TFMData R13 is retiring in March 2023. The FAA TFMS program has released a new version, R14, and it is now available to all SWIM users. All TFMData R13 users need to change to R14 prior to the R13 retirement date. In the event R13 queues are not updated by March 2023, FAA will convert all remaining R13 queues to R14. R14 uses a new schema version which may require user client updates.

FAA has identified the following TFMData user Groups:

• Group 1 User connected to FAA NESG consuming TFMData
  • Flight Data
  • Flow Information
  • TFDM
  • Status
• Group 2 User connected to FAA NESG consuming & publishing TFMData
  • Group 1 business functions
  • Request/Reply
  • IDP
• Group 3 User connected to FAA SCDS consuming TFMData
  • Group 1 business functions

Actions required for all SWIM TFMData R13 users:

• Group 1
  • Contact SWIM today (<Data-To-Industry@faa.gov>) and request R14 topics/queues in FNTB
  • Once able to utilize the new R14 data feed, request SWIM update your Ops subscription from R13 to R14. This should be done as soon as possible in order to avoid any possible disruption in your TFMData connection.
• Group 2
  • Follow same process as Group 1
  • In addition, for Group 2 users only, they are required to undergo recertification for Request/Reply
  • Recertification will require FNTB testing with TFMS SLE
  • Contact 9-AWA-ATCSCC-SLE-Support@faa.gov to schedule testing
• Group 3
  • R14 is available now on SCDS, users are able to request R14 now, test and update their client as needed

After the completion of successful keysite testing in early January 2022, the FAA’s SWIM Flight Data Publication Service (SFDPS) is now able to provide enhanced usage for its clients. New features include more sophisticated tracking data, wider access to transponder codes, and access to ramp data. The enhancements to SFDPS resulted from a request from users to provide access to Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) location data.

SFDPS converts legacy en route data collected from Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC) facilities into easily accessible information. The most significant enhancement in the SFDPS release this month is the added track data from ADS-B. ADS-B is a global, environmentally friendly technology that enhances safety and efficiency, and directly benefits pilots, controllers, airports, airlines, and the public. It forms the foundation for NextGen by moving from ground radar and navigational aids to more precise tracking using satellite signals. Leveraging this ADS-B capability provides enhanced aircraft locations appended to the existing 12-second track updates provided with legacy hardware. SFDPS users will now have access to more accurate location information – ensuring further certainty about airspace traffic data.

The new SFDPS functionality also supports the future objective of transitioning from the four-digit octal code to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) address six-digit hex code, which is a unique identifier for every aircraft and available with the enhanced ADS-B track data. SFDPS users can use the ICAO address to confirm the identify of any airplane anywhere, reducing confusion and increasing the safety of our airspace.

A new feature added to SFDPS flight plan data, the “flight strip revision number,” is now available as ARTCCs activate this feature and will benefit aviation departing from remote airports requesting clearances from distant centralized air traffic control towers. Requests sent with the new SFDPS “flight strip revision number” will make it possible for controllers to positively match SFDPS flight plan data with Air Traffic Control flight plan data. Prior to this SFDPS release, it was not possible for aviators to use SFDPS data for coordinating with Air Traffic Control.

Existing SFDPS users will not have to change their software unless they intend to use the updated SFDPS services. However, to leverage the new features, users will need to change their schema to access the enhanced data. The NAS Service Registry/Repository (NSRR) has also been updated with this latest information.

For additional information about SFDPS services and to request a subscription to SFDPS data, please visit the SWIFT Portal’s Service Discovery section . Further updates will also be shared at the next SWIM Users Forum event.

For any questions, please reach out to the FAA’s SWIM Program Office at SWIM@faa.gov

Alex Murray, SWIM subject matter expert, presented NOTAM Distribution through SWIM at the NOTAM Modernization Summit.

The SWIM Program Office is excited to announce the operational roll out of the SWIFT Portal!

When navigating to SCDS you will be automatically redirected to the new SWIFT Portal site.

No action is required by current SCDS users.

Click here for more information

The ATO Minute recently featured a piece on a decision-support dashboard that leverages SWIM data. Please see more

FocusFAA recently featured a piece on SWIMs latest meeting series, the Partner Roundtable Please see more

The ATO Minute recently featured a story about SWIM’s new features and projects to remain a valuable NAS resource. Please see more.

The ATO Minute recently featured an article about the upcoming release of the SWIFT Portal and what it means for SWIM data. Please see more.

 

The ATO Minute recently featured a piece on SWIM PM Kristin Cropf Please see more.

