Quick question for Swanwick ATCO's
Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: in the land of far far away
Quick question for Swanwick ATCO's
Hi,
I am starting at the college soon, and was just wondering, when Swanwick had computer problems the other week and were reported to be using manual systems, I was wondering what these manual systems are? Are they safe? how does it work? Any insight would be greatly appreciated, thanks
I am starting at the college soon, and was just wondering, when Swanwick had computer problems the other week and were reported to be using manual systems, I was wondering what these manual systems are? Are they safe? how does it work? Any insight would be greatly appreciated, thanks
Joined: Jun 2005
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From: UK
Manual Systems = Pen and paper!
I think it's safe - unless you have a really sharp pencil!
Pen glides across paper and creates lines to make words!
I really don't know, more 50pences put in the meter and it's all working now - just a few delays! I wouldn't really worry yourself about it too much - leave that to the techie geeks! Good luck at the college though!
I think it's safe - unless you have a really sharp pencil!
Pen glides across paper and creates lines to make words!
I really don't know, more 50pences put in the meter and it's all working now - just a few delays! I wouldn't really worry yourself about it too much - leave that to the techie geeks! Good luck at the college though!
Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: in the land of far far away
I assume you mean procedural, I assumed pen, paper, words etc were involved, im not quite that dumb
, I was more after a brief explanation of how the 'manual system' works in practice and what it involves
, I was more after a brief explanation of how the 'manual system' works in practice and what it involves
Joined: Feb 2001
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From: Hants, UK
In the case of the failure the other week, put very simply it is this:
In normal operations, the computer passes flight details between sectors and centres automatically much quicker than a human can do. It is called electronic coordination.
When the system fails, this process has to be done by a human to another by phone. The receiving ATSA has to write down the details on a paper strip (or two, or three), give these to the controller, and then pass on the details to the next sector, where the process is repeated. Meantime, the phone is ringing from the previous sector with details on a new flight. That all takes a while and clogs up the system.
Is it safe? Absolutely
Does it work? Yes
Is it quick? No
In normal operations, the computer passes flight details between sectors and centres automatically much quicker than a human can do. It is called electronic coordination.
When the system fails, this process has to be done by a human to another by phone. The receiving ATSA has to write down the details on a paper strip (or two, or three), give these to the controller, and then pass on the details to the next sector, where the process is repeated. Meantime, the phone is ringing from the previous sector with details on a new flight. That all takes a while and clogs up the system.
Is it safe? Absolutely
Does it work? Yes
Is it quick? No
Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 45
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From: in the land of far far away
eyeinthesky,many thanks for giving me some insight into what happens, I was thinking that all of the radar screens had effectively gone blank
and was imagining a multitude of ATCO's with paper charts/plotters/dividers and a headset
(joking)Just out of interest, what would happen if the radar system at swanwick was down?
Thanks in advance
Joined: Jun 2008
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From: Earth
Not sure this is something that should really be discussed in a public forum. Mike1711, when you start working for NATS then there'll be loads of information freely available about our fallback procedures
DotMac
DotMac
Thread Starter
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From: in the land of far far away
I only asked the question originally because I thought that is what had happened
Evidently it wasn't what happened, but id be interested to know what would be the plan! I will pester the instrucotrs at colege for the answer
Evidently it wasn't what happened, but id be interested to know what would be the plan! I will pester the instrucotrs at colege for the answer
Joined: Mar 2001
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From: Asgard
Lost power completely in what can almost be described as a career. RT power on batteries, through an emergency handset and nothing else. Not nice!
Neither occurred at Swanwick, though the second occasion was at a centre.
Neither occurred at Swanwick, though the second occasion was at a centre.
Joined: Jun 2008
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From: Earth
Mike1711,
There are plenty of instructors at the College with experience of working at centres. I suggest you ask them when you join - I'm sure they'll share some stories with you!
Good luck with your course! When do you start?
DotMac
There are plenty of instructors at the College with experience of working at centres. I suggest you ask them when you join - I'm sure they'll share some stories with you!
Good luck with your course! When do you start?
DotMac
