Section 7. Monitor Alert Parameter

17-7-1. PURPOSE

The Monitor Alert Parameter (MAP) establishes a numerical trigger value to provide notification to facility personnel, through the MA function of the ETMS, that sector/airport efficiency may be degraded during specific periods of time. The efficiency of a functional position or airport in providing air traffic services is a shared responsibility of the TM team. That team consists of the ATCS(s), OS(s), and the TMU. These entities must monitor, assess and act on sector/airport loading issues to ensure that these NAS elements operate efficiently. The ability of a functional position or airport to provide air traffic services may be affected by a variety of factors (i.e., NAVAIDs, meteorological conditions, communications capabilities, etc.); therefore MAP is a dynamic value which will be adjusted to reflect the capabilities of the functional position or airport.

17-7-2. IMPLEMENTATION PROCEDURES

MAP values are established and will be assigned for air traffic functional positions, within the MA function of ETMS as follows:

a. Average sector flight time will be calculated using data indicating functional position operations for a consecutive Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM local time frame.

NOTE-
This does not apply to combined sectors MA values.

b. MAP values for combined sectors may exceed the baseline value by more than three. Normal sector combinations and associated MAP values shall be forwarded to the manager ATCSCC.

c. Baseline MAP values may be adjusted ⁺/-3. Adjustments of more than ⁺/-3 requires concurrence of the TMU and representatives of the area of specialization. Adjustments to the baseline values will be documented, including rationale, and maintained by the TMU.

d. The MAP value will be dynamically adjusted to reflect the ability of the functional position to provide air traffic service. During periods of reduced efficiency the MAP will be dynamically adjusted downward and conversely, when efficiency is improved, the MAP will be adjusted upward, but not to exceed the baseline or documented, adjusted value.

17-7-3. RESPONSIBILITIES

Facility TMUs shall:

a. Monitor all adapted sectors and airports within their area of jurisdiction for alerts generated by the MA function of the ETMS.

b. Maintain communications with areas of specialization to determine functional position constraints and adjust MAP values to indicate the functional position capabilities.

c. Set the MA look ahead value at least one hour into the future with 1.5 hours to 2.5 hours being the recommended time frame.

NOTE-
The recommendation to set the look ahead value to between 1.5 and 2.5 hours is for preplanning purposes. Action taken to address an alert should take place approximately 1 hour prior to the alerted time frame. This activity will allow for a further review and evaluation of the ETMS data. A key in the analysis process is the determination of the duration of the alert. TM initiatives should be primarily for those time frames when the MAP value will be equaled or exceeded for a sustained period of time (usually greater than 5 minutes).

d. Respond to alerts by:

1. Analyzing data for the alerted time frame to develop expected impact and recommendations to address the alert.

2. For red alerts - notify the affected area of the alert, indicating the expected impact and recommended action.

3. For yellow alerts - notify the affected area of the alert when analysis indicates that the ability of the sector to provide efficient air traffic services will be degraded due to abnormal operations.

e. Maintain an operational log of red alerts and retain for 15 days the following information:

1. Date and time of alert.

2. Results of analysis including expected impact and recommendation to address.

3. Time area notified.

4. Action, if any, to be taken. 

5. Functional position configuration (i.e., sector combine status, staffing).

6. The time period(s), by facility, during which an alert notification(s) has/have been suspended. 

17-7-4. ANALYSIS REQUIREMENTS

a. Facilities will produce, utilizing the Off Line Aircraft Management Program or equivalent program, a 15 minute summary sector activity report for each red alert and each yellow alert conforming to subpara 17-7-3d3.

b. Alerts generated by the MA function of the ETMS will be further evaluated by post event analysis. The focus of this analysis will be towards assessing the effectiveness and impact, both to the sector and the user, of action taken or not taken as a result of a documented alert. A one minute sector summary report will be utilized to assist in the impact analysis of the alerted time frame.

c. When a pattern of alerts is established (i.e., same sector, same time frame, on a daily basis or requirement for additional resources to manage on a routine basis) which requires recurring TM initiatives for resolution, additional analysis will be conducted. The analysis should result in recommendations to address the identified constraint and may include sector design adjustment, flow dispersion, or user operations adjustment. Should the local facility not be able to implement resolution recommendations due to external factors (i.e., lack of equipment, nonconcurrence from other facilities), the local facility will elevate the issue to the responsible Service Area office.

17-7-5. RESOLVING RECURRING SECTOR LOADING ISSUES

The elevation of a recurring sector loading issue to the regional level indicates that the local facility requires additional assistance in resolving the issue. The appropriate Service Area office will allocate necessary resources to address the sector loading issue and will ensure that:

a. The local facility forwards a staff study to the Service Area office outlining activities taken to resolve the recurring sector loading problem, solutions explored, and recommendations for resolution. The report will also contain specific initiatives the facility is employing to currently manage the sector.

b. The originating facility Service Area office will develop an action plan to address the identified problem and will:

1. Notify ATCSCC of any continuing TM initiatives being implemented to resolve the sector loading problem.

2. Dedicate resources within the division to evaluate the facility's findings.

3. Serve as the focal point for coordinating inter-facility activity as appropriate.

4. Coordinate with appropriate FAA Headquarters service units for assistance as necessary.

5. Forward to the manager ATCSCC, within 60 days of receiving the facility's report, a copy of the draft action plan and associated milestones.