Current RTCA Studies which Concern Air Traffic Control

In a narrow sense, a definition of an Air Traffic Control study probably would be confined to procedures and equipments used solely for take-off, en route navigation, approach, landing and taxiing. In a broader sense, however, Air Traffic Control can be considered to include all means of increasing accuracy and the scope of application of any electronic device employed in aeronautical operation. The Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics (RTCA) is currently conducting nearly a dozen technical studies relating to one or the other of the above categories. The majority of RTCA´s studies are performed by Special Committees. This presentation, therefore, comprises a summary statement of the current status of the activities of those Special Committees whose work relates either directly or indirectly to Air Traffic Control. Special Committee 54 (SC54) ``Operational Analysis of the Need for and Use of Course Line Computers and Pictorial Displays in Air Traffic Control´´ Special Committee 56 (SC56) ``Implementation of the VHF Utilization Plan and Review of Transition Period Communication Requirements´´ Special Committee 57 (SC57) ``High Altitude Grid Plan for VOR/DME Frequency Pairing´´ Special Committee 62 (SC62) ``Re-evaluation of VOR Airways Lateral Separation Procedures´´ Special Committee 63 (SC63) ``Helicopter Air Navigation, Communication and Traffic Control´´ Special Committee 64 (SC64) ``Radar Safety Beacons´´ Special Committee 69 (SC69) ``Remoting of Long Range Radar Displays´´ Special Committee 70 (SC70) ``Altimetry.´´