Safe Separation Where Radar Coverage Is Spotty... Or Nonexistent

Aircraft flying over the Arctic Ocean can now fly more direct routes, save fuel and achieve better on-time performance for passengers, thanks to the FAA’s final implementation of Advanced Technologies and Oceanic Procedures (ATOP) at the Alaska Air Route Traffic Control Center.

"As we move toward the Next Generation Air Transportation System, we will continue to introduce procedures and technologies that help system users better serve their customers while maintaining the highest levels of safety," said FAA Administrator Marion C. Blakey.

ATOP has already been deployed at FAA centers in Ronkonkoma, NY and Oakland, CA, providing air traffic service over the Atlantic and Pacific regions.

Developed by Lockheed Martin, the technology enables controllers to safely separate aircraft in areas outside radar coverage or direct radio communication, such as over oceans. It detects conflicts between aircraft and provides satellite data link communication and position information to air traffic controllers.

ATOP significantly reduces the intensive manual process that has limited the controllers’ flexibility to safely handle airline requests for more efficient tracks over long oceanic routes. It also reduces the workload on controllers through the use of electronic flight strips instead of the labor-intensive paper strip method previously used to track trans-oceanic aircraft.

"With the center at Anchorage becoming fully operational, the ATOP system promises major benefits for air traffic controllers and ultimately for airlines," said Sue Corcoran, vice president of Aviation Solutions for Lockheed Martin.

"We are proud to have helped the FAA meet its challenge to create a system that increases efficiency and oceanic airspace capacity to meet growing international air traffic demands."

More direct communication and reduced controller workload will eventually enable reduced horizontal separation between aircraft from 100 nautical miles (nm) to 30 nm. With greater transoceanic capacity, more aircraft will be able to fly preferred routes.

FMI: www.faa.gov, www.lockheedmartin.com