What is TFDM?

Terminal Flight Data Manager (TFDM) is a tower-based air transportation system program that improves surface management and efficiency. TFDM supports new services that provide automation to current, manually-intensive operations and replaces critical, outdated systems in the National Airspace System (NAS).
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What are the benefits of TFDM?

TFDM benefits include:

• Improved Predictability
• Collaborative Decisions
• Environmental Friendliness
• Real-time Accuracy
• System Modernization
• Consolidated Systems
• Improved Safety

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When will TFDM implementation begin?

TFDM capabilities will be implemented incrementally in a phased approach throughout the life of the program. System development, integration, and testing occurred from 2016 to 2021. TFDM implementation began in 2022 and is projected to complete at 89 sites by 2029.

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What sites will be receiving TFDM?

Site selection is based on operational benefits and the impact of installation and deployment on the NAS. TFDM provides two configurations that consist of different levels of TFDM capabilities which can be achieved by turning functions on and off through adaptation. TFDM Configuration A provides the entire suite of TFDM capabilities. TFDM Configuration B provides Electronic Flight Data with some limited traffic flow data, limited airport resource management capability, and limited surface scheduling capability. 

How will TFDM be implemented?

The TFDM implementation strategy is a multiple-build approach. The first deployment build achieved Initial Operating Capability (IOC) in 2022 and consisted of processing of electronic flight data and Electronic Flight Strips (EFS); processing of traffic flow data; partial airport resource management capabilities; and partial surface scheduling capability. The second deployment build achieved IOC in 2025, and consists of surface metering which provides users the ability to meter departure flights; additional airport resource management capability; and additional surface scheduling capability.

Who will be implementing TFDM?

The TFDM Program Office and the FAA's Engineering Services and Technical Operations organizations will lead system implementation at all locations and the transition to full operations.