|
Erie
Tower Local
National Air
Traffic Controllers Association
~~~ Safety is our business...
and business is good ! ~~~
Erie Tower is the guardian of the
sky in beautiful, wild and wooly northwest Pennsylvania, northeast Ohio, southwest New
York and the Canadian north shore of Lake Erie. We are members of the FAA and
NATCA's Eastern Region and located at the Erie International Airport in Erie,
Pennsylvania.
(More aerial photos available
at the Erie Aviation website)
Erie International Airport Web site
Erie
International Airport, Tom Ridge Field offers 22 average daily departures to six
destinations on our four airline partners, Northwest Airlink, US Airways
Express, Delta Connection and Continental Connection.
Please visit our website www.erieairport.org
to find out more about the Fly Erie Fare Detective and other important
information about Tom Ridge Field.
To purchase tickets please contact your airline or a local travel agent.
***** News
Flash *****
......
NATCA Erie Tower would like to thank all our friends who helped support our
fight against the White House and FAA's attempts at privatizing the air
traffic control towers in the USA.
|
SAWS
- Stand Alone Weather Sensors |
October 4, 2004
We awaiting ANI and local AF to finish the installation at the AR-W scope and
put the system online. It has been very accurate comparing the SAWS to the
F-420, DASI and ASOS.
September
1, 2004
The SAWS displays are now operating and we are doing a short evaluation period
and will probably go operational next week.
August
17, 2004
All displays have been installed and will go
operational when all controllers are trained and AF Technicians are certified on
the SAWS.
June
12, 2004
The system
should go operational the week of Aug 9th.
This
new
system's equiment
includes a direct read wind (3 second average will act as a
damper), gust alogorithms (with 2 minute lookback feature), temperature,
dewpoint and altimeter.
The
displays have been installed in the Tower and the TRACON will be next.
October 4, 2004
We still have a few issues that need
rectified before we commission the ASR-11. The
commercial power, supplied by Penelec, has been a recurring problem as the feed
has been dropping almost daily and is consistently running about 10 volts low.
This condition causes the UPS to take over and then brings the EG (Engine
Generator) online to provide critical power to the radar until acceptable
commercial power is restored to the system.
Since August 16th, the ASR-11 EG has run over 65 hours.
Penelec has installed monitors at the site but will not talk to anyone
locally. This constant utilization
of the EG and UPS will have an effect on the lifespan of these
vital support pieces. Raytheon
is working the issue and hopes to work out a suitable remedy.
The control tower VDCU (Video Display Control Unit) is not currently backed up
by a UPS. Whenever there is a power
bump (surge or drop) the unit ceases working and a manual reset is required to
get it back in operation. The tower
VDCU controls the display of the ASR-11 weather and primary target selection.
The ARTS IIE MSAW and acquire/drop areas are slightly out of sync and are in the
progress of being amended with a new patch.
Raytheon had a new survey done and now everyone should be on the same
sheet of music.
September 1, 2004
The ORD period to date has gone quite
well. We have a few items that are being addressed. Weather radar
levels are off slightly and the ARTS IIE automation is being fine tuned.
Tweaking will continue until the system is like a Swiss-watch. Will keep
you all updated.
August 23, 2004
It has been a LONG time coming but I am
ecstatic to announce that the Erie DASR-11 commenced the Operational Readiness
Demonstration (ORD)at 6:00 AM this morning. Thanks to the dedication of a
large group of technicians and experts who worked endlessly throughout the
preceding weekend, this ORD date was struck!! Throughout the day, the
ASR-11 performed as advertised. The ORD will continue until controllers
and technicians are satisfied with the performance and recommend commissioning
the radar. This could transpire in 30 days depending on the radar.
August 17, 2004
On the early morning of August 12th, Erie
Tower was a hotbed of activity. The "Dry Run Cutover" test of
the ERI ASR-11 was scheduled and went exceptionally well. Also tested was
the automation interface -flawless. The CENRAP Switch worked as
advertised. CENRAP Plus was also tested an it also passed the
muster. There is still much to be completed before the ORD date of
August 23rd. All Teams (FAA, Raytheon, Contractors, FAA ANI Team and
Airways Facilities (both SMO and local techs) are putting out 110% trying to
meet the August 23rd ORD date. We are all sleeping with our fingers
crossed to make this date happen.
August 6, 2004
Well we are about ready to "rock and
Roll" with the ASR-11. Most of the outstanding items have been fixed
or will be before going ORD. ORD date is planned for August 23.
Controller training is in progress. A dry-run cutover will take place
during the midnight shift on August 11-12.
