As I understand it, EFPS will 'go live' at EGSS in the middle of next month. If you wish to see examples of successful EFPS installations in VCR's go to Zurich and/or Toronto. This thread follows many other in 'ATC Issues' in that a small number of outspoken ATC's [ I assume the contributors work in ATC], seem to enjoy slagging off changes and NATS in particular. NATS is one of the best ATS providers around, their staff and management consistently deliver superb service to their customers. I worked for NATS for 40 years in ATC and am proud that I worked for them. They were a good company to work for. NATS ATC terms and conditions of employment are some of the best in the world.
I believe that the change to Electronic data displays to replace the FPS is long overdue and has/will bring major advantages to Controllers including safety improvements and workload reduction. e.g The primary task of a VCR controller is to look out of the windows to observe the traffic he/she is providing a service to. Thus any feature which reduces the need for the controllers head to be down and eyes to be 'in the office' must be a safety advance. EFPS will do just that.
A mouse click can record instantly any transaction and transmit that transaction detail to any number of destinations, wherever they may be. i.e. The departure radar controller can be made aware instantly of the actual departure sequence prior to line-up. All actions and times can be accurately and invisibly recorded for record and performance monitoring purposes. One could go on.
I am sure that the Safety Case that has been produced by NATS for the EFPS at Stansted will have covered all the safety issues very comprehensively. Change in ATC, like life is inevitable. The majority of changes I have experienced during the last 40 years have been for the good. I am sure that good old 'Heathrow Director' will agree with me. So I wish NATS at Stansted success with EFPS and look forwards to reading about the projects progress.