STDDS R5 deployment was completed at all 38 TRACONS. Primarily a technical refresh of STDDS TRACON hardware, R5 updates the TAIS data ceiling to ensure that all track data with a correlated STARS flight plan is included in the published data. Please see the Release Notes the STDDS Documents section as well as the NSRR for more information on R5.

R5 also adds two new SMES sites: Anchorage, AK (PANC) and Portland, OR (KPDX). Please see the Site Availability Document (MS Excel) file in the documents section for details on their availability; the PANC ASSC IOC is projected in Spring 2021.

Please direct any questions to swim@faa.gov.

The ATIEC Conference, hosted by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), provides a forum to discuss and exchange concepts and practices related to major global changes in information management focusing on information in operation, information services, information exchanges and information security. Joshua Gustin, manager of Communications, Information & Network Programs delivered the Information Services key note presentation focused on how the nation’s aviation industry is driven by data and the role of the System Wide Information Management.

Damon Thomas, SWIM Implementation Lead, delivered a presentation about how the SWIM Cloud Distribution Services (SCDS) simplifies the process of accessing SWIM data.

More than 100 individuals from the airline industry, government organizations, and the military, as well as engineers and aviation enthusiasts met to communicate, educate, stimulate and collaborate. In addition to examining the latest trends in aviation data, participants discussed how to leverage partnership with the FAA to expand SWIM implementation within the industry. SWIM Program Updates pertained to Release 4 of the SWIM Terminal Data Distribution System (STDDS R4), deployed in March 2019, and the user migration process for the SWIM Cloud Distribution Service (SCDS).

On the flight deck, United Airlines led a discussion about how to leverage SWIM data to improve operations, and Southwest shared its plan to transition to a scaled agile development process to take the idea of the SWIM concept to use. The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) presented a case study about refining airspace restrictions by using SWIM data to identify flights/routes that can be exempt. These facilitated discussions and case studies enabled attendees to engage and learn about National Airspace System data and information services along with other SWIM services to improve system integration, automation, system interoperability and communication networks. View the full presentation here.
SWIFT Meeting #8 will take place on November 7, 2019 in Atlanta, GA.

More than 100 individuals from the airline industry, government organizations, and the military, as well as engineers and aviation enthusiasts met to discuss the latest trends in aviation data. Topics included, but were not limited to: SWIFT widgets, the Enhanced SWIM Cloud, SWIM International and Global Strategy, Case Studies, Traffic Flow Management System (TFMS) Data, and an update on the progress of the SWIM Cloud Distribution Service (SCDS).

The dialogue format of the workshop afforded attendees with the opportunity to engage in a Q&A session with the speakers during each presentation.

On May 13 - 14 STEM days, more than 150 high school and college students talked to experts in STEM fields about careers and learned about aviation through simulators and technology demos. On Tech Tuesday, attendees got an insider's look at cutting-edge research and development and learned from experts who are developing innovative solutions to current and future air transportation challenges. The SWIM booth engaged attendees providing demos of SWIM Cloud Distribution Service (SCDS) and Identity & Access Management (IAM), as well as fielding their questions.

Successfully completed Initial Operating Capability (IOC) for System Wide Information Management (SWIM) Terminal Data Distribution System (STDDS) Release 4 on March 6, 2019 at all 38 locations.
STDDS R4 enhancements include:

• Enhanced Flight Plan Data: integration of SFDPS flight plan data to the SMES, TAIS, and TDES services provides richer data and allows correlation between STDDS services and to the SFDPS service
• TDES Enhancements: Publication of filtered TDES data to external users and addition of TDLS D-ATIS messages
• New Sites: R4 adds 30 new STARS sites to complete the STARS deployment, and 4 new ASSC sites
• Solace: Direct publication to NEMS Solace appliances to improve reliability

Please visit the STDDS Website for information on the STDDS Program and more details, including the release notes, on STDDS R4.

Click to enlarge

Security in the National Airspace System (NAS) got a little bit stronger, thanks to the FAA’s new Identity and Access Management (IAM) capability.

“IAM provides a Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) within the NAS [FAA Telecommunications Infrastructure] network that supports cryptographic functions such as Strong Authentication using digital certificates,” said Jim Laymon, IAM project lead. PKI is the process that confirms the identity of individuals and systems communicating over a network — the way your PIV card confirms you’re you when you log on in the morning. Laymon discussed IAM’s connection to the agency at-large on May 15 during a series of Tech Talks at the Air Traffic Control Association’s (ATCA) annual Technical Symposium in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

“Cybersecurity is a growing issue across all sectors, and the NAS is no different,” observed Laymon. “We’re here to make sure the systems have been authenticated and authorized to access the data they need in the NAS.”

