcer Complies with ICAO and WMO recommendations Available in single and main/hot standby server configuration Multiple user level password protection Automatic data validation Error alert (audio and visual) Designed for 24/7 availability (syntax, step and range check) Supports any DataLink service providers including SITA and ARINC Optional features Multiple languages Remote operator positions Remote control and monitoring positions Uninterrupted Power Supply Transmitter equipment Master clock interface or built-in GPS clock WEB, WAP, SMS Multiple voice services (broadcasts). Surveillance of voices Telephone interface Serial switching of input External alarm output via relay Surveillance via SNMP Additional features with DataLink integration ED89A compliant DATIS & D-VOLMET ED85A compliant DCL Integration with ATIS Flex, ATIS Plus and third part ATIS Is able to work as a DataLink gateway. Optional Terma DCL GUI or integration with third part DCL GUI Log and statistic are based on HTML Exist to SCO UNIX, LINUX and Windows with Eicon and Farsite X.25 card Possibility for redundant configuration of servers Possibility for redundant configuration of X.25 communication channel Possibility for switch of X.25 communication Possibility for (and with experience in) connection to SITA or ARINC Terma A/S Vasekær 12 DK - 2730 Herlev Denmark T +45 8743 6000 F +45 8743 6001 air-sales@terma.com www.terma.com