Controllers want changes in ATOP system

The National Association of Air Traffic Controllers issued a press release this week, calling on the new administration to reevaluate the Advanced Technologies for Oceanic Procedures system. ATOP allows aircraft to transmit location coordinates across long distances in an automated fashion, but the implimentation is somewhat controversial because airlines are allowed to set their own policies about how frequently updates are sent to controllers. NATCA is worried that controllers could be disciplined or fired, even when separation data from aircraft is inadequate. ATOP is used at all three of the FAA’s oceanic centers: Ronkonkoma NY, Oakland CA, and Anchorage AK.