Location
Description
Background
The concept of remote provision of aerodrome air traffic services (ATS) (commonly known as ‘remote towers’ or ’remote tower operations’, sometimes referred to as ‘digital towers’) enables provision of aerodrome ATS from locations/facilities where direct visual observation is not available. Instead, provision of aerodrome ATS is based on a view of the aerodrome and its vicinity through means of technology. The term used below to describe this is ‘remote aerodrome ATS’.
The overall objective of Rulemaking Task RMT.0624 is to ensure that remote aerodrome ATS meet the applicable EU and ICAO requirements and to ensure at least a maintained level of safety compared to service provided from a conventional tower.
As an important milestone (in a second phase) of this regulatory activity, on 20 December 2017 EASA has published NPA 2017-21. This NPA addresses (in a widened scope compared to the previously published EASA regulatory material) the technological, procedural and operational aspects of remote aerodrome ATS, in order to facilitate its safe and harmonised implementation throughout EASA member states and in order to provide a level playing field for the stakeholders.
The public consultation for NPA 2017-21, which is available here, is open for comments until 03 April 2018.
Date and times of the Consultation Workshop
The Consultation Workshop on NPA 2017-21 ‘Technical and operational requirements for remote tower operations’ will be held on Monday 19 March 2018 from 10.00 to 17.00.
Aim of the Consultation Workshop
The aims of the workshop are that:
- stakeholders are informed about the objectives of RMT.0624 ‘Remote tower operations’;
- stakeholders are informed about the regulatory proposal published with NPA 2017-21;
- EASA provides clarification on the content of NPA 2017-21, as requested by stakeholders.
Target audience
The workshop is addressed to members of the EASA advisory bodies, representatives/employees of competent authorities, ATM/ANS providers, aerodrome operators, airspace users, the industry, policy makers and regulators.
Agenda
The Agenda is anticipated to cover at least the following topics:
- RMT.0624 objectives, set-up, tasks and deliverables.
- NPA 2017-21 and the regulatory approach/framework.
- Presentation of the proposed ‘Guidelines on Remote Aerodrome Air Traffic Services’ and the interlinked regulatory proposals related to ATCO licensing.
- Open discussion.
- Next steps.
Update: The full agenda is now available under 'DOWNLOADS'.
Planned meeting documents
All relevant documents will be uploaded at the events webpage before the meeting.
There will be no hardcopies handed out during the meeting.
Registration
Participation to the workshop requires advance registration, open until Monday 12 March 2018. Confirmation of registration will be required to ensure your participation. Due to the restricted availability of places, the Agency reserves the right to accept only limited number of participants per organisation.
For registration, please complete the registration form (available below) and submit it via e-mail to: Manuel ESTRADA
Questions on the content of the NPA may be sent to EASA by filling the reserved field in the registration form, and will be answered during the Workshop.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation notifications must be sent as soon as possible in writing to: Manuel ESTRADA
Accommodation and travel arrangements
Participants need to take care of their accommodation and travel arrangements themselves.
Corporate hotel rates for EASA visitors
EASA will provide a meeting venue and catering (coffee breaks). The lunch break is to be covered on your personal expense.