June 12, 2004
The FAA ASR-11 Commissioning Flight
Evaluation took place June 8-9 with a KingAir 300 flying the run. Coverage
was excellent in all quadrants with the exception of the Jamestown, NY (JHW)
area and the coverage was much better than our curent ASR-7 provides but not
quite up to that observed by the FAA Optimization Team. The "flight
check" is performed with only 7 of 8 power amplifier modules and in the
Circular Polarization (CP) mode, so this may have had some bearing on the
results. Edge of scope is 59 NM and we observed the BE30 go off the scope
SW thru NW at 2,000 MSL. We lost the target at 16NM on the
ASR-7!!
Aylmer VOR (YQO) was 3,000. JARVS, MOAWK and BROTO intersections were
2,000. Dunkirk (DKK) was 3,000. JHW airport was 4,500 and the JHW
VOR was 5,000 MSL. Tiduote VOR (TDT) was 4,500 and Franklin VOR (FKL)
was 5,000. Corry-Lawrence airport (8G2) was 3,500 and Brokenstraw airport
(PA11) was 4,000 MSL. Port Meadville airport (GKJ) was 3,000...
LINES intersection was 2,500... CLERI intxn was 2,500. These altitudes
were our required altitudes and lower altitudes were not checked at this time so
coverage could and probably will be better than that attained in the flight
check.
The technician/evaluators were
going out to the ASR-11 site to compile the results and see if there was
anything that could be affecting the JHW area coverage other than the reduced
power used for the evaluation.
May 31, 2004
Radar
coverage altitudes listed below (Primary Radar / Secondary Radar) were better
that requested and are projected to be as follows:
ERI
Arpt - 700/800
JFN/HZY - 1200/1300
8G2 Arpt - 2300/2600
TDT
VOR- 3300/3500
JHW Arpt - 3200/4800
JHW VOR - 3300/4800
The
FAA AOS optimization was conducted during a rash of inclement weather, so the
final coverage numbers could end up being better than those reported.
The
only problem encountered during optimization was one that has existed for some
time = false plots and false tracks along the outer edge of weather and along
the edges of the different weather levels. The ASR-11 has a "velocity editor" which eliminates
primary targets less than 40kts airspeed. The
AOS Team upped the speed to 60 kts and the situation was vastly improved;
however, we have a problem with increasing to this speed.
We do have non-transponder aircraft that frequent ERI that will be edited
out due to low performance (60 kts or less) and when the wind is strong on
final. Some of these targets
produced by this weather edge phenomena are high-confidence targets and will
give us a "diamond" on the ARTS which indicates a primary target.
This problem is indemic to the system and is being worked on by Raytheon.
History
of the ERI ASR-11 Installation
(jpg pic
of ERI Site)
Update 8_6_2004
The CENRAP Switch has been fixed and is due to be evaluated in Lincoln, NE the
week of August 9th. It will be installed at all future sites before going
ORD.
Update 5_27_2004
There have been some problems with the PBI
ASR-11 since the CENRAP switch was installed. There seems to be some
connection to the problem and the software for the CENRAP switch. Raytheon
is developing a new software patch for the system. More switches are being
manufactured and will be deployed as they are finished. The software
should be completed prior to deployment of the switches.
Update 5_22_2004
The CENRAP Switch has been completed and
was evaluated this week in SCK and PBI. Other than the Local/Remote switch not
being backlit, which we can live with, there were no objections. Word is
that the FAA has not appropriated the money to pay for these switches yet so
there are only 2 available (PBI and BOI). Until the funding for these
switches is freed, there may be delays in the field. Raytheon built the
first two on "good faith".
The training aids for the VDCU, RCP and PPI have not been printed yet due to
funding. The files are available for facilities that are ready to commence
training from the FAA HQ Program Office.
Update 3_31_2004
The was a problem with an SDT failure last
week that had the PBI controllers without radar for 4 minutes during a very busy
traffic session. Four minutes is a lifetime during busy traffic. The
data is being compiled to discover the problem. The CENRAP switch solution
is nearing completion and the Article 48 Team may travel to PBI soon to evaluate
the fix. The new DVG is expected to hit the street in the July timeframe.
Update 3_5-2004
Communications from AEA installation sites
to the involved facilities has been cited as practically nonexistent. The
TOR position has not been utilized at PHL/NXX or ERI. The lack of
oversight and communications created by this was addressed at the regional level
this week. We will report if any action is undertaken and if the situation
improves.
