CNS/ATM

What is CNS/ATM?

CNS/ATM is the acronym for Communications, Navigation, Surveillance / Air Traffic Management.  A CNS/ATM system is a compilation of digital technologies developed and used to provide air traffic control services over a large or small geographical area including large sections of oceanic airspace. 

CNS/ATM technologies include a computer based flight data processing system incorporating surveillance sources such as Radar and ADS-B/C (Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast/Contract), controller-pilot data link communications (CPDLC) and in some cases, conflict alerting software. 

A prime example of a CNS/ATM system which is currently in use is the Aurora System which was developed by ADACEL Technologies Limited.  The Federal Aviation Administration has deployed the Aurora System under the name ATOP (Advanced Technologies and Oceanic Procedures).

ADS-B works by having aircraft transponders receive satellite signals and using transponder transmissions to determine the precise locations of aircraft in the sky.  See Williams Aviation Consultants Inc. web site page “What is ADS-B” for more information.

Williams Aviation Consultants Inc. has experience in the preparation of CNS/ATM Concept Plans, Master Plan Task Lists, Implementation Plans and Deployment Plans for governments in the African Continent.