Tower Flight Data Manager

NextGen terminal automation platform for data exchange, processing and architecture

The Tower Flight Data Manager (TFDM) is a terminal automation platform that will be implemented in multiple phases beginning in approximately 2012, and will establish data exchange and processing architecture for future tower operations. TFDM will include a taxi route generator and a suite of tools for sequencing and scheduling, route-assignment, departure route viability and airport configuration. The suite of tools will drive an integrated tower-user display suite consisting of surface surveillance, extended electronic flight strip or Flight Data Management (FDM), airport information and airport systems status. TFDM will provide the automation environment necessary to support future flexible terminal and airport operations for NextGen towers.

The integrated information exchange and processing environment established by TFDM will provide an additional automation-assisted suite for user-support tools. Collectively they represent the Arrival/Departure Management Tool (A/DMT). A/DMT will integrate information from a variety of systems and decision support tools to create a comprehensive database characterizing arrival and departure demand, relevant airport operating parameters and surface/airspace constraints that may affect capacity, efficiency and safety.

TFDM will increase airport capacity through the decision support tools provided to controllers, monitor taxi route conformance and alert the controller of a taxi blunder by the vehicle or aircraft, improving the safety of the system. The ability to have shared information of the traffic picture by the airline operators, service providers and airport operators will aid in normal operation along with the ability to react to off nominal situations such as weather events. Additionally, TFDM will incorporate the flight operator’s business objectives and preferences into surface operations and decision making.