S.T.A.R.S.

Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System

The radar display systems used by terminal air traffic controllers were developed 30 years ago.  STARS is a state-of-the art replacement system, which receives radar data and flight plan information on a high resolution 20" x 20" color display that is capable of simultaneously displaying 6 levels of weather data.  The system is also equipped with an instantaneous backup system.  Developed by Raytheon Corporation, STARS will update terminal displays to the 21st century.  The FAA will replace computer and radar displays at 173 TRACONs and 362 Control Towers.  The Dept of Defense version of STARS is called DoD Advanced Automation System (DAAS) and will replace equipment at 102 air traffic sites.

NATCA has been fully involved in this process since 1998 and has played a major role in the system as it is today.  Numerous deficiencies (98 modifications or repairs) were noted in the early development and all have been corrected since.  PASS is also involved in the technical evaluation/modifications of STARS.

STARS requires Digital Air Surveillance Radar (DASR) to interface control data into the system or an analog digitizer to interface with older radar systems.  Currently ASR-9 is the only operational DASR; however, ASR-11 is being tested by the FAA at Stockton, CA and by the DoD at Eglin AFB, FL.

STARS is currently being tested at El Paso, TX (ELP) and Syracuse, NY (SYR).  Installations will soon start.  DAAS is being concurrently tested at Eglin AFB.

   ======= Current  NATIONAL  Status  =======

Update 11_28_2003
STARS installations are proceeding aggressively across the nation.  The November 2003 STARS Waterfall is attached under this link.

Update 7.31.2003
The Burbank Area of SCT is the first area to go fully operational with ACD (ARTS Color Displays) on July 15 at 0530 .  Other than a few extremely minor glitches, everything is working as advertised and the controllers are very happy with the new displays.  SCT Departure Area is next in tow weeks.

Update 6.1.2003
~ The ISD (In-Service Decision) was made on 5/15 for STARS. This moves STARS from a development system to a NAS deployable system.
~ STARS FS2+ is currently running in ELP and PHL. If all goes well, the first waterfall site will be P80 on 5/21, then MIA on 6/28.  The rest of the waterfall sites that should be completed in CY '03 are CLE, MKE, SAT and CMH. The remaining EDC sites (Y90, SYR, ALB, D21, ABQ, LAS, BHM, G90, MEM, R90, DSM) will all be transitioned to Full Service by the end of the year.
~ This is a major milestone for the STARS program. We'll see where we go from here. We're hoping that the ISD call will loosen up the purse strings a bit and maybe add some more sites to the waterfall.

Update 3.30.2003
~ PHL is still raving about the performance of STARS.  There are a couple of items that they have reported that need attention and the Raytheon team is rapidly developing fixes for these items

Update 11.24.2002
~ Word from PHL is that STARS is great.  There have been several small glitches but the transition team at PHL has addressed all the problems.  There are "floaters" (Subject Matter Experts) who walk the TRACON and Tower and whenever something occurs that the controller is concerned about, the SME takes the bull by the horn.  Great show PHL!!!

Update 11.18.2002
~ PHL successfully transitioned to STARS FS2+ on Sunday November 17, 2002.  STARS FS2+ went IOC at approximately 6:00 A.M..  There were no additional traffic Management restrictions issued and by noon, the weather was lousy (low ceilings/visibility) and PHL was in the hold.

Former FAA Adminsrator Jane Garvey was very pleased to see the PHL STARS go off as promised.  NATCA played a key role in turning this program around.  The NATCA support on the STARS project has been very prodcutive and highly professional.  PHL issued kudos to NATCA STARS Team and the NATCA Engineers.  Special recognition to engineers Anton Mascolo, Vinny Licata, Jim Anzaldi and John Bayonne.

PHL Vice-Presidnet, Don Chapman, heaped praise on NATCA's Gary Helms (STARS TechRep) " I do know that your integrity and professionalism as the STARS TRACON rep have been above reproach. You sir have been a class act and complement to both NATCA and the agency."  Don furthrer complimented NATCA's John Shea '...you have also been a huge asset to the Members of NATCA PHL and the FAA. You haveconsistently carried PHL's issues to the national forum. Although I'm sure at times we put you in uncomforable situations you steadfastly argued our issues without prejudice. Thank you!"

