FAA approves uAvionix tower surveillance system

uAvionix Corporation has received FAA System Design Approval (SDA) for its FlightLine Airborne Position Reference Tool (APRT).

With its initial deployment at Glacier Park International Airport (KGPI) in Kalispell, Montana, uAvionix becomes the first provider of a situational awareness display for contract air traffic control towers, according to officials with the Montana-based company.

FlightLine APRT, designed specifically for the 91 contract airport traffic control towers that are not equipped with any form of surveillance, provides real-time aircraft position information based on ADS-B data, presented on a web-based display for controllers to use in the tower, company officials explain.

“Situational awareness will help controllers improve their overall service to aircraft, identify aircraft not in communication with the tower, quickly validate possible transponder concerns, improve the ability to assist distressed aircraft, as well as provide traffic and terrain information,” uAvionix officials added.

A dozen additional airports in the U.S. have already committed to upgrading their ATC tower with the system, company officials noted.

“Our Serco controllers are excited to see this long-awaited capability become a reality,” said Dave Ritchey, Director of Aviation for Serco North America, which delivers air traffic control services at KGPI and other airports across the country.

“Historically, controlling without surveillance tools, particularly in regions with challenging terrain and low visibility, has presented significant limitations,” he continued. “For years, contract tower controllers across the country have requested radar or situational awareness systems, however the FAA had not authorized the use of these commercial off-the-shelf products in contract towers. With the introduction of advanced situational awareness technology, we are now establishing a higher standard for safety and operational efficiency in contract towers.”

With this SDA in hand, uAvionix will commence installations at contracted airports immediately, company officials added.

For more information: uAvionix.com