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Winter Operations Program

Presented by Ken GreeneOctober 10, 2011

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Snowman Program

– Coordination position instituted during the 2006/2007 season– single point of contact for the Air Traffic Control Tower for

the overall airport plan– coordinates with Aviation Operations Managers on crew

movements – Builds relationships and trust with our partners

– Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)– Airport’s Control Tower– Terminal Radar Approach Control Center (TRACON)– Air Traffic Control System Command Center (ATCSCC)

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Predictability

– Runway occupancy times– prior to 2006 - times were unpredictable and lengthy (45

minutes or longer)– 2006/2007 – began improving times and establishing

consistency– better plan– more equipment– more personnel

– times have improved each year

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Predictability

– 2009/2010– Average 17 minutes– Minimum 11 minutes– Maximum 21 minutes

– 2010/2011– Average 16 minutes– Minimum 11 minutes– Maximum 18 minutes

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Predictability

– Priority pavement system– prior to 2006 – attempted to clean everything– 2007 – developed new Snow and Ice Control Plan that

includes a priority pavement system– plan is reviewed and adjusted prior to each snow season

with input from:– Airport Operations and Maintenance Divisions– FAA – air traffic management staff– air carriers

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Current System

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Consistency

– Consistent snow removal routes– two (2) runway teams– two (2) taxiway teams– hotshot teams (assigned as needed)

– Crew movements are predictable – Ground and Local Controllers are able to predict crew

movements– Controllers can begin adjusting aircraft taxi routes to

keep crews moving

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Metrics

– Prior to 2006 – did not formally keep track of runway occupancy and closure times

– Began tracking times during 2006/2007 season– closure times– equipment occupancy times– runway friction test times– times from runway opening to first aircraft

– Future – plan to track differences in agreed upon closure/opening vs. actual closure/opening times

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Personnel (Operations)

– Six (6) dedicated Aviation Operations Managers (rotation)– Located in FAA Tower Cab during snow removal activities– One (1) Aviation Operations Manager from 0500L- 2300L– Double staffing for snow emergencies – Participate on FAA Command Center planning telecons– Coordinate airfield snow removal plan with fellow Aviation

Operations Managers

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Personnel (Maintenance)

Cautionary – “Trace to One Inch”

Location Pieces of Equipment

Runways 20Taxiways 5Vehicle Service Roads/ 3Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting RoutesDeice/Ramp 7

Total 35

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Personnel (Maintenance)

Level A – “One to Three Inches”

Location Pieces of Equipment

West Runway 21West Taxiway 5West VSR/ARFF 3East Runway 17East Taxiway 5East VSR/ARFF 3 Deice/Ramp 8Cargo 4Total 66

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Level B – “Three Inches and Above”

Location Pieces of Equipment

West Runway 26West Taxiway 7West VSR/ARFF 3East Runway 20East Taxiway 10East VSR/ARFF 3 Deice/Ramp 16Cargo 12Hot Shot 3Total 100

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Weather Forecasting

– Planning forecast– twelve(12) to twenty-four (24) hours prior to an event

– Tactical forecast– three (3) to six (6) hour intervals

– Maintenance Decision Support System – weather forecast– pavement forecast

– Pavement forecast with suggested treatment (future)– adjusted surface temperature– accumulation amount– type of accumulation

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Weather Forecasting

– Contract Forecaster – Northwest Weathernet– forecast focused on DIA– written forecast provided every twelve (12) hours– updates provided when necessary– available for phone calls– participates in planning and tactics meetings

– National Weather Service– Probabilistic forecast

– specific to DIA– short term and long term discussion– snowfall in six (6) hour increments

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Winter Operations Program

Presented by Ken GreeneOctober 10, 2011