IAM supports Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) operational improvements for sensitive Information exchanges with NAS Stakeholders, including:

• Traffic Management Initiatives with Flight-Specific Trajectories
• Integration of Weather Information into Decision-Making
• Improved Management of Airspace for Special Use

While IAM provides an enterprise-level service, it is, at its core, a capability of System Wide Information Management (SWIM) — the NextGen digital data backbone. IAM services are available agency-wide for SWIM as well as non-SWIM users. Available services include:

• Certificate Issuance: Registration services to issue certificate credentials to NAS systems (Non-Person Entities)
• Certificate Validation: A validation service for validating digital certificate credentials
• Security Token Services: A Security Token Service provides temporary certificate-based tokens used when passing credentials across the NAS boundary

To continue the discussion, Jim will join a panel of experts when ATCA presents Cybersecurity Day in Washington, DC on July 18. The panel will discuss PKI standards at home and abroad, and how global harmonization can resolve gaps in the air traffic arena.

For questions or more information about SWIM and IAM, send an email to swim@faa.gov.

The FAA's Program Management Organization hosted a SWIM Industry-FAA Team (SWIFT) collaboration workshop to discuss ways to enhance valuable data exchanges via SWIM.

The SWIM Program office is proud to announce that a new version of the NSRR, called NSRR 3.0, will become operational on November 1.

The NSRR is a registry established by the FAA's SWIM program to share and track information about SWIM-enabled services. In addition to supporting service discovery, the NSRR also manages services throughout their lifecycle, tracks the progression of service development, notifies users about changes in service descriptions and lifecycle status, and manages service-related documents.

NSRR 3.0 provides many new features, including:

• A redesigned Home Page that clearly advertises key NSRR capabilities
• An "Information Finder" that helps new users quickly find services of interest
• A dynamic API for exchanging registry data with software agents
• Advanced searches featuring sorts and clear filters
• Comprehensive "Help" links that provide detailed information to new users
• Redesigned pages for sending service notifications and creating SWIM on-ramping forms
• A library of NSRR-related documents and briefings

All who are interested in learning more about SWIM-enabled services are encouraged to visit the NSRR at nsrr.faa.gov.

The SWIM Program Office showcased some of the newest capabilities at this year's ATCA Technical Symposium held May 15-16 at the FAA William J. Hughes Technical Center in Egg Harbor Township, NJ.

The booth welcomed over 200 high school students from the Atlantic City area with an interest in engineering. The students learned about various FAA programs, including Navigation, Data Comm, and ERAM. They also had the opportunity to test their skills as pilots using actual flight simulators.

Rep. Frank LoBiondo (NJ) and Rep. Rick Larsen (WA) were escorted by NextGen Assistant Administrator Jim Eck during the event. As members of the House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure, they learned how SWIM shares NAS data, and how it is used by consumers such as airlines and data analytics organizations.

This year, the SWIM booth featured two capabilities based at the Tech Center:

• Enterprise Services Monitoring (ESM, AJM-3122) complements traditional system monitoring capabilities, enabling near real-time end-to-end monitoring and reporting of enterprise SWIM services.
• SWIM's Identity Access Management (IAM) aims to reduce cyber vulnerabilities by creating digital identities and credentials for NAS systems and applications. Although implemented by SWIM, the IAM infrastructure can be leveraged by any NAS system on the Operational Internet Protocol (OPIP) network.

Jeri Groce, SWIM Program Manager, attended the booth on Tech Tuesday, sharing the SWIM story with participants. "SWIM definitely gives us a window on how FAA programs operate," said Ms. Groce. "The Tech Symposium is a great opportunity to meet with them in person, and share how they can leverage SWIM services."

The second panel shared their experiences on connecting and consuming SWIM data. This panel featured three members of industry, including FlightAware CEO Daniel Baker, Rockwell Collins' Senior Engineer Diane McClatchy, and PASSUR Aerospace's Chief Technology Officer David Brukman. The panel discussion highlighted the ease of connecting and consuming data through SWIM's streamlined on-ramping process. Each panelist provided their SWIM user experience, including successes, challenges and future needs. By sharing their stories, it showed continuous NAS innovation to make air travel convenient, efficient and reliable.

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The SWIM Program Office hosted two panels in the NextGen Theater during the 61st ATCA Annual Conference and Exposition in National Harbor, Md. The first panel focused on the importance of surface data from the different views of the air traffic world. The four panelists shared they can do things they could not do before. FAA's Chris Simmonds shared that the data is used as a tactical tool for weather events. "Instead of an educated guess, we can make an informed decision," said Simmonds. Additional panelists included Tim Stull from American Airlines, Dan London from Saab Sensis.

