Eurocontrol Atfcm User Manual 25 29032021

ATFCM USERS MANUAL
Network Manager
Edition: 25.0
Edition date: 27-04-2021
Classification: White
Reference nr:
EUROCONTROL Network Management Directorate
DOCUMENT CONTROL
Document Title ATFCM USERS MANUAL
Document Subtitle Network Manager
Document Reference
Edition Number 25.0
Edition Validity Date 27-04-2021
Classification White
Accessibility Internet
Status Released Issue
Author(s) S. Niarchakou and M. Sfyroeras
Contact Person(s) S. Niarchakou
APPROVAL TABLE
The following table identifies all management authorities who have successively approved
the present issue of this document.
This table may be replaced by a format document review and approval meeting, with the
meeting details recorded and retained in the edition’s archive folder.
The approval may also be recorded via electronic workflow, where put in place. Where
document approval is made via a meeting or electronic workflow, the details shall be indicated
here in place of the approval table.
Edition publication approval given on 25/03/2021.
Edition Number: 25.0 Edition Validity Date: 27-04-2021 Classification: White Page: ii
EDITION HISTORY
Edition No. Validity Date Author(s) Reason

19.1 20/10/2015 SEL, RDZ Update for NM release 19.5
19.2 1//01/2016 SEL, NIA Update for new NM role titles
20.0 05/04/2016 SEL, NIA Update for NM release 20.0
Restructuring and update of

20.1 18/10/2016 SEL, NIA
content for NM release 20.5
20.1.1 16/11/2016 SEL, NIA Update to new validity date
22.1 14/11/2018 NIA, MCECH Update for NM release 22.5
24.0 23/06/2020 NIA, SFY Update for NM release 24.0
25.0 27/04/2021 NIA, SFY Update for NM release 25.0
Edition Number: 25.0 Edition Validity Date: 27-04-2021 Classification: White Page: iii
EDITION CHANGE RECORD
Title Amendment notes

1. INTRODUCTION
2. ATFCM QUICK REFERENCE 2.1.1 Flight Plan Filing Problems; 2.2 Frequently
GUIDE Asked Questions
3. AIR TRAFFIC FLOW AND

3.2 Establishment of ATFCM Procedures
CAPACITY MANAGEMENT
4. COLLABORATIVE DECISION
MAKING
5. ROUTE PLANNING
6.1 Flight Plan Submission; 6.2.2 Airborne Flights;

6. FLIGHT PLAN SUBMISSION
6.3.4 Modification of Flight Plan in A-CDM (E-DPI,
AND UPDATE
T-DPI-t, T-DPI-s, A-DPI);
7. MANAGEMENT OF THE
7.4 Type of Flight Data (States)
READINESS STATUS OF THE FLIGHT
8. MANAGEMENT OF SLOT 8.4.4 Slot Swapping Procedure;

ALLOCATED FLIGHTS 8.1.2.2 Pre-Allocation Stage
9. MANAGEMENT OF FLIGHT
9.2 FLS Triggered by C-DPI Messages
SUSPENSIONS
10. OPERATIONS IN UNUSUAL

10.6.1 NMOC Site Contingency
CIRCUMSTANCES
11. GENERAL INFORMATION ON

ATFCM MESSAGES
12. ABBREVIATIONS
ANNEX 1. MESSAGE FIELDS –

ABBREVIATIONS AND DEFINITIONS
ANNEX 2. SLOT RELATED

MESSAGES ORIGINATED BY THE NM
ANNEX 3. SLOT RELATED

MESSAGES ORIGINATED BY AOS/ATS
ANNEX 4. PRIMARY FIELD

COMPOSITION OFTACTICAL ATFCM
MESSAGES EXCHANGE
Edition Number: 25.0 Edition Validity Date: 27-04-2021 Classification: White Page: iv
ANNEX 5. CORRELATION
BETWEEN IATA DELAY CODES AND
NM REGULATION CAUSES
ANNEX 6. ATFCM RTF

