1.2 Scope

The scope of this document is the overall concept of remote aerodrome ATS — covering single and multiple modes of operation (described in Sections 3.2 and 3.3), remote tower centre operations (described in Section 3.4) and the use of technical enablers (some of which have traditionally not been available for aerodrome ATS) (described in Section 5.2.8). As such, the guidance provided in this document can be seen as generic. In addition, the document provides an overview of the operational context and applications that have been validated or that are operational to date (see Chapter 4). This document covers the technological, procedural and operational aspects of remote aerodrome ATS, in order to facilitate the safe and harmonised implementation throughout the EASA Member States in accordance with the objectives of ATS. This document focuses primarily on the unique implementation aspects of remote aerodrome ATS and therefore does not list all regulations related to aerodrome ATS provision. ATS providers or aerodrome operators considering implementation of remote aerodrome ATS are responsible for ensuring compliance with the international standards and EU/national requirements as may be applicable to individual operations. This document also provides guidance on pre-decision assessment and post-implementation validation, including socio-economic considerations in Section 6.1. While the main scope of/focus for this document is remote aerodrome ATS being provided from a remote tower (where aerodrome ATS is provided principally through the use of a visual surveillance system — rather than out-of-the-window views — to visually observe aerodrome traffic), the guidance presented in this document may likewise be used as relevant for the case when visual surveillance system elements (e.g. ‘hot spot/gap filler’ cameras) are used to support ATS provision in conventional towers.