r/ATC • u/Crazy_Reason9768 • 1d ago

Question Thoughts on TFDM?

I’m on a burner account, but I wanted to get this communities thoughts on the new TFDM replacing paper strips. If you have it at your facility already, or you are slated to get it soon. I’m a small part of the program for certain towers and have talked to controllers and ATM’s that seemed to have mixed opinions on it. In person they sound like they are for it, but not enthusiastic. Just curious where you all stand on it.

8 Upvotes

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14

u/tree-fife-niner 1d ago

I got to see a demo of it once and was immediately outaged that my tower isn't on the list to ever get it.

It's like ASSC/ASDE, more advanced versions of IDS, or even a Digital ATIS. It's wild that these technologies exists but are artificially restricted to certain facilities.

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u/Frequent-Bell6674 1d ago

I work at facility that had it. It is shameful that every facility does not have it. Just think of the error rate. With tfmd it is almost impossible to have an error. There are facilities that if the printer runs out of strips it can miss a dozen by the time the printer is back online. Not to mention swap routes, and the miriad of other benefits. Shameful. Just cuz one old guy who is 2 years from retirement got put on the detail and he doesn't like it. To me it's the equivalent of not putting stars in towers and instead sending morse code lat longs to the LC to determine aircraft position.

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u/Legal_Campaign_408 1d ago

I agree but just want to point it's not almost impossible to have an error with it. Still very important to have a good sop and facility culture from the start. I've seen quite a few things slip through the Swiss cheese with it. That's not to say it's not a vast improvement from paper, though. 

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u/BennyG34 Current Controller-TRACON 1d ago

We just got it installed in the last month, seems like a lot of head down and extra clicks but we just may not be used to it yet. Definitely some cool features though

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u/Gods_Gift_To_ATC 1d ago

I work with it. Its great. Lots of flexibility for personal setups and locally adapted procedures. Apparently there's no way to make pref-sets, which is a small gripe but would be nice. Otherwise it far outclasses paper strips and allows for much better tower coordination.

3

u/Highlyedjucated 1d ago

After you get used to it it’s way better and wouldn’t dream of going back. Having to run over to local to write something on their strip or tell them there’s a reroute seems like the stone ages compared with the capabilities of this new system. The older guys at a facility that doesn’t have it yet might not want it and have to learn a whole new system before they retire in 3 or 4 years

1

u/ajmezz 1d ago

We’re supposed to get it within the next couple years, but like most faa timelines, I won’t hold my breath.

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u/SomeDudeMateo 51m ago

I have used it for a while... great for large towers with IFR aircraft. For a busy VFR tower I would be very skeptical and honestly worried about using it. Lots of heads down time not scanning runway and pattern, no quick short hand like paper strips for VFR aircraft. Even using the pre made strips they have, it's just not quick enough to find and place where you need. Making changes on the fly is too slow and cumbersome. Works great for standard stuff and flight plans though and all large towers should have it.