The second panel shared their experiences on connecting and consuming SWIM data. This panel featured three members of industry, including FlightAware CEO Daniel Baker, Rockwell Collins' Senior Engineer Diane McClatchy, and PASSUR Aerospace's Chief Technology Officer David Brukman. The panel discussion highlighted the ease of connecting and consuming data through SWIM's streamlined on-ramping process. Each panelist provided their SWIM user experience, including successes, challenges and future needs. By sharing their stories, it showed continuous NAS innovation to make air travel convenient, efficient and reliable.

The SWIM Program will host two panel sessions in the NextGen Theater at the 61st ATCA Annual Exhibitor Hall in National Harbor, MD. Access to the Exhibition Hall is free with registration online or onsite. For more information, visit the ATCA website.

Through the Looking Glass: Integrating SWIM Applications to Visualize Surface Data

October 17, 2016 from 1:30pm to 2:30pm
One of the major NextGen improvements was airlines' visibility into surface data. The SWIM Visualization Tool Viewer (SVT) encourages collaboration across process design and operational efficiency to improve the coordination between the FAA, Airlines, and Air Traffic Managers and Integrators. This panel will include experts from the production to the field which will discuss current operating capabilities, data available, the benefits to consumers and showcase the value of providing applications to enable SWIM data.
Moderator: Melissa Matthews (FAA)
Panelists: Tom Sherwood (Dept. of Transportation), Chris Simmonds (FAA), Tim Stull (American Airlines), Dan London (Saab Sensis)

SWIM in Action: Life After Connecting

October 18, 2016 1:30PM-2:30pm
You have completed the SWIM on-ramping process, now you have access to SWIM data. What do you do with it now? Join this session which features panel of consumers from industry highlighting their successes, challenges, and how they use SWIM data today. The focus will be on consumer demand for industry tools, products and data.
Moderator: Jeri Groce (FAA)
Panelists: Daniel Baker (FlightAware), Diane McClatchy (Rockwell Collins), David Brukman (PASSUR Aerospace)

 

The SWIM Flight Data Publication Service (SFDPS) Release 1.3.0 is coming to the NAS Operational Environment in February 2017. This update - which is already available in the Research & Development (R&D) and FTI National Test Bed (FNTB) environments - will include batching, 12 second updates of track data, and other functions. As this will require changes to existing client software and may require additional FNTB testing before the February operations cutover, please contact us to get on the testing schedule now. Learn more about SFDPS.

 

In the picture (from left to right): SWIM Capabilities Lead Melissa Matthews (FAA), SWIM Lead Engineer Chris Pressler (FAA).

On September 21, 2016, FAA SWIM participated in the Annual Air Transportation Information Exchange Conference (ATIEC). The theme of this year's conference was "Forecasting the Future", the conversation focused on exchange of Aeronautical, Flight and Weather information through the use of System Wide Information Management as a concept. Lead Engineer Chris Pressler shared how FAA SWIM is utilizing data to enhance situational awareness across the National Airspace System (NAS). Capabilities Lead Melissa Matthews discussed SFDPS capabilities and benefits to consumers, and showcased visualization applications which integrated SFDPS data. SWIM presentations and other briefings from this conference are available on ATIEC website.

• SWIM PMO: Utilizing Data Today for Better Situational Awareness Tomorrow
• SWIM Flight Data Publication Service (SFDPS): Integrating SWIM Apps to Visualize Aviation Data

 

An interchangeable Vertical Motion Simulator (VMS) cabs for experimenting thrust control levels at the NASA Ames Research Center in Moffet Field, Calif., on July 15, 2016. In the picture (from left to right): Sarasina Tuchen (Dept. of Transportation), Enterprise Services Director Malcolm Andrews (FAA), SWIM Program Manager Jeri Groce (FAA).

SWIM Program Manager Jeri Groce presented SWIM capabilities and benefits at the NASA Ames Research Center in Moffett Field, Calif. She presented SWIM capabilities, as well as the benefits and future program efforts. Ames, one of ten NASA field centers, develops and tests innovative automation concepts, technologies, and procedures, to identify the most promising capabilities to support NextGen.

