Imagine if a driver needed a separate license for every single road in the city; it would be a nightmare to staff. This project creates digital tools and simpler rules so air traffic controllers can work in different airspace sectors without needing endless retraining for each one. It's like giving them a smart GPS that tells them the local rules of a new area in real-time, keeping flights safe while making staffing much easier.
Air traffic controllers are restricted by rigid 'unit endorsements,' meaning they need extensive local training for every specific airspace sector. This creates staffing bottlenecks, high training costs, and vulnerability to personnel shortages.
The project developed flexible endorsement strategies, technical controller assistance systems, and standardized ATC tasks. These were validated through 8 exercises to reach TRL6 for upper airspace and TRL2 for remote towers.
If you are an ANSP dealing with personnel shortages and rigid certification rules — this project developed flexible endorsement strategies and technical assistance systems that allow controllers to be deployed across more sectors. This increases productivity and makes the system more robust against disruptions.
If you are an RTC operator dealing with the need to deploy the same staff across multiple remote-controlled airports — this project developed a transfer of IFAV concepts to the remote tower environment. This allows for higher flexibility in how staff are assigned to different airports.
If you are a software company dealing with the need for better controller support tools — this project developed technical enablers and controller assistance systems. These tools provide support on sector-specific procedures to reduce the training burden on staff.
Based on available project data, the implementation of these concepts could improve cost efficiency by millions of Euros saved yearly in the European Union.
The project aims for TRL6 maturity for upper airspace applications, meaning it is moving toward a demonstrated prototype in a relevant environment, though remote tower applications are at a lower TRL2 level.
Based on available project data, the consortium consists of 13 partners including 5 ANSPs and industrial partners, but specific licensing terms are not provided.
The project specifically targets the reduction of barriers created by current regulations and practices regarding unit endorsements to maintain safety while increasing flexibility.
The project period runs from 2023-07-01 to 2026-06-30.
The consortium is highly operational, featuring 13 partners from 7 countries with a strong industry presence (38% industry ratio). It is led by DLR (a major research center) and includes 5 Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs), ensuring that the developed tools are grounded in real-world operational needs and have a direct path to implementation.
Contact DEUTSCHES ZENTRUM FUR LUFT - UND RAUMFAHRT EV (DLR)
Contact us to connect with the IFAV3 consortium for TRL6 technology transfer.