PHRASEOLOGY
ANNEX 7. SUMMARY OF CASA

PARAMETERS
ANNEX 8. AIRPORT CDM (A-CDM)

SUMMARY
Amendments to the ATFCM Operations Manual are indicated in RED with revision bars.
Significant deletions of text are indicated with the symbol 
Edition Number: 25.0 Edition Validity Date: 27-04-2021 Classification: White Page: v
TABLE OF CONTENT
DOCUMENT CONTROL ..................................................................................................II
APPROVAL TABLE ........................................................................................................II
EDITION HISTORY ........................................................................................................III
EDITION CHANGE RECORD .......................................................................................... IV
1 INTRODUCTION............................................................................................2
1.1 Purpose .......................................................................................................2
1.2 Applicability .................................................................................................2
1.3 Validity.........................................................................................................2
1.4 Amendments................................................................................................2
1.5 How to Use this Document ............................................................................2
2 ATFCM QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE ................................................................4
2.1 Operational Problems Helpdesks ..................................................................4
Flight Plan Filing Problems..................................................................................... 4
Operational ATFCM Problems ............................................................................... 4
Technical Problems (Transmission, Terminals) ................................................... 4
Operational Post Event Problems .......................................................................... 4
2.2 Frequently Asked Questions .........................................................................5
2.3 Frequently Asked Questions (NOP Portal) .....................................................9
2.4 Frequently Asked Questions (CCMS) .......................................................... 11
2.5 Frequently Asked Questions (A-CDM) ......................................................... 12
3 AIR TRAFFIC FLOW AND CAPACITY MANAGEMENT (ATFCM) .................... 16
3.1 Objectives .................................................................................................. 16
3.2 Establishment of ATFCM Procedures.......................................................... 16
3.3 Network Operations Plan ............................................................................ 16
3.4 ATFCM Phases........................................................................................... 17
3.5 Areas Covered............................................................................................ 18
3.6 AO Liaison Cell ........................................................................................... 18
4 COLLABORATIVE DECISION MAKING (CDM) ............................................... 20
4.1 CDM Conferences ...................................................................................... 21
Network Briefings.................................................................................................. 21
Seasonal CDM Conferences ................................................................................ 21
Ad-hoc CDM Conferences .................................................................................... 21
4.2 ATFCM Daily Plan (ADP)............................................................................. 21
Initial Network Plan (INP) ..................................................................................... 22
Feedback on ADP Quality ..................................................................................... 22
4.3 Routeing Scenarios .................................................................................... 22
Mandatory Routeing Scenarios ............................................................................ 22
Alternative Routeing Scenarios (AR) ................................................................... 23
Edition Number: 25.0 Edition Validity Date: 27-04-2021 Classification: White Page: vi
5 ROUTE PLANNING...................................................................................... 24
5.1 Route Availability Document (RAD) ............................................................. 24
5.2 Publication of EAUP / EUUP ........................................................................ 24
6 FLIGHT PLAN SUBMISSION AND UPDATE .................................................. 26
6.1 Flight Plan Submission ............................................................................... 26
‘Ghost’ and Duplicate Flight Plans ....................................................................... 26
Reception of REJ Message .................................................................................. 27
6.2 Flights not subject to ATFCM Slot Allocation .............................................. 27
Exempted Flights .................................................................................................. 27
Airborne Flights ..................................................................................................... 27
6.3 Flight Plan Updates .................................................................................... 28
EOBT Requirements .............................................................................................. 28
Last Validity ........................................................................................................... 29
Modification of Flight Plan in non-CDM (DLA, CHG, RFP) .................................. 29
Modification of Flight Plan in A-CDM (E-DPI, T-DPI-t, T-DPI-s, A-DPI) ............... 30
6.4 Flight Plan Cancellation .............................................................................. 32
7 MANAGEMENT OF THE READINESS STATUS OF THE FLIGHT ..................... 34
7.1 RFI Status .................................................................................................. 34
7.2 SIP Wanted Message (SWM) Status............................................................ 34
7.3 Ready (REA) Status .................................................................................... 35
The Ready (REA) Message ................................................................................... 36
TTOT before the CTOT Tolerance Window ......................................................... 37
7.4 Type of Flight Data (States) ........................................................................ 37
8 MANAGEMENT OF SLOT ALLOCATED FLIGHTS .......................................... 40
8.1 Slot Allocation Process .............................................................................. 40
Description of the Computer Assisted Slot Allocation (CASA) ......................... 40
Description of the Slot Allocation Process ......................................................... 40
8.1.2.1 Slot Allocation List – Basic Rate .......................................................................... 40
8.1.2.2 Pre-Allocation Stage ............................................................................................. 40
8.1.2.3 Pending Rate ......................................................................................................... 41
Slot Amendment Procedure ................................................................................. 41
Allocation Stage .................................................................................................... 41
Late Filing .............................................................................................................. 42
Late Updating ........................................................................................................ 42
Combined Flow Measures for one Flight ............................................................ 42
True Revision Process .......................................................................................... 43
Recover Hole Mechanism..................................................................................... 43
Aerodrome Parameters ........................................................................................ 43
8.1.10.1 Taxi Time ............................................................................................................... 43
8.1.10.2 TIS and TRS ........................................................................................................... 44
Late Reception of Slot Messages ........................................................................ 44
Edition Number: 25.0 Edition Validity Date: 27-04-2021 Classification: White Page: vii
8.2 Slot Adherence........................................................................................... 45

