FAA Deploys Conflict Detection Tool
November 20, 2006 // Published as a news service by IHS
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As part an overall effort to modernize the air traffic control system, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) completed the deployment of the User Request Evaluation Tool (URET) system at all 20 FAA air route traffic control centers in the U.S.
URET is a conflict-detection tool that automatically detects and advises air traffic controllers of predicted conflicts between aircraft or between aircraft and special activity airspace within the National Airspace System (NAS).
The strategic planning tool enables controllers to create alternative conflict-free flight routings and to manage changing air traffic or weather conditions.
With the help of URET, controllers can take a more strategic approach to assigning new routes by not only identifying conflicts in the immediate area, but also in adjoining airspace.
This strategic approach to assigning new routes was designed to reduce the number of changes required and lessen controller workload.
Data from URET-equipped centers show that controllers are more likely to assign pilots direct routings, resulting in reduced flight times and fuel savings, by allowing aircraft to fly at more fuel-efficient altitudes and wind-optimal routes. Since its inception in 1999 through the end of this summer, URET has shortened routes by 89.5 million nautical miles, for an estimated savings of $626.5M.
URET also is helping save taxpayers' money by cutting down on the use of paper by more than a third in some facilities. URET electronically displays the same flight management information as paper flight progress strips. URET is now operational at all FAA centers.
Lockheed Martin is the contractor for URET.
Source: U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).