Airspace changes are made only to make better use of our skies. Usually, the purpose is to introduce new routes, enable benefits or streamline traffic management. It can take many years to get an airspace change to deployment, but what happens when that day finally arrives?
You may think that implementing an airspace change would involve a major interruption to the operation. In reality, everything the team does in the run-up to deployment is to ensure the network can continue to function as normal when a change happens. Unlike our motorways, we can’t close parts of the airspace to deploy a change. Think of it more like trying to change a tyre on an F1 car without it stopping.
Preparing for airspace deployment
NATS must follow the Civil Aviation Authority’s (CAA) Airspace Change Process (CAP1616) to gain approval for a deployment to be implemented. By the time an airspace change is approved, extensive phases of planning, designing and assessment have already been carried out.
Depending on the size and complexity of a change, training requirements will vary. Smaller changes may require e-learning or face-to-face briefing sessions. For larger changes, learning exercises and simulation activities are likely to be required. This training is designed to ensure Air Traffic Controllers (ATCOs) and Support Staff (ATSAs) are familiar with the new airspace structure, procedures and, in some cases, an entirely new concept of operations. Importantly, ATCOs must demonstrate ahead of deployment that they can operate safely within the new environment. So, while the training approach varies according to the nature of the change, all ATCO training includes a formal assessment.
We also work closely with airlines, airports and neighbouring Air Navigation Service Providers throughout the process. Engaging with our key stakeholders helps ensure their operational requirements have been considered, flight planning systems are updated, and everyone is prepared for the introduction of the new design.
Changes behind the scenes
Operational documentation, tools and software must all be updated to reflect the change. Updates to air traffic systems are carefully planned and coordinated well in advance. Changes are scheduled to one of several overnight implementation dates throughout the year. Extensive checks are completed before the change goes live to ensure systems and operational teams are ready for deployment.
Keeping traffic moving
Safety is at the heart of everything we do at NATS. With a safety-first focus, deployments are designed to work around day-to-day activity. The result is a carefully managed transition where the focus remains on maintaining safe traffic flow.
When a new airspace design is introduced we may temporarily reduce the capacity of the affected airspace, and sometimes adjacent sectors, to allow the operation to settle in safely. Following deployment, operational teams closely monitor controller workload, situational awareness and operational performance during a post-implementation period, typically lasting a few weeks. Capacity is then increased in a progressive way as the operation demonstrates that it is performing as expected.
From planning to reality
It’s easy to assume that deployment is the final stage of an airspace change project, but there are substantial steps to come. The airspace change has finally become part of the everyday operation, so, what next?
Once the design is handling real traffic and controllers have put their training into practice, the operational team can assess how the change performs in real life. Flight times and environmental impacts are also monitored to see how routes have been improved and what savings are being made. This information helps us understand what’s working well and any parts that could be improved. The information collection at this point is the last stage of CAP1616, the Post Implementation Review, which reviews the success of a project and analyses how the new design is operating.
In the video below, you’ll hear from Airspace Change Expert, Colin Wyatt. Colin’s role supports the process behind bringing airspace change into reality. You’ll hear him talk about how he got into aviation and what he loves most about working on airspace change.
