2.2.1.2.1.2 Whether analog or digital, ASRs are used for airport approach
until aircraft are within visual range of the ATCT. All aircraft flying under
instrument flight rules (IFR) are monitored by radar to the greatest extent
possible. Most ATCTs have a radar display for ensuring IFR aircraft are
afforded additional and continuous monitoring until landing. Analog
systems require separate PAR scopes which are used to support a difficult
visual approach to the landing strip. STARS/DASR serves both functions. In
RAPCONs with several scopes, scopes are positioned with controllers sitting
with their backs to each other making it possible for each to turn around and
view other scopes.
2.2.1.2.1.3 When there are more than 4 or 5 scopes, the layout of the scope
area is usually with an equal number of scopes on opposite sides of the
room. In an analog system, the ASRs are closest to the main entrance to
the room and the Watch Supervisor’s area. The PARs are used less frequently
and are generally located at the farthest point from the primary entry.
2.2.1.2.1.4 There are typically 4 to 8 ASR scopes and 2 to 3 PAR scopes,
depending on the size of the mission. There are never less than two on-line
PAR scopes for the purpose of back-up capability. The cost of an analog
scope prohibits the existence of off-line functional “spares”.
2.2.1.2.1.5 Each controller wears a headset with a long cord, or “leash”, linked
into the network of RAPCON and ATCT controllers. Controllers wearing a
leash may walk to other scopes in the room to observe or assist. For this reason,
it is important to not create impediments between scopes.
2.2.1.2.1.6 The Watch Supervisor oversees all activities in the Ops/ISR room.
In RAPCONs without digital systems, the optimum position for the Watch
Supervisor is in the center of the room between the two banks of scopes so
they have the ability to see all scopes from one position. Watch Supervisors
have radar displays in RAPCONs equipped with digital systems.
2.2.1.2.1.7 The Watch Supervisor shall have a console or desk equipped with
a local telephone, controller communications, and back-up radio connectivity
to the ATCT. If the desk is centrally located, it must be designed so that the
Watch Supervisor can easily go from one bank of scopes to the other. It is also
possible to locate the Watch Supervisor’s desk area at the end of a bank of scopes,
with a longer leash. Some IFR’s have a centrally located communications
connection for the coordinator’s leash, suspended from the ceiling or a
communications tray, to minimize the tangle of leashes and allow the
greatest range for the coordinator.
2.2.1.2.1.8 The Ops/IFR room
will be unlit if it contains
analog equipment. The A-E
needs to be mindful to design
adjacencies so that personnel do
not constantly switch from
unlit rooms to well-lit rooms.
The goal is that the design
layout minimizes the
personnel’s eyesight
readjustment time.