SWIM has made the delivery of aviation data to consumers more streamlined than ever before possible. Prior to SWIM, the stand-alone Aircraft Situational Display to Industry (ASDI) system was the only source through which external consumers could access FAA's TFM data. However, with SWIM's establishment, FAA determined that delivering TFM data through SWIM offered numerous benefits and began transitioning ASDI consumers to SWIM. This transition, which began in 2014, concluded on April 29, 2016 - on schedule and without any interruption in service - by which time all ASDI consumers either migrated to SWIM or opted out of continuing to receive TFM data. Once the transition was complete, FAA decommissioned ASDI.

Now as consumers of SWIM, former ASDI consumers have access not only to TFM data but to other NAS data products distributed through SWIM. Furthermore, these additional products can all be accessed with minimal additional effort, as SWIM consumers access all relevant data through a single connection. The improved data access enables the aviation community to drive innovation and create value-added products to create a better in-flight experience for the flying public.

On June 21, more than 50 software architects from around the world joined NextGen and the SWIM Program Office for the second SWIM Interactive Developer Workshop at the Volpe Center in Cambridge, Mass.

The attendees, primarily developers from private industry, brought their laptops and ideas to work with each other and SWIM experts. They had direct access to SWIM for three days to refresh their knowledge of the data or learn about the data and how the aviation world uses it.

"We received an enormous amount of positive feedback from last year's participants on their ability to connect to SWIM data and work with experts," said NextGen's Jon Standley who co-chaired the event. "The idea of getting your hands on SWIM data straight from the source helped them to craft ideas for new applications."

In addition to the format used in the September 2015 workshop, participants divided into two groups, "learner" and "challenge," based on their experience with SWIM data. They were also given the opportunity to showcase their creativity in delivering innovative solutions to operational challenges posed during the workshop.

"For most of the participants, the workshop was their first exposure to SWIM data," said Chris Pressler, SWIM's Lead Engineer and workshop co-chair. "Having an expert sit right next to you was a major contributor to the event's success."

In a post-workshop survey given to participants, the overall responses were positive. "Great event and very informative," recalled one developer. "I learned a lot more than I would at a typical lecturing contest."

The workshops have built a new community within SWIM for developers to share their experiences with each other, and take them to their colleagues at home to continue learning, innovating and transforming SWIM data. And while the developers received the hands-on data experience, NextGen and the SWIM program office gained direct insight on user-related issues that will affect future operations.

FAA's System Wide Information Management (SWIM) was featured in the 2016 ATCA Technical Symposium, May 17-19 in Atlantic City, NJ. This event, co-chaired by FAA and NASA, brought together hundreds of leaders from government and industry to focus on the latest developments in the air traffic control arena.

The SWIM Connect booth during 'Tech Center Tuesday' included demonstrations exhibiting SWIM's role as the digital data-sharing backbone of NextGen. SWIM subject matter experts showed visitors how SWIM provides users with access to real-time, relevant, and reliable aeronautical, flight, and weather information, all through a single connection.

SWIM was also the focus of a Technical Symposium session addressing NAS Data and Decision Making. FAA and industry leaders addressed key questions related to the broad availability of data made possible through SWIM and opportunities to use this data to improve NAS performance. ATCA published an overview of topics addressed by this panel. SWIM was also referenced in another panel on air traffic modernization.

FAA and the Volpe Center are proud to host the second SWIM Interactive Developer Workshop on June 21-23, 2016. The workshop will be held at the Volpe Center campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA and will focus on creating applications that utilize SWIM data to innovate operations in the NAS and solve real world challenges. During the workshop participants will be able to:

• Collaborate with subject matter experts to develop new applications
• Attend in-depth workshops on data products, exchange standards and global connectivity
• Refresh your knowledge of SWIM or learn for the first time
• Connect with operators to understand current challenges and opportunities
• Engage in a hands-on challenge session to develop innovative solutions using aviation data

Space is limited, register to secure your spot! If you have questions contact us at swim@faa.gov.

 

Ahmad Usmani, FAA (far right), talks about his experience with SWIM as colleagues, Don Ward, FAA, Mike Hawthorne, NOBLIS, and moderator Jeri Groce, FAA

View Spotlight Series Presentations & Pictures

The following is an excerpt from ATCA Today Highlights Edition

The Federal Aviation Administration's SWIM Connect 2015 education series at the 60th ATCA Annual closed with a look at SWIM's global impact in the past, present, and future.

A trio of former SWIM (System Wide Information Management) program managers, along with current manager Jeri Groce, gave their perspectives on the massive program's implementation, funding, and influence on other countries' air traffic control computer systems.