Aircraft Operators ................................................................................................. 45
ATC......................................................................................................................... 45
Slot Revisions ........................................................................................................ 46
8.2.3.1 Slot Allocation Message (SAM) ........................................................................... 46
8.2.3.2 Slot Revision Message (SRM) .............................................................................. 46
8.2.3.3 REGUL Field ........................................................................................................... 47
8.2.3.4 REGCAUSE Field .................................................................................................... 47
8.2.3.5 Slot Requirement Cancellation (SLC) Message .................................................. 47
8.2.3.6 Error (ERR) Message ............................................................................................. 48
8.3 Rerouteing Procedures ............................................................................... 48
Rerouteing Proposals ........................................................................................... 48
8.3.1.1 Rerouteing Proposal (RRP) Message .................................................................. 49
8.3.1.2 Rerouteing Rejection (RJT) Message .................................................................. 51
Flight Management / Aircraft Operator ‘WHAT-IF’ Reroute (AOWIR) ................ 51
8.3.2.1 Initial Steps ............................................................................................................ 51
8.3.2.2 CASE 1. NORMAL: The Flight Plan is Changed ................................................... 52
8.3.2.3 CASE 1. SPECIAL: The System Cancels the Flight Plan & a New Flight Plan is Generated
................................................................................................................................ 53
8.3.2.4 CASE 2. The Flight Plan is Cancelled & a New Slot is Booked .......................... 54
8.4 FM Helpdesk Services ................................................................................ 56
E-Helpdesk ............................................................................................................. 56
Telephone Helpdesk ............................................................................................. 57
Slot Extensions ...................................................................................................... 57
Slot Swapping Procedure ..................................................................................... 58
8.4.4.1 Conditions.............................................................................................................. 58
Slot Improvements ................................................................................................ 59
8.4.5.1 Conditions.............................................................................................................. 59
9 MANAGEMENT OF FLIGHT SUSPENSIONS ................................................. 60
9.1 Slot Missed Message (SMM) – new EOBT is NOT Known ............................ 60
9.2 FLS Triggered by C-DPI Messages .............................................................. 60
9.3 Flight Activation Monitoring (FAM) ............................................................. 61
9.4 Suspension due to Route Restriction .......................................................... 62
9.5 Flight Confirmation Message (FCM) ........................................................... 63
9.6 De-Suspension (DES) Message................................................................... 63
10 OPERATIONS IN UNUSUAL CIRCUMSTANCES ............................................ 66
10.1 Flights Subject to Unusual Circumstances .................................................. 66
10.2 Low Visibility Operations ............................................................................ 66
10.3 Management and Recovery of a Disruption ................................................. 69
Disruption Phase ................................................................................................... 69
Edition Number: 25.0 Edition Validity Date: 27-04-2021 Classification: White Page: viii
Non-Availability due to a Strike ............................................................................ 70

