Press Release

Issued by London Biggin Hill Airport Ltd.

November 23, 2012

A new hi-tech Voice Communication Control System (VCCS) has been installed for Air Traffic Control at London Biggin Hill Airport. The system uses the latest touch-screen technology, integrates and processes all requirements for communication into a neat, desk-mounted VDU console that enables a higher level of performance readily available for controllers and ATC assistants. It has recently received approval from the UK Civil Aviation Authority.

Designed and constructed in Holland by Micro Electronic Products (MEP), the £155,000 system known as TCP990, comprises a central electronic processor or 'nerve centre' in the heart of the Tower that integrates and processes all required inputs from VHF and UHF channels, personnel and emergency radio units and a host of pre-selected operational agencies and contacts into a dedicated console display at each controller position and on the ATC Assistant's desk.

The TCP990 console benefits from the most advanced technology available, combining audio processing and the human interface into one easy-to-use device. The consoles are low energy users and, having no need for ventilation, are silent in operation. Each console incorporates tabs, pictograms and touch fields, resulting in intuitive selection operation with a minimum of operator actions.

At Biggin Hill, two consoles are linked to controller positions in the Visual Control Room (VCR), a third console on the ATC Assistant's desk and a fourth based in ATC Engineering who manage the system. Each console is fully customised according to local preferences.

In an emergency, the system can call up a check list of all essential contacts in the required order. The touch screen will energise the selected communication instantaneously. The system also combines the statutory requirement for logging and recording all ATC communications.

Bill Robinson, senior air traffic controller at the airport, says that the VCCS is one of the most significant steps forward in 25 years of air traffic management.

"VCCS replaces the old push button and dial-up era of yesteryear and is already proving to be a huge benefit to our ATC staff . Today, all their varied communication requirements are presented for touch selection in a single display at their position. This contributes strongly to improved efficiency and helps to reduce stress" says Bill.