Technical Evaluation of FF-ICE/R2

Abstract

The ICAO Air Traffic Management Requirements and Performance Panel (ATMRPP) developed the Manual on Flight and Flow – Information for a Collaborative Environment (FF-ICE) and released it as ICAO Document 9965. Subsequently the ATMRPP developed the Provisions, Implementation Guidance, and amendments to the aforementioned documents for the first step of FF-ICE called FF-ICE/R1 (Planning). The ATMRPP is currently investigating the next steps in achieving full FF-ICE and has determined the subsequent step to be FF-ICE/R2 (Execution). During the Execution phase of a flight, trajectory negotiations between the eAU and the eASP can either require only automation or require the involvement of a controller. The FF-ICE/R2 concept applies only to strategic operations, where tactical operations are out of scope. In order to help scope and define the FF-ICE/R2 concept and to prepare the National Airspace System (NAS) and the global aviation community for adoption of FF-ICE/R2 operations, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has initiated the FF-ICE/X project. This project explores FF-ICE/R2, including the point of delineation between strategic and tactical operations, and the point of transition from FF-ICE/R1 to FF-ICE/R2. This paper details the technical components of the upcoming FF-ICE/X demonstration within a single eASP, while the complementary paper, Operational Evaluation of FF-ICE/R2, explores the operational aspects of that same demonstration. Both papers recognize that the FF-ICE/R2 concept is still evolving.The FF-ICE/X project is part of the FAA’s effort to examine and evaluate the potential impacts of future capabilities supporting FF-ICE on the FAA’s modernization effort. As such, the project assumes that the technical operating capabilities will be selected from the 2030 timeframe. This requires the technical team to analyze the scheduled future capabilities of the NAS based on the NextGen Segment Implementation Plan (NSIP) and assess different potential architectures and system enhancements for those capabilities within the NextGen Florida Testbed (FTB). To achieve this goal the technical team will identify what capabilities are directly relevant to FF-ICE/R2, what gaps exist at the FTB and what capabilities are feasible to implement in the lab environment. The technical effort will culminate in two demonstrations at the FTB and include mixed mode environments. Specifically, the first demonstration will be in the regional environment and include only one Enhanced ATM Service Provider (eASP). The second demonstration will be in the international environment and include multiple eASPs.The Execution phase includes the post-departure negotiation and ground trajectory synchronization. In the 2030 timeframe it is anticipated that pre-departure processes will primarily be automated and that the post-departure phase will still require human intervention. Although human intervention is expected while in post-departure, the Execution phase offers the eAU opportunities to employ their automation beyond the negotiation horizon. Because of this, two critical areas of technical investigation are the transition from Planning phase to Execution phase, and the point of delineation between FF-ICE/R2 and tactical operations. The technical team will explore message exchanges in the transition phase in an effort to determine the criteria for when a flight is expected to be in the Execution Phase. The team will also explore the post-departure negotiations with supporting TBO capabilities during the Execution Phase. For each message exchanged, the team will develop decision trees to track their unique flows. Exploring message exchanges will also help the team provide feedback to the FIXM Working Group for developing the data model and developing any new message types or elements in support of FF-ICE/R2.Finally, the technical team will consider the interface between the technical FF-ICE/R2 capabilities and the airspace users. It is understood that the majority of airspace users operate a network of complex and interdependent schedules with advertised timetables, crew schedules, maintenance schedules, ground handling, and more. It is of high value to the airspace user to have timely and accurate information that is standardized and globally available. The team will highlight the technical benefits that FF-ICE/R2 may provide to airspace users in making better and more informed decisions through a clearer vision of the operating environment and expanded time horizons.