Update 10.3.2002
~ The FAA responded to the DOT IG’s concerns (about agency plans for deploying STARS at Philadelphia) by stating that FAA plans to follow its policy for testing STARS and addressing critical software problems. However, FAA officials, controllers and maintenance technicians all have concerns about whether required training can be completed by the November 17, 2002, deployment date. In June 2002, the DOT IG questioned whether FAA’s commitment to deploy STARS in Philadelphia before testing it first in Memphis, as planned,would allow the agency to test the system adequately and address critical software problems that might be identified before deployment. While the Memphis terminal facility has fewer and less complex air traffic control operations than more congested facilities, such as the one in Philadelphia, FAA changed its plans because meeting the commitment to deploy STARS in Philadelphia would not allow enough time to test STARS first in Memphis. FAA testified in September 2001 that it would deploy STARS to Philadelphia to coincide with the opening of a new terminal, scheduled for November 17, 2002. FAA officials said they view the achievement of the November 17, 2002, deployment as important to the agency’s credibility and that they believe they will learn more from testing STARS in Philadelphia, which is more representative of terminal facilities, than they would have learned in Memphis. According to FAA, its plans for deploying STARS in Philadelphia are consistent with its testing policy, which calls for independent operational testing of a system after it has been deployed in one location. Under the current plan, FAA will use STARS to control live traffic at Philadelphia beginning on November 17, 2002, a step signifying initial operating capability, but the current air traffic control system will remain available as a backup. In accordance with its policy, the agency will then conduct independent testing after a period of use, scheduled from the day after initial operations through December 2002. At that point, as the policy directs, the agency will declare the system ready for operational use and will complete the switch to the new system. At that time, now scheduled for February 2003, the new system will be formally commissioned and the current system decommissioned.

To address critical STARS software problems identified prior to deploying STARS, FAA is attempting to resolve the most critical problems (type-1 and type-2 PTRs) before November 17, 2002. According to FAA’s definition, type-1 problems are those that, if not corrected, might prevent the accomplishment of an operational or mission-essential capability or might jeopardize safety, while type-2 problems adversely affect but do not prevent the accomplishment of an operational or mission-critical capability. FAA’s data showed that as of August 30, 2002, there were 5 type-1 PTRs and 68 type-2 PTRs, against the system being deployed in Philadelphia, that still need to be resolved. FAA officials stated that they have assigned these problems to the contractor and plan to validate the contractor’s fixes. Validation is important because, in some instances, the fixes have not performed as intended. In addition, FAA has identified at least 12 type-3 PTRs and other issues, such as completing required training, that need to be resolved prior to deployment in Philadelphia. FAA is also meeting biweekly with Raytheon to monitor the contractor’s progress in implementing and testing fixes for PTRs. In addition, FAA has installed STARS hardware and an earlier version of STARS software at Philadelphia so that users can become familiar with the system. On September 19, 2002, FAA plans to begin testing the most recent STARS software in Philadelphia. While the FAA maintains that its plans for testing STARS and addressing critical software problems are adequate to address the DOT IG’s concerns, the agency is less certain that it will be able to complete the certification training required for maintenance technicians at the Philadelphia terminal before the new version of STARS begins operation in November. PASS expressed concern because FAA has not yet finalized the content and schedule of the training for controllers and maintenance technicians on the software that will be deployed in Philadelphia. Under a new training agreement between PASS and the FAA, on-site certification training, rather than training at FAA’s Oklahoma City, is required for all employees before a new system begins operation. PASS officials expressed concern that without a finalized training schedule, its members will not have enough time to receive training for certification before the November deployment. FAA officials acknowledged that having enough time for training is an issue. PASS and FAA officials are working to solve these concerns prior to deployment. Moreover, according to FAA officials, FAA is meeting with maintenance technicians and controllers to discuss issues related to training, as well as maintenance and testing.