Mike Hawthorne, who is now with Noblis, said in SWIM's infancy there were a lot of questions about its value."Some of those questions exist today," he said."SWIM is a great enabler, but it's difficult to develop hard facts about the benefits. It was a very hard sell to the JRC (Joint Resources Council of the FAA) because it's about data, not about moving boxes. We were asking for a huge agency investment that's about stakeholder management rather than contractor management."

The key, he said, was to "figure out what SWIM means to us. Even the term means something different to different parts of the world. We made a very deliberate decision to get our own house in order, figure out the value proposition of SWIM, and explain why we thought that was important. And then we were able to take it to the international community."

But as painful as the SWIM evolution has been, Hawthorne believes stakeholders today realize the extreme importance and pervasiveness of the program.

In fact, he said, "Most people don't realize when you dial back 10 years, ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast) and SWIM were the two jump-start trends for NextGen. So SWIM predated Next- Gen and was foundational for it. You literally can't do NextGen without SWIM."

Ahmad Usmani, FAA, said today, "We see a lot of other countries trying to do what we've done. We really are world leaders when it comes to SWIM, and I think that's something we need to try and protect as things evolve internationally."

Usmani said the Asia Pacific Common Virtual Regional Private Network (CRV) is working on building a regional version of SWIM. "I'm guessing something similar will happen in Europe and the Americas, and then all of those networks will link together," he said.

Don Ward, FAA, said it's important to keep in mind that those networks will likely have different architecture than SWIM, so "we'll need to figure out how to work together."

The FAA's System Wide Information Management (SWIM) program invites you to visit SWIM Connect 2015 at the 60th ATCA Annual Conference on November 2-4 in National Harbor, MD. Located at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center...learn more

SWIM subject matter experts Jim Robb, Program Manager, Chris Pressler, Lead Engineer, and Stephen Link, NAS Enterprise Messaging System (NEMS) Chief Engineer presented on Wednesday August 26th at the Aviation Information Exchange Conference in Silver Spring, MD. Topics included a SWIM overview, an update on the SWIM Flight Data Publication Service (SFDPS), and a summary and illustration of mediating data between ICAO data standards and legacy XML formats. Learn more at www.fbcinc.com/e/atiec/

Due to an overwhelming response, we are no longer accepting applications for the SWIM Interactive Developer Workshop. If you have any questions, please contact us. Update: 9/9/2015

Work hands on with SWIM data during an interactive, in-depth workshop at the Florida NextGen Test Bed presented by FAA NextGen and the SWIM Program Office. This two-day educational event geared toward software engineers, developers, and data providers will allow participants the opportunity to develop in an environment with current and emerging SWIM data. Interested in developing and participating? Learn more and register today!

FAA's System Wide Information Management (SWIM) was featured at the 2015 ATCA Technical Symposium focusing on the latest ideas, research, and services in the air traffic control arena. This conference, held May 12-14 in Atlantic City, NJ, brought together hundreds from the air traffic community to see the latest technology and hear from key industry and government leaders. SWIM was discussed in a panel on emerging challenges to the National Airspace System (NAS) featuring FAA's Pam Whitley and Jim Eck. The SWIM booth included multiple demonstrations exhibiting SWIM's role as the digital data-sharing backbone of NextGen and how SWIM provides access to multiple types of aviation information, all through a single connection. View the ATCA Today publication below (or click to download) for more details on the panel discussion (p. 1) and learn about the implementation of the new SWIM Visualization Tool in 11 sites within 1 year (p. 9 and 11).

FAA's System Wide Information Management (SWIM) will be featured at the 2015 ATCA Technical Symposium, a conference focusing on the latest ideas, research, and services in the air traffic control arena. On May 12-14 in Atlantic City, NJ, join members of the air traffic community, see the latest technology, and hear from key industry and government leaders. SWIM will be discussed in a panel on emerging challenges to the National Airspace System (NAS) featuring FAA's Pam Whitley and Jim Eck. You can also visit FAA stand #306 to learn more about how SWIM is the digital data-sharing backbone of NextGen and how it provides access to multiple types of aviation information, all through a single connection. For more details about FAA programming during the conference, visit the ATCA website or view ATCA Today Publication.

As of March 2015, the SWIM Visualization Tool (SVT), a surface viewer prototype, has been implemented in 11 sites around the country. This new government-owned tool, engineered and developed by the Volpe Center, is a web based application that gives controllers and traffic managers access to surface data that was previously unavailable outside of a tower cab. Specifically, the tool provides access to ASDE-X and ASSC tracking data provided by the System Wide Information Management (SWIM) Terminal Data Distribution System, or STDDS.

