Description

The ATS system relies on good teamwork to achieve its goals. ATS team members typically know one another well, which makes achieving standard procedures simpler. (This can be more of a challenge for flight crews, especially with large airlines, who might meet for the first time on any given flight.) In addition, fewer procedures are likely to be required and their application may be able to be slightly less prescriptive. However, breakdowns in teamwork can and do occur, and the consequences can be serious.

Operationally, the ATS team can be as small as the controllers and assistants working together in an operational area, or large enough to embrace associated ATC units such as APP, TWR and GND, or wide area coverage within or between ACCs. Supporting operational staff such as flow managers, planners, supervisors, are also important and controllers rely on effective co-operation with them to optimise their work.