Update 8.30.2002
In light of the Inspector General’s (IG) recent report on STARS, many explanations need to be made public. The fact that STARS is 4 years behind schedule and $700M over budget is due to the fact that the FAA attempted to field this system without NATCA or PASS input and had to restart when many inadequacies were discovered when we came onboard. Mr. Mead cited "71 specific software problems that could prevent the system from operating as designed, or could threaten safety or security". NATCA believes his numbers are high, but agree there still are problems. Each and every one are being addressed and/or fixed. The NATCA STARS Team members have vowed to not put their stamp of approval on this system if they think it is anything less than safe. Many of the problems cited are probably outstanding issues against FS-2, the baseline software to be deployed at PHL in November. Only a small percentage are safety critical and the FAA knows they must be fixed prior to PHL going operational. FS-1 does have some problems but they are not critical and everyone knows about them. Workarounds were developed (after approval from SYR and ELP) to use the software as-is and fix the problem with FS-2. Other problems are being fixed and developed ASAP. ARTS will remain in place at STARS facilities (as a backup) until FS-2 is installed… NATCA has insisted on this.

Update 5.9.2002
On April 30, 2002, El Paso commenced STARS FS1 completely replacing the ARTS with STARS.  Tower is using the Tower Display Workstation (TDW).  So far "life is good".  This was finished ahead of schedule, a new paradigm shift for the FAA!!

Update 3.25.2002
Memphis (MEM) has gone operational with STARS EDC2

Memphis TRACON is enjoying success in the contractor acceptance of EDC..... ahead of schedule!!
Gary Helms, NATCA STARS guru, has an update and progress on STARS to quell the rumors abounding in the aviation forums.  Visit the STARS page for details....

Update 1.1.2002 ..... News Release
Raytheon Completes STARS Early Display Configuration Contractor Acceptance at Memphis Two Months Ahead of Schedule

MARLBORO, Mass., Dec. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) has completed contractor acceptance testing of the Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System (STARS) Early Display Configuration (EDC) for the terminal radar approach control facility servicing Memphis International
Airport two months ahead of the schedule. Initial operational capability at Memphis is planned for April 2002 as briefed to the House Aviation Subcommittee in September.
-The STARS EDC is the first step in deployment of the Full STARS systemthat will provide new high resolution, color displays and a new emergency back-up system that will be used in conjunction with the existing automation system. The EDC will remain in use until the full STARS system replaces the existing automation system in the future.  When Memphis goes operational in April 2002, it will join El Paso and Syracuse International Airports that have used the EDC for controlling live air traffic since January 2000. To date, the FAA has approved the EDC for installation at 13 facilities.
-"This accomplishment highlights that terminal area modernization efforts continue as planned," said Bill Voss, director of the FAA's Terminal Business Service unit. "The advantage of initially deploying EDC is that it provides a rapid and easy transition path to Full STARS, which is scheduled to complete testing in October 2002."
-Full STARS provides ATC automation for any size facility, as well as new high-resolution color displays that are 30 percent larger than the displays they replace. STARS provides a high reliability, open architecture design with significant built-in growth capability that allows for easy and rapid incorporation of new data processing enhancements and new technologies planned for the terminal area.
-STARS is a joint procurement for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Department of Defense (DoD).  Raytheon is under contract to develop
and install up to 191 STARS systems for the FAA and 140 systems for the DoD during the next decade.
-With headquarters in Lexington, Mass., Raytheon Company is a global technology leader in defense, government and commercial electronics, and business and special mission aircraft.

Update 8.22.01
STARS is progressing very well now.  ElPaso (ELP) has FSL-Beta up and running now, which places us one step closer to certification.  ELP and Syracuse (SYR) are both running Early Display Configuration-2 (EDC-2) with enhanced software and updated workstations.   EDC-2 is the configuration that will be installed at several facilities in FY'02.    Full Service Level (FSL-1) should arrive at ELP and SYR in spring'02.