Recovery Phase ..................................................................................................... 71
10.4 Diverted Flights form CPR Information ........................................................ 71
10.5 Diversions to Original Aerodrome of Departure (ADEP) ............................... 71
10.6 ATFCM Procedural Contingency ................................................................. 72
NMOC Site Contingency ....................................................................................... 72
11 GENERAL INFORMATION ON ATFCM MESSAGES ....................................... 74
11.1 NM ATFM Message Addresses ................................................................... 74
11.2 General Format of Messages ...................................................................... 74
11.3 Message Fields .......................................................................................... 74
11.4 Addressing by the NM ................................................................................ 74
Addressing of ATFM Messages by the NM to AOs ............................................ 75
Addressing of Messages by the NM to Air Traffic Services .............................. 75
11.5 ATFCM Notification Message (ANM) and ATFCM Information Message (AIM)76
ATFCM Notification Message ANM .................................................................... 76
11.5.1.1 Description............................................................................................................. 77
ATFCM Information Message (AIM) ................................................................... 78
APPENDIX .................................................................................................................. 80
A. MESSAGE FIELDS – ABBREVIATIONS AND DEFINITIONS ............................ 80
B. SLOT RELATED MESSAGES - ORIGINATED BY THE NM .............................. 82
C. SLOT RELATED MESSAGES – ORIGINATED BY AOS / ATS ........................ 102
D. PRIMARY FIELD COMPOSITION OF TACTICAL ATFCM MESSAGES EXCHANGE
................................................................................................................ 107
E. CORRELATION BETWEEN IATA DELAY CODES AND NM REGULATION CAUSES
................................................................................................................ 111
F. ATFCM RTF PHRASEOLOGY ..................................................................... 114
G. SUMMARY OF CASA PARAMETERS.......................................................... 115
H. AIRPORT CDM (A-CDM) SUMMARY .......................................................... 116
ABBREVIATIONS ....................................................................................................... 118
Edition Number: 25.0 Edition Validity Date: 27-04-2021 Classification: White Page: ix
INTENTIONALLY BLANK PAGE
Edition Number: 25.0 Edition Validity Date: 27-04-2021 Classification: White Page: 1
1 Introduction
1.1 Purpose
The ATFCM Users Manual has been prepared with the main object of providing in one
document an operational description of the NM ATFCM related actions, information
and message exchange.
1.2 Applicability
This manual is aimed at all those likely to be involved in the ATFCM process including
Aircraft Operators (AOs) and those manning Flow Management Positions (FMPs), Air
Traffic Services Reporting Offices (AROs), aerodrome and en-route ATS Units
operating within the NM Area of Operation.
1.3 Validity
The application of this manual is in line with the operational implementation of the NM
software releases, with version numbering of the manual reflecting the relevant
software release. Incremental numbering shall be used to indicate interim updates.
1.4 Amendments
This document is usually updated in line with major software releases.
1.5 How to Use this Document

In order to make this manual more easily interpreted, it has the following presentation
styles:
• Free text – descriptive information for each subject
• Question and answer – covering the more common subjects for external users
of the NM services. These are presented in a way that reflects the sequence of
events.
• Question and answer – providing extra information that may be useful to
support a topic. These may be quickly identified as they are presented with a
light blue background colour.
Additionally there is a quick reference guide that covers the most frequently asked
questions. The answer to each question is provided in two parts (where relevant) – the
first for non-CDM aerodromes is on the left and has a blue background; the second is
for CDM aerodromes and has a green background.
2 ATFCM Quick Reference Guide

