Time-Based Separation Planner

Efficiency is key for an Approach Controller. You know your session was good when you are happy with your separation. Most virtual Approach Controllers today will be familiar with distance-based separation, depending on the wake-turbulence category of incoming aircraft.

A more advanced option for aircraft separation is time-based. This is the only system that integrates factors such as wind and aircraft performance. This system is embedded in the Rotate ATC client and it calculates the safest and most efficient separation for incoming traffic. It shows up on the radar screen as an orange chevron, which continuously updates its position.

The system calculates the expected flight path and indicates the predicted position of the aircraft in relation to the best possible position for optimal separation by displaying a smaller, grey chevron. With the help of this indicator, you can quickly see what you need to do in order to achieve the best possible separation.

Let’s say you decide to accelerate an aircraft in order to move its optimal (orange) and predicted (grey) chevrons closer together. So you adjust the new speed in that aircraft’s tag, and the Time-Based Separation Planner then updates the predicted (grey) chevron's position based on the selected speed. This even gives you the opportunity to validate your actions before you send a command to the pilot.

The Time-Based Separation Planner will not only optimise your separation, thereby increasing your runway capacity, but also make your life as a controller a lot more enjoyable.