Update 7.13.01
ELP just started testing FSL-Beta which puts us one step closer to commencing installation of STARS.  Both ELP and SYR are invloved with phase 2 of Early Display Configuration (EDC-2) using updated Terminal Controller Workstations (TCWs) and enhanced software.  The EDC-2 is the configuration that will be installed the next 11 STARS facilities in FY'02.  April, 2002 is the target date for them to start Full Service Level (FS-1).  FS-2 will go the the other facilities in the early stae of the Waterfall.  PHL will get the enhanced FS-2.5 which includes Converging Runway Display Aid (CRDA) circa Nov'02.  The remainder of facilities will go straight to FS-3. 

NATCA STARS guru Gary Helms quelches a lot of rumors with the following post:
STARS is a system that is:
- much faster than ARTS, using commercial, off the shelf processors.
- more reliable than our current ARTS. Each controller position has dual processors. Switching from the main to the emergency processor requires only the push of a button at your position, resulting in an immediate change over. It also uses dual LANs per processor.
- fully digital (no sweep), using 20" X 20" color monitor, which allows lighter ambient working environment.
- capable of tracking 1350 airborne aircraft
- capable of using up to 16 Radars (both short range and long range, single sensor or multiple). RADAR selection is individual to each position.
- capable of interfacing 128 controller positions and 20 remote towers in a 520 X 520 mile area.
- expandable - uses commercial available software, allowing for modern additions to our system
- upgradable - as the technology increases and processors get faster, it will not take the gargantuan effort to change the system that we are currently undergoing
- maintainable – our friends at PASS were among the loudest calling for a change, noting the difficulty in maintaining obsolete equipment.
- standard – our (ex)AOS comrades currently support 3 different systems, each of which is uniquely different at each of its facilities. STARS will have current "patch" functions from all facilities available in the baseline.
There are all sorts of bells and whistles that come with the system, not the least of which is the preference sets (32 per controller) so you won’t have to spend valuable time setting up your scope when you assume the position. However, lest I sound like a STARS commercial, let me continue with the purpose of this post.

FAQ’s:
The rumor of STARS impending funeral is greatly exaggerated. STARS continues to be developed and deployed in stages. The first stage, EDC-1 (Early Display Configuration One), was replaced this past Spring at the two key sites (El Paso, TX, and Syracuse, NY) by the second stage, EDC-2. EDC is a hybrid system marrying ARTS and STARS and is intended to give a quick-fix by providing new hardware to thirteen mid-high level facilities.
Memphis is the next to get EDC. They are scheduled to begin using it in early March of ’02. Bradley and Birmingham will follow in May. Other sites scheduled to get EDC-2 are:
- Detroit - Albany - Albuquerque - Providence - Las Vegas – Omaha - Des Moines - Cleveland

Beyond these sites, EDC-2 will only be used in transitioning from ARTS to Full Service STARS.

The third stage of STARS development is FS-1 (Full Service Level One). This level is designed to exist without ARTS and contains 80% of final Full Service functionality. FS-1 will only service the original two key sites, ELP and SYR. Unlike EDC, Full Service STARS adds tower equipment and automation. The tower display is a flat panel monitor that can be mounted in numerous ways.
FS-1 is currently undergoing OT&E (Operational Testing and Evaluation), and is scheduled to be turning in ELP in April, and SYR in May.

The fourth and largest stage of STARS is FS-2. Like FS-1 it is stand alone automation, but adds the final 20% CHI functionality and is able to interface with other systems such as CRDA and AMASS. FS-2 will be the nationally deployed baseline for STARS, serving all but the Large TRACONs. The final stage, FS-3, will have the capability to handle the needs of these larger facilities.
FS-2 is on schedule to go to ELP in August of ’02, and PHL in November. The other two key-sites for FS-2, SYR and MEM should get it in late ’02/early ’03. After that it will be installed in all IIIA sites first, followed by IIE and IIIE.