2.1 Operational Problems Helpdesks
Clients experiencing on-line problems should inform the relevant Units as indicated
below depending on the nature of the problem.
Flight Plan Filing Problems

A problem with an FPL message including … within 20 hours of EOBT.
Action Contact the relevant IFPS Unit Supervisor
FP1 - BRUSSELS …
TELEPHONE ++32 (0) 2 745.19.50 …
FAX ++32 (0) 2 729.90.41 …
Operational ATFCM Problems

Action Contact the Central Flow HELPDESK
E-HELPDESK ACCESS VIA THE NOP PORTAL
TELEPHONE ++32 (0) 2 745.19.01
The telephone Helpdesk is available to those that have no internet access or token.
Deputy Operations Manager (DOM)
TELEPHONE ++32 (0) 2 745.19.00
FAX ++32 (0) 2 729.90.27
MAIL nm.dom@eurocontrol.int
AFTN EUCHCEUW SITA BRUEC7X
Aircraft Operators Liaison Officer (AOLO)
TELEPHONE ++32 (0) 2 745.19.92
MAIL nm.aolo@eurocontrol.int
Technical Problems (Transmission, Terminals)

Action Contact the CSO HELPDESK
TELEPHONE ++32 (0) 2 745.19.97
FAX ++32 (0) 2 729.90.23
EMAIL nm.cso.help-desk@eurocontrol.int
Operational Post Event Problems

Action Contact the NM Incident Investigation Team
CCMS https://www.nm.eurocontrol.int/cwars/jsp/startCCMS.jsp
EMAIL nm.incident@eurocontrol.int
2.2 Frequently Asked Questions

