Naples Airport (KAPF) in Florida has adopted a new automated system that broadcasts real-time weather data and airfield information to pilots.
The Frequentis smartATIS system automatically generates an audio broadcast featuring real-time weather data from the Airport Surface Observing System (ASOS), airport officials said.
Previously, air traffic controllers at the airport would manually update information and record new ATIS messages each hour. Implementing smartATIS allows controllers to generate a new message with the press of a button. This gives controllers more time to focus on aircraft movement and safety, airport officials said. Messages are updated at least once an hour, and communications are more frequent as weather and operating conditions change.
“smartATIS has significantly reduced the amount of time we spend recording and updating our ATIS broadcasts,” said Todd Colvin, air traffic manager at Naples FCT, the FAA-approved contractor that provides air traffic control services at Naples Airport. “The system eliminates the need to manually record and re-record voice announcements every hour, providing more consistent information for pilots while reducing controller workload during our busiest periods. That means we can spend less time managing routine broadcasts and more time focused on safely moving aircraft on the ground and in the air. It improves efficiency, helps ensure pilots receive current information and allows us to concentrate on what matters most – safety.”
For more information: FlyNaples.com
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