- When will we see STARS?
It is difficult to give dates, as even the ones above are subject to change. The events of 9/11 have greatly impacted the STARS budget, as with all budgets in the FAA. I would love to give you firm dates, but there is much discussion currently that could affect the schedule beyond ’03. Even though budget slashes have stalled some procurements and development, NATCA is committed to holding the FAA and Raytheon to providing the systems to all facilities by ’08.
As noted in other posts, one of the biggest considerations as to who gets STARS when is the RADAR. If you have an ASR-9, you are in luck. ASR-9 is the digital RADAR needed to run STARS. The ASR-11 is digital and will replace older sensors – if they can get it working. Digitizers and digital scan converters are a consideration.   [Dec 02,2001]   [Dec 02,2001]

The Plan
The FAA plans to deploy STARS to another 12 airports over the next 2 years.  By October 2001, Bradley, CT (BDL) and Memphis, TN (MEM) are slated to have STARS installs and by November 2002, 10 more airports will convert to STARS.  Once national deployment begins, the FAA plans to install 33 systems a year.

     "STARS-on-WheelS "
The STARS Mobile Demonstration Unit (MDU), a self powered 28 foot van containing the STARS operating system with display scopes is on the road.  The MDU will provide controllers, etc. with a hands-on opportunity to experience Raytheon's new equipment.  The MDU visited ERI Tower Aug 30 & 31, 2001 and it was an awesome display of new technology.  I got the feeling that I could have started working on it right away as the keyboard entries were so similar to ARTS IIE.  The numerous other features would take a little hands-on time to master.  It made me proud of all of the NATCA guys and gals who served on the numerous teams to fine tune this tool.  It was well worth the money NATCA invested in the process.

STARS at Erie Tower

Update 9.6.2001
Tower remodeling will be commencing soon and some of the items that need updated for STARS will be addressed.   A grounding system, electrical panels and additional circuits will be installed.   Redundant tower HVAC system should address the temperature swings in the summer and winter (We hope!!).

Update 9.4.2001
The Standard Terminal Automated Replacement System (STARS), is the new hardware system and automation (displayed on the scopes) that will replace all terminal controller's equipment over the next 8 years. The STARS Mobile Demonstration Unit (MDU), a 28 foot van, visited Erie International Airport on August 30-31.  The MDU has the STARS operating system with display scopes to provide controllers, media, et. al. with a hands-on opportunity to experience their proposed new equipment.  The air traffic controllers at ERI were very impressed with this state-of-the-art technology.  The basic functions are very similar to the ARTS IIE (the current hardware used on the radar scopes) but the enhanced capabilities are phenomenal.  Since NATCA started sending controllers to participate in the design/layout/evaluation of these new systems, the results have been totally successful.  

Update 7.6.2001
Word is that updating some of the GTE reported deficiencies will be commencing very soon.  HVAC upgrade was one item that may start first.

Update 5.14.2001 
The final report from the STARS Government Transition Evaluation (GTE) was received.  The 3 day GTE event evaluated ERI's equipment needs for the future installation of STARS.  The final report cited NUMEROUS deficiencies that would need to be updated at the airport.  Estimates are several million dollars to bring the building into FAA compliance before STARS can be installed. Use the STARS link above for more information.  (Estimated STARS delivery 2005)

The first step at Erie for the STARS process is the Government Transition Evaluation (GTE).  GTE took place at Erie from February 27 to March 1, 2001.  The GTE was performed by Jacobs Facilities Inc. (JFI) from Arlington,VA.  The goal is to develop National Process and Standardize Terminal Area Transition Plan. GTE will concentrate on three scopes:

SCOPE 1 (20%) - facility’s ability to accepts STARS

SCOPE 2 (50%) - identify modernization needed to accept STARS

SCOPE 3 (30%) - identify areas not in compliance with FAA Standards.

This process was an all inclusive facility evaluation, much more in-depth than anticipated.