NON-CDM AERODROMES (AO) CDM AERODROMES (CDM platform / AO)
FPL FILING
NEW FPL
When do I file an FPL?
As per ICAO rule from ICAO doc 7030, flight plans for flights, which may be subject to ATFM, shall be submitted at least 3
hours before the EOBT. You will get either:
- ACK (FPL accepted) or,
- MAN (errors in FPL; after manual processing you will get either ACK or REJ) or,
- REJ (FPL rejected).
How should a FPL message originator reply to the reception of a REJ?
By amending the original message as appropriate and re-submitting it to the IFPS.
FPL UPDATES
How do I revise my FPL?
Send a DLA / CHG.
What if I sent to IFPS a second FPL with an update of the EOBT
The update of the EOBT with a second FPL is not allowed in IFPS. When a FPL is associated to another FPL changing the
EOBT, the FPL will be invalidated with the EFPM401 error saying “NOT ALLOWED TO USE A FPL TO UPDATE THE EOBT. DLA
OR CHG IS REQUIRED”.
When do I notify a delay?
As per ICAO rule from ICAO doc 7030, any changes to the Following the CDM process and working practice, TOBTs are
EOBT of more than 15 minutes for any IFR flight within updated as soon as the responsible person for updating the CDM
the IFPZ shall be communicated to the IFPS. platform is aware of the delay. If your TOBT is 15 minutes or more
after the last EOBT, send a DLA / CHG.
The airline can delegate to the NM the filing of DLA messages
based on these TOBT values.
SLOT ALLOCATION
REGULATION
Why have I not received a slot 2 hours before EOBT?
The flight is not currently subject to a regulation.
When do I get a slot (CTOT)?
At the earliest, 2 hours before EOBT you will receive a SAM with a CTOT. However, if a regulation is applied after this time a
slot will be issued immediately.
If I receive a slot, do I need to update my EOBT / TOBT?
The EOBT / TOBT of a flight shall be accurate; it must always provide the earliest EOBT / TOBT you may comply with. This
is not related to the slot provided.
Note that if the regulation was lifted / improved, your flight could be re-calculated based on wrong ETO data because it was
not updated accordingly.
What happens if I update my EOBT after I have received What happens if I update my TOBT after I have received a slot?
a slot?
If the new EOBT still enables the flight to depart according If the new TOBT still enables the flight to depart according to its
to its CTOT, the slot will not be recalculated. CTOT, the slot will not be recalculated.
If a recalculation is necessary (e.g. DLA / CHG was If a recalculation is necessary (e.g. T-DPI-s was received with
received with an EOBT that places the ETOT after the TTOT after the CTOT tolerance window), you will receive either
CTOT tolerance window), the next available slot will be SRM, SLC or FLS. To avoid a substantial delay it is therefore
issued in a SRM. To avoid a substantial delay it is important to update the TOBT as soon as practicable. A T-DPI-s
therefore important to update the EOBT as soon as message can as well push the flight outside of the Regulation
practicable. period, in such a case you will receive an SLC.
What happens if my slot changes?
You will receive a SRM with a new CTOT.
Why did I receive a SRM?
There are several reasons why a SRM would be sent such For A-CDM, in addition to the reasons for non-CDM aerodromes:
as:
- In response to a TOBT update which triggers a TTOT>CTOT
- A better slot has been found for you. tolerance window.
- In response to a rate change in a regulation.
- In response to a DLA / CHG message with an
ETOT>CTOT, etc.
What action do I take if I receive a SRM?
Comply with the new CTOT stated in the message.
What action do I take if I cannot comply with my slot?
As soon as possible send a DLA / CHG stating your new Update your TOBT as soon as you are aware of the change. If the
EOBT or send a SMM, if your new EOBT is not known, to TOBT is deleted or invalid (in the past) a C-DPI will be triggered by
ensure that the slot can be reused and to minimise your the A-CDM platform and the flight will be suspended.
risk of substantial delay.
What do I do if I have missed my slot?
If your new EOBT is known, send a DLA / CHG. You will If your new TOBT is known, update your TOBT. You will receive
receive either: SRM, SLC or FLS. If your new EOBT is not either: SRM, SLC or FLS. If your new TOBT is not known, remove
known, send a SMM. You will receive an FLS and will your current TOBT and then a C-DPI will be triggered and the
remain suspended until you send a DLA / CHG to provide ETFMS will reply with an FLS. The flight will remain suspended
your new EOBT. until you update your TOBT.
What do I do if I get a SLC?
You are no longer subject to ATFCM measures, e.g. regulation has been cancelled. If the SLC is issued after the last known
EOBT, your OBT will be adjusted to the clock (when the SLC is received). Moreover, if the SLC is issued after EOBT+15
minutes you must update your EOBT by sending a DLA / CHG.
What should I do if I need to make a last minute revision to CTOT?
If an aircraft cannot meet the CTOT it may benefit from a No CTOT extensions on AO request are given via the FM Helpdesk
CTOT extension of maximum 10 minutes. This may be for flights departing from A-CDM. For a CTOT extension request,
requested via the FM Helpdesk by AOs during the 20 If your flight has received start-up approval only the pilot can call
minutes prior to the COBT. Any request for a CTOT the TWR (over the frequency) for a slot extension. If your flight has
extension at or after the COBT shall be coordinated by the not received start-up approval an update of the TOBT is required.
FMP / TWR with the NM tactical team. Only one CTOT
FMP / TWR can coordinate with the NM Tactical team to request
extension per flight is allowed.
a slot extension or the next available CTOT.
FMP / TWR can coordinate with the NM Tactical team to
send the next available CTOT.
RR / FL SCENARIO (DUE TO ATC ROUTEINGS)
What should I do if I receive a FLS within a scenario?
Consider rerouteing your flight out of a RR or FL scenario. These scenarios can be avoided by filing an FPL at an alternative
route (RR) or flight level (FL). The FLS usually contains rerouteing alternatives.
REDUCING DELAY
REROUTEING OF A FLIGHT
What are my options?
Investigate alternative routes that avoid congested areas. Refer to the daily Initial Network Plan (INP) for suggestions and
use the Flight Management interface / AOWIR if available. Consider filing an FPL at an alternative flight level. It is important
that pilots are briefed that flight levels in the FPL have been filed so as to avoid an ATFCM regulation.
How can I reroute my flight?
- Send a new route via a CHG or CNL and RFP, or