SVT improves shared surface situational awareness (SSA) capabilities in Terminal Radar Approach Controls (TRACON) and the ATCSCC through shared surveillance data. It is advisory in nature only and not used for actual separation of traffic. The SVT allows aircraft to be color coded by departure fix and gives all TRACON personnel a better idea of how busy a particular route will be and when. Therefore, it can help supervisors appropriately staff sectors in accordance with actual traffic demand rather than relying on rough estimates based on past activity associated with typically busy times of the day.

SVT is an early implementation of Terminal Flight Data Manager (TFDM), a NextGen program. By combining a common SSA with collaborative decision-support tools, TFDM will help aircraft operators, controllers, and airports stage arrivals and departures more efficiently. TFDM will deploy an SSA capability based on lessons learned from the SVT prototype. This capability will enhance collaborative decision-making on the surface, which is one of the key TFDM tools that will make flights more efficient from gate to gate.

The initial SVT implementation was completed in Southern California (SCT) in April 2014. As of March 2015, it is also implemented in 7 additional TRACONS -- Northern California (NCT), Chicago (C90), Houston (I90), Louisville (SDF), Boston (A90), New York (N90), Potomac (PCT) - and three Centers - Air Traffic Control System Command Center (ATCSCC), NY Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC) (ZNY), and the Los Angeles ARTCC (ZLA). This marks the completion of the planned SVT implementation. TFDM will include current SVT functionality and will replace SVT when it is deployed.

FAA's System Wide Information Management (SWIM) participated in World ATM Congress 2015 in Madrid, Spain March 10-12, 2015. World ATM Congress combined a large-scale exhibition, world-class conference, and premier networking opportunities featuring the latest air traffic trends and developments. SWIM's engagement at World ATM Congress 2015 allowed the international aviation community to learn more about data accessible through SWIM and how the aviation community is creating innovative tools leveraging SWIM technology, cutting business costs and improving the experience of the flying public. Read about the SWIM panel in the World ATM Congress Newsletter (see page 5)

Rockwell Collins has joined with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) in a two-phase launch of the Aircraft Access to System-Wide Information Management (SWIM) program, which uses National Airspace System (NAS) data to improve aircraft situational awareness. Rockwell Collins' Data Management Service (DMS) was used in Phase 1 of the program to demonstrate one-way access to SWIM. Phase 2 of the program will demonstrate the capability for two-way data transfer. Read more...

Once operational, the system would work like this: At takeoff the tracking system begins sending position, time and identification information at least every 15 min. to the airline's operational control center (AOC), potentially using a third-party company to provide the tracking services. That data long term would be available to the airline using System-wide Information Management (SWIM)-enabled applications. Read more...

The following is an excerpt from Avionics Today.

The Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) System-Wide Information Management (SWIM) program, now more than halfway to the finish line, is the agency's version of net-centricity. Using the Federal Telecommunications Infrastructure (FTI) backbone, SWIM provides the means for National Air Space (NAS) systems to share information, increase interoperability and encourage the reuse of information and services, the agency says. Under SWIM, data that may originally have been used for safety-critical purposes becomes a tool for flight management. According to program officials, SWIM will enable users to respond faster and more accurately because they can access the data they need when they need it.

Read more...

 

The FAA is constantly working to contribute to the SESAR Joint Undertaking SWIM Master Class program, a 5-month creative competition between teams that develop SWIM-enabled applications. With more than 80 competitors annually, participants compete for "Best in Class" based on SWIM applications, information services, and compliant infrastructure.

On June 24, 2014 the SWIM Program Office partnered with Harris to serve at a booth at the SWIM Master Class kick-off in Brussels, Belgium. SWIM's participation served as an outreach mechanism to provide information about program progress and data available to the international aviation community.

Submissions for the 2014 SWIM Master Class Program have been made, and the Best in Class ceremony will happen on December 11, 2014. In addition, there will be over 20 exhibitors and sponsors demonstrating their latest SWIM offerings. Learn more: http://www.sesarju.eu/newsroom/events/swim-master-class-2014

This year ATCA's 59th Annual Conference and Exposition, attendees were a buzz about SWIM CONNECT 2014 featuring how FAA's SWIM is transforming all phases of flight with their partner FAA programs. The event was an example true stakeholder collaboration between the FAA, industry, international and users in the aviation community. In a sea of questions about the future of information access, SWIM Connect was a one-stop place for answers.

Attendees commented about an impressive interactive gate–to–gate experience of data accessible through SWIM and had a unique environment where they learned more about how the aviation community is creating innovative tools, cutting business costs and improving the experience of the flying public. Attendees interacted with live demonstrations and connected one-on-one with experts were available to answer questions.