Attending and participating in the GTE were Raytheon, ANS-260/UNITECH, ANI-240, ANI-230, Erie FAA Air Traffic and Airways Facilities, ERI NATCA and Jacobs Facilities Inc. Electrical, Mechanical, Architectural and Fire Life Safety Representatives.

The Out Briefing on March 1 was very informative and included numerous reports of the facility not meeting FAA standards in all facets of the evaluation.  Erie Tower/TRACON sit atop the terminal building, which was built in 1954 and, obviously, is an antiquated structure.  The following are just a sampling of the findings from GTE:

Air Traffic... the evaluation yielded visibility problems with aircraft/vehicles transitioning the Glideslope Critical Area (GSCA) and low altitude aircraft flying along the shoreline are not visible from the control tower.  Also the proposed extension of runway 6-24 will produce an area on taxiway A that will not be visible from the tower.  Jet fumes in the tower cab was also a major deficiency.

Electrical... this section was very scathing which was expected due to the age of the structure.  Grounding problems were major as there is not a grounding counterpoise around the terminal building which yields no lightning protection.   There was also detected a 6 Amp current on the ground lines.

Mechanical... this was also major and stated that the air quality did not meet any standards.  There is no redundant HVAC nor humidification and the common occurrence of jet fumes, in all areas, entering the HVAC system.

Architectural... this report identified numerous areas needing attention, which is understandable, as the facility has not undergone rehabbing for over 11 years.

The JFI draft report will be sent to FAA HQ on April 20, 2001. A cost estimate to bring facility into compliance will accompany the report.

Erie Times-News Article

Erie air traffic controllers see the future in S.T.A.R.S.

By Jim Carroll
Staff writer

Don Ralph pointed to the moving box of white lettering that read 147W — lettering that represented an aircraft on his radar screen.

"Say that little one-four-seven-whiskey there is an emergency medical helicopter," he said. "It's a dark foggy night. You are the air traffic controller. The helicopter pilot radios in that he can't find the hospital. He is not familiar with the area and he has a patient aboard and he can't locate the hospital. What do you do?"

"If you have this equipment, you just press this button," he said.

He pushed a lighted button and a green box appeared on the screen to show the precise location of the hospital in the simulated demonstration program.

"Now you just direct him in."

Ralph, a retired 35-year veteran of air traffic control towers, was in Erie Friday as part of a consulting team hired to give Federal Aviation Administration controllers here a glimpse at what the future holds.

The future that Ralph was showing was the Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System — S.T.A.R.S. — and it is the new generation of computer technology that the FAA and the Department of Defense are installing in their control towers across the nation.

"This is state of the art," said Jim Peters, a spokesman for the Federal Aviation Administration who was in Erie Friday. He noted that the FAA is spending $1.4 billion to put S.T.A.R.S. in its 170 control towers.

Ralph manned a 28-foot van with the interior outfitted to resemble a control tower radar room equipped with the new S.T.A.R.S. technology.

And local controllers liked what they saw.

"Very much so," said Jim Myak, a controller and the local representative of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association. "This really increases the capability to handle aircraft more efficiently."

The tower at Erie International Airport is scheduled to get its S.T.A.R.S. update in early 2005, Peters said. That will follow the installation of new digital radar called ASR-11 in 2003.

Airport and local controllers would like to have a new stand-alone tower to house the new system.

Myak and the outgoing manager of Erie's FAA tower, Richard Pelkowski, earlier this year told the Erie Municipal Airport Authority that the existing tower, located atop the airport terminal, is outdated and that construction of a new tower might be the airport's best and most economical way to upgrade.

"The tower is 50 years old and it shows it," said Pelkowski, who has since been promoted to manager of the regional FAA tower in Pittsburgh.

Airport officials liked the idea as well as the FAA financing program that would allow the authority to come up with the estimated $8 million to pay for the tower.

"We would love to see that new equipment go into a new tower," Airport Director Kelly Fredericks said Friday.

Fredericks said he was impressed by the new equipment.

"Compared to what they have now, its amazing," he said.

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Last updated February 15, 2004