TIMS Features

The TIMS provides the following integrated and harmonised functions for total tower environment and support information as well as data presentation:

• Real-Time Airport Weather and Status Information

• Automatic Terminal Information Service (ATIS)

• Weather Messages and Charts (METAR, TAF, and others)

• Supporting Information (Maps, Documents and others)

RealTime Airport Weather and Status Information

TIMS receives and processes data to give to controllers the local airport weather information separately for takeoff and landing directions and for all-weather operations. The data are received from the Automatic Weather Observation System (AWOS) on a 10 second cycle as well as from other external Control and Monitoring Systems for all-weather operations conditions. The presentation of data include:

• Layout of the Runway(s)

• Wind Direction and Speed, Surface Head and Cross Wind Data

• Braking Actions

• Runway(s) in Use, Status of Runway(s)

• Approach Category(ies) available

• Location of Transmissometers and Runway Visual Range (RVR)

• Status of Technical Equipment

• QNH, QFE

• ATIS Information Indicator and ICAO Location Indicator of the Airport.

Automatic Terminal Information Service (ATIS)

TIMS enables controllers to receive data for ATIS distribution and to edit them before publication. The data are received in form of the local (aerodrome) Meteorological Aviation Routine Weather Report (METAR) and Aviation Selected Special Weather Report (SPECI). Additional ATIS data can be collected and the production of A to Z cycled ATIS data sets is possible. The ATIS data sets can be displayed on controller working positions, sent to aircraft cockpits via data link, broadcasted through the aeronautical radio system and switched to telephone.

The ATIS data include:

• ICAO Location Indicator of the Airport

• ATIS Information Indicator

• Sunrise/Sunset

• VMC/IMC Indicator

• Date and Time

• Runway(s ) in Use and Braking Actions

• Transition Level

• Wind Direction and Speed

• Horizontal Visibility and Runway Visual Range(s)

• Present Weather

Weather Messages and Charts

In addition to the real time data presentation and ATIS automation, the reception and processing of OPMET messages received from external networks such as AFTN is possible. The messages can be geographically and message type related by grouped according to individual needs of the controller working positions. World Area Forecast System Charts (WAFS) can also be received, stored and displayed as needed. The handling of AFTN messages for reception, storage, preprocessing, display, creation and transmission supplements the functionality. The communication adapter is available for all types of the ICAO Aeronautical Fixed Service (AFTN, CIDIN, AMHS). The OPMET messages and WAFS charts include:

• METAR, SIGMET, SPECI, TAF, AIRMET

• Upper wind and temperature forecast

• Fixed time prognostic charts

• SIGWX charts

• And others