- use Flight Management interface / AOWIR, if you have access to ATFCM CHMI / NOP Portal.
- Use the flight planning on NM B2B services to have the full AOWIR package (including Apply/Book) under the same service,
without having to access the NOP.
How can I increase the possibility to get a better CTOT?
The airspace users are able to provide the earliest minimum take-off time that they can achieve, via the E-Helpdesk, and help
the NM Tactical team to find the most suitable improvement.
READINESS STATUS OF A FLIGHT
What are my options?
The default status is RFI, i.e. if an improvement is available The default status is RFI. A SWM received for a flight departing
you would receive it via an SRM. Another status is SWM, from a CDM aerodrome will be rejected by the ETFMS.
where improvements are proposed by an SIP
A flight is flagged as ready (REA) to depart if a T-DPI-s is
Alternatively, you may request the ATC at the departure received with a TTOT before the CTOT tolerance window.
aerodrome to change your status by sending an REA, which
allows the shortest parameters for improving the CTOT.
Only ATC (TWR or FMP) can send an REA and it can only be
sent up to 15 minutes before EOBT.
How do I change the status of my flight?
By sending:
- an SWM, if you were in RFI status, or
- an RFI, if you were in SWM status.
How can I revert from the REA status? How can I revert from the REA status?
By sending a DLA / CHG message with a later EOBT. A A TTOT update after the CTOT tolerance window will be treated
CTOT recalculation could be triggered. as a DLA. A CTOT recalculation could be triggered.
By sending a DLA / CHG message with an EOBT inside the
current CTOT tolerance window.
DISPROPORTIONATELY HEAVY DELAY
What can I do if I have disproportionately heavy delay?
If you have disproportionately heavy delay or if you have The same as for non-CDM aerodromes. However, a flight can only
a critical ATFCM problem on the day of operations you be improved until the value of the last TTOT received in the T-DPI-
may contact the FM Helpdesk for assistance (E-Helpdesk s.
and Helpdesk calls). The flight must be in RFI or REA
status. (However, it is normally not necessary to follow
up a REA message with a query to the
E-Helpdesk. Flights in REA or RFI status are improved
automatically if capacity is available.)
E-Helpdesk handles queries faster as it has priority over
Helpdesk calls, therefore please use preferably the E-
Helpdesk. Parallel improvement requests by the AOs to
FMPs or other NMOC working positions should be
avoided.
SLOT SWAPPING
When can I swap flights?
If two flights that have received a CTOT, with the same operator or an agreement between operators, share the same most
penalising regulation and at least one is thought unable to fulfil its slot but both would be able to fulfil the other’s slot. Slot
swapping is available via the e-Helpdesk. FMPs may request swaps between any flights during critical events at airports.
UNUSUAL SITUATIONS
LOW VISIBILITY
What will the NM do in the event of low visibility at my destination airport if a minimum RVR value is set?
- Suspend flights (FLS) with unknown RVR capability, or