Update 2_15_2004
The training guides for setting up PPIs
(scopes) and VDCU should have been sent to the printers and will be disseminated
to facility's slated for ASR-11 installation. Guides for the RCP should
also be out soon. The final ASR-11 CBI is awaiting OKC blessing and then
it should be mailed.
Latest
implementation waterfall for the ASR-11 came out on March 5th, but I am having
problems getting the file.....
the
last ASR-11 Waterfall
on here is Feb 5, 2004.
Update
March 11, 2004
The
EMAA is awaiting the results of the Environmental Assessment (EA) on this very
important modernization for the Erie International Airport.
The runway
extension could be completed as early as fall 2006.
Waivers for the Runway Safety Area are due to expire in 2007.
NATCA NATIONAL
North Coast Air FBO
Erie Aviation - Airport CAM
Erie International Airport Data
NATCA ERI LOCAL OFFICERS
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE: Jim Myak
FACILITY VICE PRESIDENT : Andy Chalot
SECRETARY/TREASURER :
Eric
Weeden
CREW REPS: Warren Adams, Joe Shepard and
Matt Bonidie
NATCA ERI E-Board
Jim Myak, Andy Chalot,
Eric Weeden,
Warren Adams, Joe Shepard and Matt Bonidie
Legislative
Rep: Matt Bonidie
Andy Chalot: NATCA ERI
Safety Rep
NATCA Eastern Region ASR-11 Rep
National ASR-11 OT&E Team
NATCA Eastern Region ASOS Rep
FACILITY
PHONE: (814) 833-0841
FACILITY FAX :
(814) 833-8416
E-mail NATCA ERI
National Convective Weather
Forecast a new FAA and NOAA weather product that shows current convective
activity and will forecast the position 1 hour ahead.
Visitors since 102004
The NATCA Local Erie Website is owned
and operated by the local, which is solely responsible for it's content. We are not
responsible for the content, truthfulness or propriety of any links to this homepage or
website. Further we do not expressly or implicitly endorse the services, products,
statements or content of other sites which may be linked to this homepage or website.
Statements made on linking sites or homepages do not reflect the opinions or
policy of this local of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, and may not be
construed in any part as an endorsement by NATCA.
Safety | Political Partners | Monthly
Safety Report | ASR-11 | Privatize | STARS
This page last updated on October
31, 2004 | |
Erie
Tower Local
National Air
Traffic Controllers Association
~~~ Safety is our business...
and business is good ! ~~~
Erie Tower is the guardian of the
sky in beautiful, wild and wooly northwest Pennsylvania, northeast Ohio, southwest New
York and the Canadian north shore of Lake Erie. We are members of the FAA and
NATCA's Eastern Region and located at the Erie International Airport in Erie,
Pennsylvania.
(More aerial photos available
at the Erie Aviation website)
Erie International Airport Web site
Erie
International Airport, Tom Ridge Field offers 22 average daily departures to six
destinations on our four airline partners, Northwest Airlink, US Airways
Express, Delta Connection and Continental Connection.
Please visit our website www.erieairport.org
to find out more about the Fly Erie Fare Detective and other important
information about Tom Ridge Field.
To purchase tickets please contact your airline or a local travel agent.
***** News
Flash *****
......
NATCA Erie Tower would like to thank all our friends who helped support our
fight against the White House and FAA's attempts at privatizing the air
traffic control towers in the USA.
|
SAWS
- Stand Alone Weather Sensors |
October 4, 2004
We awaiting ANI and local AF to finish the installation at the AR-W scope and
put the system online. It has been very accurate comparing the SAWS to the
F-420, DASI and ASOS.
September
1, 2004
The SAWS displays are now operating and we are doing a short evaluation period
and will probably go operational next week.
August
17, 2004
All displays have been installed and will go
operational when all controllers are trained and AF Technicians are certified on
the SAWS.
June
12, 2004
The system
should go operational the week of Aug 9th.
This
new
system's equiment
includes a direct read wind (3 second average will act as a
damper), gust alogorithms (with 2 minute lookback feature), temperature,
dewpoint and altimeter.
The
displays have been installed in the Tower and the TRACON will be next.
October 4, 2004
We still have a few issues that need
rectified before we commission the ASR-11. The
commercial power, supplied by Penelec, has been a recurring problem as the feed
has been dropping almost daily and is consistently running about 10 volts low.
This condition causes the UPS to take over and then brings the EG (Engine
Generator) online to provide critical power to the radar until acceptable
commercial power is restored to the system.
Since August 16th, the ASR-11 EG has run over 65 hours.
