Scenario: Air Traffic Control System Command Center, Herndon, VA
The ATC System Command Center’s (SCC) mandate is to coordinate the activities of ATC facility traffic managers (en route centers, mostly) and airline traffic managers to determine and negotiate solutions to flow problems. With the bird’s-eye view of US traffic they are in a unique position to anticipate and work out long-range problems which may not be visible in an en route center’s smaller domain. They provide solutions to flow problems by either holding aircraft on the ground or slowing down aircraft in the air.
The SCC is organized similarly to an airline’s dispatch and flight following operation -- a large ballroom with traffic management positions arranged on the floor according to geographic area. Overhead are 8 big-screen computer displays, configurable for many screens (whatever is showing in the controlling terminal), but typically showing weather maps for areas of interest, several Aircraft Situation Display (ASD) areas, traffic flow graphs, and a list of control programs in progress. You can get a good overview of what’s going on from anywhere on the floor.
However, in addition to these initiatives, their role in providing the communication path can’t be underestimated. Problems are solved simply by getting ATC facility representatives and airline traffic managers talking together. On this particular day the cold front over Texas was being carefully watched to anticipate possible problems.
The SCC operates 24 hours a day. Each day starts with a 5 am national telecon brief of relevant weather. At 8:15 and 12:30 another national telecon brief is held where weather, airport status, and other noteworthy information is communicated. Telecon participants generally include representatives from FAA regional offices, all 21 en route centers (ARTCCs), and AOCs. The mid-day brief may include as many as 50 participants.
What information is available prior to a situation developing?
1000Z: Prior to going home, the night shift SCC supervisor initiates the 5 AM (local time) national weather briefing telecon. The summary from the SCC Weather Desk indicates a moderate cold front currently over western Texas, with possible thunderstorms over the DFW area at about 2000Z. The text of the weather brief is included in the briefing package for the National Operations Manager (NOM) at the Severe Weather Desk, and at the stations of the East and West NOMs.
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