What are oceanic tracks?
They are a set of predetermined routes that are updated regularly to help optimize traffic flow and satisfy separation requirements. The North Atlantic (NAT) Tracks, also known as the North Atlantic Organized Track System (NAT-OTS), is an example of these structured flight routes.
How do NAT tracks work?
They ensure aircraft are separated over the ocean, where there is little radar coverage. These routes are dominated by aircraft flying between the altitudes of 29,000 and 41,000 feet inclusive. Entrance and movement along these tracks are controlled by special Oceanic Control Centres.
What are NAT routes?
North Atlantic Tracks, officially titled the North Atlantic Organised Track System (NAT-OTS), is a structured set of transatlantic flight routes that stretch from the northeast of North America to western Europe across the Atlantic Ocean, within the North Atlantic airspace region.
How does the North Atlantic track system work?
Looking like a matrix of skyways across the ocean, the North Atlantic Organized Track System (OTS) is a set of virtual aerial highways that are created and managed by the bordering air navigation system providers — NAV Canada, and NATS in the UK — with coverage split halfway across the ocean.
What is oceanic ATC?
The ATOP ATC System is utilized in designated en route/oceanic airspace. ATOP includes both surveillance and flight data processing, which provides the controllers with automated decision support tools to establish, monitor and maintain separation between aircraft, and aircraft to airspace and terrain.
How are planes tracked over the ocean?
Satellites. When flying over the ocean — where they are out of radar range — pilots often rely on satellites to communicate with air traffic controllers on the ground. Satellites, of course, fly along a fixed path in Earth’s orbit. Therefore, they can send and receive data to airplanes over the ocean.
What is TMI Nat track?
Track Message Identification (TMI) NAT Track Structure Messages are identified by a 3-digit Track Message Identification number (TMI) appearing at the end of the Track Message. • This number relates to the day of the year (no reference to month).
What are Blue Spruce routes?
Whether you fly a long range aircraft internationally or a shorter range light jet, you may be familiar with the ‘Blue Spruce Routes’ which cross the Atlantic Ocean toward the northern portion of North Atlantic High Level Airspace (HLA, formerly MNPS).
How do you pick up oceanic clearance?
Various methods of obtaining Oceanic Clearances include:
- use of published VHF clearance delivery frequencies.
- by HF communications to the OAC through the appropriate station.
- a request via domestic or other ATC agencies.
Do pilots talk to ATC over the ocean?
To communicate with air traffic controllers on the ground, pilots use either satellites or high-frequency radio systems when flying over the ocean. To prevent midair collisions, on the other hand, they use traffic collision avoidance systems.
Why do planes do not fly over the Pacific?
Flying over the Pacific Ocean is avoided by most airlines for most flights because it usually doesn’t make sense to fly over it when shorter and safer routes exist. The Pacific Ocean is also more remote and less safe than the Indian and Atlantic Oceans to fly over, resulting in a higher chance of a plane crashing.
What is an OTS track?
The OTS is an invisible multi-lane motorway that connects Europe and North America. Each day up to twelve tracks are created west and eastbound, designed to take advantage of the day’s Jet Stream and give the airlines an efficient route across the ocean.
What is the purpose of the coastal vulnerability maps?
The maps are used to rank sensitivity to oil impact, but can also be used in evaluating coastal-erosion potential and coastal-storm vulnerability and in monitoring coastal change. America’s ports are our lifelines for maritime commerce and the national economy.
What tools do scientists use to collect data about the ocean?
They use tools, such as satellites, thermometers, and tide gauges, to collect observations. However, not all collected observations are in the same format, meaning they cannot be easily used together.
What can current surveys tell us about the ocean?
Results from current surveys are used to improve tidal current predictions and to support new operational forecast models. Our planet is constantly changing in ways that impact every facet of our society. To keep coastal communities, economies, and ecosystems healthy requires keeping track of ocean…
How is the shape of the coast monitored?
NOS uses a range of tools to monitor changes in the shape of the coast. For example, NOS uses Light Detection and Ranging (or LIDAR) technology to determine changes in coastal elevations.
