Originally Posted by
ZOOKER
Can you remember 'Simmonds digital drum-kits, Gonzo.........
They "were the future", once.
"Cheaper and more profitable".........as opposed to "Safe, orderly, and expeditious"?
Showing you age Zooker....the objectives are now:
(1) prevent collisions between aircraft;
(2) prevent collisions between aircraft on the manoeuvring area and obstructions on that area;
(3) expedite and maintain an orderly flow of air traffic;
(4) provide advice and information useful for the safe and efficient conduct of flights;
(5) notify appropriate organisations regarding aircraft in need of search and rescue aid, and assist such organisations as required.
It's not too far from ye olde speake and if you can still achieve them whilst being cheaper and more profitable (or even managing to keep/extend existing ATC contracts) then so be it.
Cost of ATC services, whether we like it or not, is "a driver"...especially to airport customers, their boards, their shareholders. The simple fact is that everyone wants more for less, from passengers to airport authorities.
Change isn't always bad, neither are technological advances.