Penelec has installed monitors at the site but will not talk to anyone
locally. This constant utilization
of the EG and UPS will have an effect on the lifespan of these
vital support pieces. Raytheon
is working the issue and hopes to work out a suitable remedy.
The control tower VDCU (Video Display Control Unit) is not currently backed up
by a UPS. Whenever there is a power
bump (surge or drop) the unit ceases working and a manual reset is required to
get it back in operation. The tower
VDCU controls the display of the ASR-11 weather and primary target selection.
The ARTS IIE MSAW and acquire/drop areas are slightly out of sync and are in the
progress of being amended with a new patch.
Raytheon had a new survey done and now everyone should be on the same
sheet of music.
September 1, 2004
The ORD period to date has gone quite
well. We have a few items that are being addressed. Weather radar
levels are off slightly and the ARTS IIE automation is being fine tuned.
Tweaking will continue until the system is like a Swiss-watch. Will keep
you all updated.
August 23, 2004
It has been a LONG time coming but I am
ecstatic to announce that the Erie DASR-11 commenced the Operational Readiness
Demonstration (ORD)at 6:00 AM this morning. Thanks to the dedication of a
large group of technicians and experts who worked endlessly throughout the
preceding weekend, this ORD date was struck!! Throughout the day, the
ASR-11 performed as advertised. The ORD will continue until controllers
and technicians are satisfied with the performance and recommend commissioning
the radar. This could transpire in 30 days depending on the radar.
August 17, 2004
On the early morning of August 12th, Erie
Tower was a hotbed of activity. The "Dry Run Cutover" test of
the ERI ASR-11 was scheduled and went exceptionally well. Also tested was
the automation interface -flawless. The CENRAP Switch worked as
advertised. CENRAP Plus was also tested an it also passed the
muster. There is still much to be completed before the ORD date of
August 23rd. All Teams (FAA, Raytheon, Contractors, FAA ANI Team and
Airways Facilities (both SMO and local techs) are putting out 110% trying to
meet the August 23rd ORD date. We are all sleeping with our fingers
crossed to make this date happen.
August 6, 2004
Well we are about ready to "rock and
Roll" with the ASR-11. Most of the outstanding items have been fixed
or will be before going ORD. ORD date is planned for August 23.
Controller training is in progress. A dry-run cutover will take place
during the midnight shift on August 11-12.
June 12, 2004
The FAA ASR-11 Commissioning Flight
Evaluation took place June 8-9 with a KingAir 300 flying the run. Coverage
was excellent in all quadrants with the exception of the Jamestown, NY (JHW)
area and the coverage was much better than our curent ASR-7 provides but not
quite up to that observed by the FAA Optimization Team. The "flight
check" is performed with only 7 of 8 power amplifier modules and in the
Circular Polarization (CP) mode, so this may have had some bearing on the
results. Edge of scope is 59 NM and we observed the BE30 go off the scope
SW thru NW at 2,000 MSL. We lost the target at 16NM on the
ASR-7!!
Aylmer VOR (YQO) was 3,000. JARVS, MOAWK and BROTO intersections were
2,000. Dunkirk (DKK) was 3,000. JHW airport was 4,500 and the JHW
VOR was 5,000 MSL. Tiduote VOR (TDT) was 4,500 and Franklin VOR (FKL)
was 5,000. Corry-Lawrence airport (8G2) was 3,500 and Brokenstraw airport
(PA11) was 4,000 MSL. Port Meadville airport (GKJ) was 3,000...
LINES intersection was 2,500... CLERI intxn was 2,500. These altitudes
were our required altitudes and lower altitudes were not checked at this time so
coverage could and probably will be better than that attained in the flight
check.
The technician/evaluators were
going out to the ASR-11 site to compile the results and see if there was
anything that could be affecting the JHW area coverage other than the reduced
power used for the evaluation.
May 31, 2004
Radar
coverage altitudes listed below (Primary Radar / Secondary Radar) were better
that requested and are projected to be as follows:
ERI
Arpt - 700/800
JFN/HZY - 1200/1300
8G2 Arpt - 2300/2600
TDT
VOR- 3300/3500
JHW Arpt - 3200/4800
JHW VOR - 3300/4800
The
FAA AOS optimization was conducted during a rash of inclement weather, so the
final coverage numbers could end up being better than those reported.
The
only problem encountered during optimization was one that has existed for some
time = false plots and false tracks along the outer edge of weather and along
the edges of the different weather levels. The ASR-11 has a "velocity editor" which eliminates
primary targets less than 40kts airspeed. The
AOS Team upped the speed to 60 kts and the situation was vastly improved;
however, we have a problem with increasing to this speed.