Fourteen Speakers, ten planners, and over fifty stakeholders and experts from FAA and industry helped create a unique experience for close to 800 visitors of the SWIM Connect showcase. The agenda for the SWIM Connect Spotlight series was a representation of SWIM's daily collaboration efforts.

Learn more about SWIM Connect from the article; SWIM Connect 2014: Ready for Takeoff! featured in Managing the Skies

Click here to view full Managing the Skies Magazine

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SWIM Connect 2014 | GET PLUGGED IN...

ATCA 59th Annual Conference & Exposition
September 29-October 1 | Exhibit Hall
Learn more about ATCA: atca.org/59annual
Click here for complete programming & schedule

Planning is in full swing for the ATCA 59th Annual Conference and Exposition, which is just around the corner. New this year, don't miss SWIM CONNECT 2014 in the presentation theater of the main exhibit hall at ATCA, September 29 - October 1! The FAA's System Wide Information Management (SWIM) program, in conjunction with our partners, will get you plugged in to SWIM and connect you to the data that's available now and share what will be offered soon.

Join us for an interactive gate-to-gate experience of data accessible through SWIM and learn more about how the aviation community is creating innovative tools, cutting business costs and improving the experience of the flying public. Connect with experts to answer all your questions and interact with live demonstrations. In addition, SWIM Connect 2014 will feature spotlight talks throughout each day with key players in the FAA and industry covering today's hottest topics. Look for the spotlight agenda in the coming weeks. We can't wait to connect with you at ATCA

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One of the more recent success stories was at Southern California TRACON (SCT) and the Air Traffic Control Traffic Management Unit at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in April 2014. LAX is one of the busiest airports in the world. Working with the folks at the LAX TMU, the FAA SWIM Program Office went back to the basics and focused on what the customer's most important needs and requirements were. In collaboration with the Volpe Transportation Center an innovative solution was developed to address the issue the customer was facing.

The issue was related to major construction occurring at LAX. Both LAX and SCT, which services LAX, needed additional situational awareness of surface movement at LAX. Essentially, they were hoping to be more efficient by responding proactively instead of reactively by having immediate access to the new SWIM Terminal Data Distribution System (STDDS) surface radar surveillance traffic data instead of receiving a phone call about traffic backups.

In a rapid response request (three weeks), the SWIM Program Office had STDDS surveillance data available for direct access by SCT through the installation of the SWIM Visualization Tool (SVT). This solution provided the SCT staff the required increased visibility to LAX surface movement.

The customer was so thrilled with the agile deployment of this capability that she provided a formal letter of commendation to the SWIM team, thanking the SWIM office for the successful quick reaction efforts.

For LAX and SCT, the SWIM team demonstrated the ability to deliver customer required information services and on short notice. This success illustrates the SWIM team's ability to quickly respond to high priority customer needs. Contributing to the success was the ability to leverage STDDS information published to SWIM and exemplifies the value of standards based data exchange with improved operations and decision making.

Wednesday, April 23, 2014 at 8:00 AM - Thursday, April 24, 2014 at 5:00 PM (EDT) Herndon, VA

This event, sponsored by the FAA ATO Program Management Organization, is a forum for exchanging information with industry about the status and future plans of several significant FAA programs. The target audience is the aviation technical vendor community building information systems and interfaces with FAA.The SWIM Program Manager, Jim Robb, spoke about SWIM as a NextGen Data Distribution, including a review of the stakeholders, process and products necessary to obtain NAS data from SWIM/ NEMS.

Other speakers included keynotes from Teri Bristol, Chief Operating Officer for the Air Traffic Organization, Nancy Kalinowski, Air Traffic Organization, Vice President, System Operations and Vincent Capezzuto, Air Traffic Systems, Director. Topics included discussion about the vision for the Traffic Flow Management domain including Terminal Flight Data Management (TFDM), Traffic Flow Management System (TFMS) and Time Based Flow Management (TBFM): Rebecca Guy, Decision Support, Manager

SWIM Program Overview and Status Update

By Pete Slattery (Charlotte)
NATCA TFDM/FDIO/AEFS National Representative

The System Wide Information Management (SWIM) Visualization Tool (SVT) is a new product recently installed at the Southern California TRACON (SCT). The SVT provides Surface Situational Awareness (SSA) to controllers, traffic managers, and front-line managers.

This new tool gives controllers and traffic managers access to surface data that was previously unavailable outside of a tower cab. The SVT display is similar to an Airport Surface Detection Equipment (ASDE) Model X display in a control tower, but does not sound alerts or display other runway safety information. Read More