Interface training
Know what each interface is for, what it tells you, and what it cannot do for you.
CCWS / Situation Display
Your traffic picture, not your brain replacement.
Use it for
- Display identified traffic, labels, maps, weather and alerts.
- Monitor levels, tracks, speeds, handoffs and conflicts.
- Build a mental picture of future traffic, not only present position.
Never forget
- Set range, maps and filters properly before use.
- Do not acknowledge/accept mechanically without checking the target.
- Automation can lag, fail or mislead; cross-check with RT and coordination.
VCCS
Communication is control made visible.
Use it for
- Select correct frequency and monitor emergency/standby frequencies.
- Use intercom/hotline for rapid coordination.
- Keep transmissions standard, short and unambiguous.
Never forget
- Wrong frequency selection can silently break control.
- Avoid non-essential talk during peak load.
- Readbacks are part of separation assurance.
AutoTrac III / Automation
Use automation to reduce workload, not thinking.
Use it for
- Flight plan correlation, data block management, handoffs and alerts.
- Check route, assigned level, cleared level and sector ownership.
- Support coordination through updated system data.
Never forget
- Wrong data entered becomes wrong shared awareness.
- Keep strips/system updated after changes.
- Know standby/degraded procedures before failure occurs.
STCA
STCA is the alarm bell, not the separation method.
Use it for
- Detect short-term potential conflict.
- Prompt immediate assessment and corrective instruction if needed.
- Review whether earlier planning failed.
Never forget
- Do not wait for STCA to separate aircraft.
- False/nuisance alerts are possible, but every alert deserves assessment.
- Coordinate if avoiding action affects another sector.
MSAW
Terrain warning needs immediate seriousness.
Use it for
- Alert possible unsafe proximity to terrain/minimum safe altitude.
- Prompt immediate check of level, route, vector and clearance.
- Issue safety alert when required.
Never forget
- Never ignore MSAW because the aircraft appears familiar.
- Vectoring below safe level is a critical hazard.
- Weather deviation and emergency descent can trigger terrain risk.
AMAN / Sequencing Support
AMAN suggests order; controller ensures safety.
Use it for
- Understand expected touchdown sequence and delay.
- Plan speed/vector/level actions earlier.
- Support runway capacity and stable flow.
Never forget
- Do not follow sequence blindly when weather, emergency or runway change occurs.
- Update expected times when significantly changed.
- AMAN is advisory; responsibility stays with ATC.