We do have non-transponder aircraft that frequent ERI that will be edited
out due to low performance (60 kts or less) and when the wind is strong on
final. Some of these targets
produced by this weather edge phenomena are high-confidence targets and will
give us a "diamond" on the ARTS which indicates a primary target.
This problem is indemic to the system and is being worked on by Raytheon.
History
of the ERI ASR-11 Installation
(jpg pic
of ERI Site)
Update 8_6_2004
The CENRAP Switch has been fixed and is due to be evaluated in Lincoln, NE the
week of August 9th. It will be installed at all future sites before going
ORD.
Update 5_27_2004
There have been some problems with the PBI
ASR-11 since the CENRAP switch was installed. There seems to be some
connection to the problem and the software for the CENRAP switch. Raytheon
is developing a new software patch for the system. More switches are being
manufactured and will be deployed as they are finished. The software
should be completed prior to deployment of the switches.
Update 5_22_2004
The CENRAP Switch has been completed and
was evaluated this week in SCK and PBI. Other than the Local/Remote switch not
being backlit, which we can live with, there were no objections. Word is
that the FAA has not appropriated the money to pay for these switches yet so
there are only 2 available (PBI and BOI). Until the funding for these
switches is freed, there may be delays in the field. Raytheon built the
first two on "good faith".
The training aids for the VDCU, RCP and PPI have not been printed yet due to
funding. The files are available for facilities that are ready to commence
training from the FAA HQ Program Office.
Update 3_31_2004
The was a problem with an SDT failure last
week that had the PBI controllers without radar for 4 minutes during a very busy
traffic session. Four minutes is a lifetime during busy traffic. The
data is being compiled to discover the problem. The CENRAP switch solution
is nearing completion and the Article 48 Team may travel to PBI soon to evaluate
the fix. The new DVG is expected to hit the street in the July timeframe.
Update 3_5-2004
Communications from AEA installation sites
to the involved facilities has been cited as practically nonexistent. The
TOR position has not been utilized at PHL/NXX or ERI. The lack of
oversight and communications created by this was addressed at the regional level
this week. We will report if any action is undertaken and if the situation
improves.
Update 2_15_2004
The training guides for setting up PPIs
(scopes) and VDCU should have been sent to the printers and will be disseminated
to facility's slated for ASR-11 installation. Guides for the RCP should
also be out soon. The final ASR-11 CBI is awaiting OKC blessing and then
it should be mailed.
Latest
implementation waterfall for the ASR-11 came out on March 5th, but I am having
problems getting the file.....
the
last ASR-11 Waterfall
on here is Feb 5, 2004.
Update
March 11, 2004
The
EMAA is awaiting the results of the Environmental Assessment (EA) on this very
important modernization for the Erie International Airport.
The runway
extension could be completed as early as fall 2006.
Waivers for the Runway Safety Area are due to expire in 2007.
NATCA NATIONAL
North Coast Air FBO
Erie Aviation - Airport CAM
Erie International Airport Data
NATCA ERI LOCAL OFFICERS
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE: Jim Myak
FACILITY VICE PRESIDENT : Andy Chalot
SECRETARY/TREASURER :
Eric
Weeden
CREW REPS: Warren Adams, Joe Shepard and
Matt Bonidie
NATCA ERI E-Board
Jim Myak, Andy Chalot,
Eric Weeden,
Warren Adams, Joe Shepard and Matt Bonidie
Legislative
Rep: Matt Bonidie
Andy Chalot: NATCA ERI
Safety Rep
NATCA Eastern Region ASR-11 Rep
National ASR-11 OT&E Team
NATCA Eastern Region ASOS Rep
FACILITY
PHONE: (814) 833-0841
FACILITY FAX :
(814) 833-8416
E-mail NATCA ERI
National Convective Weather
Forecast a new FAA and NOAA weather product that shows current convective
activity and will forecast the position 1 hour ahead.
Visitors since 102004
The NATCA Local Erie Website is owned
and operated by the local, which is solely responsible for it's content. We are not
responsible for the content, truthfulness or propriety of any links to this homepage or
website. Further we do not expressly or implicitly endorse the services, products,
statements or content of other sites which may be linked to this homepage or website.
Statements made on linking sites or homepages do not reflect the opinions or
policy of this local of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, and may not be
construed in any part as an endorsement by NATCA.
Safety | Political Partners | Monthly
Safety Report | ASR-11 | Privatize | STARS
This page last updated on October
31, 2004 |
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![[Union YES!]](unionye1.gif)
