Implementation program of data-link communications at the Coordination and Control Services of the Italian Air Force

The 26 April project for the implementation of the data link mode in communications for the purposes of air traffic control was completed. The project, launched in February 2017 with the important collaboration of ENAV SpA (National Agency for Flight Assistance), has progressively involved the four Coordination and Control Services of the Italian Air Force (SCCAM): Brindisi, Padua, Rome and Milan. The program is part of the implementation measures envisaged in the Single European Sky-SES, the initiative promoted by the European Commission to improve the overall performance of air traffic management as well as to strengthen the safety of flight operations in Europe.
The project, named "Italian Air Force Air Traffic Control System moving to i4D", was awarded as a result of the Call 2016, banned by the European Commission as part of the integrated funding framework program called Connecting Europe Facility. Common Project whose realization is coordinated by the SESAR Deployment Manager, responsible for the implementation of the technological solutions envisaged by the European Commission through the Pilot Common Project under the 716 / 2014 Regulation.
The project, which for the AM was managed by the Air Force General Staff 4 ° Department in close coordination with the Air Squadron Command, Air Operations Command and Coordination and Control Services Department of the AM and supported by the ENAV Air Navigation Services Department , has provided for the implementation of a new software on the Controller Working Positions (CWP) of the SCCAM, as well as the training for about 130 units between officers and non-commissioned officers of the departments in question by the operational staff in the Area Control Centers -ACC of ENAV .
The new software implemented allows, through a specific interface, to directly manage data link mode communications from the CWP, while maintaining the level of integration and interoperability of the military control system with the civil one. The activities carried out in synergy with ENAV have therefore made it possible to potentially integrate the traditional "voice" communications between air traffic controllers and pilots, with "text" CPDLC communications (Controller Pilot Data Link Communications) currently provided for by European standards for traffic only. general air (General Air Traffic - GAT) operating above the 285 flight level (about 8200 meters).
This new mode of operation is transforming the way in which communications are made in the field of air traffic control, minimizing possible misunderstanding between pilots and controllers and increasing safety levels in the field of flight operations. The air traffic controllers of each Air Force Coordination and Control Service have been engaged in theoretical and practical training sessions using simulation systems and ENAV instructor staff. The training activity was also reinforced by conducting observer sessions of military personnel during the practical exercises of ENAV controllers.
The joint training of military and civilian controllers represented, for the entire system, a further opportunity to reinforce the already solid professional collaboration between the two components, increasingly aimed at characterizing the interoperability requirement as a hinge element for the best use of the a national air space resource, as a flywheel of the Italian economy, respecting a constant projection of the Armed Force to protect the interests of the country as a whole.
The AM Coordination and Control Services are co-located in the Area Control Centers (ACC) of ENAV and are appointed to provide support for air operations at the national level, through the coordination and direct tactical control of Air Traffic Operations (OAT). Through the national cells called "Airspace Management Cell" and "Airspace Coordination Unit", both based in Ciampino, the negotiation and allocation of the national airspace at the pre-tactical level is also ensured. The information contribution provided to the Defense Area activities on General Air Traffic movements (GAT) is also of primary importance thanks to the "Aircraft movement information" function. In the physiognomy assumed by the national structure of the navigation services area, characterized by a high degree of civil-military collaboration, the SCCAM system employs qualified military personnel air traffic controller, equipped with the highest level of qualification and community license.

Implementation program of data-link communications at the Coordination and Control Services of the Italian Air Force

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