- delay flights with insufficient RVR capability until the end of the low visibility period, or
- slot flights with sufficient RVR capability within the low visibility period.
How do I specify my RVR?
In the FPL or by sending an FCM or CHG.
NON AVAILABILITY OF AERODROME OR AIRSPACE
What may I expect if an aerodrome or airspace becomes non-available?
The NM will assess the duration and nature of the non-availability and either:
- close the aerodrome / airspace in the CACD and consequently reject all relevant FPLs, or
- accept the FPLs and regulate them and either:
- suspend flights, or
- delay flights to arrive or depart when the aerodrome / airspace is available.
STRIKES
What may I expect in the event of a strike?
The NM procedures are similar to those for non-availability of aerodrome or airspace and are adapted to specific local
conditions.
NM CONTINGENCY
What will the NM do if its system fails?
In the event of the system failure a contingency procedure will be started and instructions will be issued by the NM (follow
the AIMs, NOP Portal / Network Headline News). To permit resumption of slot allocation following recovery, AOs should
continue to send flight plans and flight plan update messages to IFPS throughout the whole period of operation of the
contingency plan.
2.3 Frequently Asked Questions (NOP Portal)

What should I do if I cannot access the protected NOP Portal with my token?
Contact nm.cso.help-desk@eurocontrol.int. Some information is available in the public NOP Portal.
What should I do if I notice content that I think is incorrect or not updated?
During working days and working hours, contact nop.office@eurocontrol.int. Outside of this time, contact
nm.om@eurocontrol.int.
Where can I find information on which ATFCM measures are foreseen to be applied the following day?
The NMOC publishes on D-1 the Initial Network Plan (INP) via the NOP Portal to give advance and additional information on
relevant events that are foreseen to have a significant impact on flight operations and / or ATC on the following day.
Where can I find the latest information on the status of the Network?
The NOP Portal contains a Network Headline News portlet aimed at:
− Informing Network users about significant events affecting the Network (e.g.: major capacity shortfall, strikes, volcanic ash,
etc.).
− Informing Network users about actions taken as a result of the events affecting the Network and give appropriate advice to
minimise the impact.
− Reducing unnecessary queries to the e-Helpdesk through information sharing.
The NOP Portal also contains an overview and a map of the Network situation under the portlet ATFCM Network Situation.
Where can I find information regarding upcoming events that are envisaged to have an ATFCM impact?
The NOP Portal portlet provides information on upcoming ATFCM events via the Network Events portlet, including a calendar
view. It shows events such as:
− Military exercises
− Events (sport, political, art, etc.)
− CACD implementations
− System changes / updates / implementation
− Free Route Airspace
− Trials
− Pre-validation
− Airport based events
Where can I find the latest published scenarios and information on the axes?
The latest version of scenarios used is published under the ATFCM Measures (Scenarios) portlet in the NOP Portal. The portlet
Axis Management, which can be found by default just over the scenarios portlet, provides the latest information on the different
axes.
How will it be announced if there is a teleconference planned (e.g. for an ANSP strike)?
The NOP Portal portlet Tele/WebEx conferences provides information on teleconferences and how to access them.
Recordings of previous teleconferences may be found on the NOP Portal as well. The teleconferences are announced via the
Headline News and AIM, which can be found on the NOP Portal as well.
How can I identify the NM areas that may be impacted by adverse weather?
In the Network Operations Weather Assessment portlet of the NOP Portal.
Where can I do the monitoring and reporting?
In the post operations tab of the NOP Portal, under the Network Operations Monitoring and Reporting portlet.
Under which phase on the NOP Portal can the NMIR (NM Interactive Reporting) portlet be found?
In the Post Operations tab of the NOP Portal.
Where can EVITA (European Crisis Visualisation Interactive Tool for ATFCM) tool be accessed?
In the NOP Portal, under the EVITA portlet.
Where can I find the latest ATFCM procedure updates?
Updated procedures published as Operational Instructions are available on the NOP Portal under the Network Operations
Procedure Updates portlet (https://www.nm.eurocontrol.int/STATIC/html/indexProcedureUpdates.html). These updated
procedures take precedence over the procedures published in the ATFCM Operations manual and this manual.
2.4 Frequently Asked Questions (CCMS)

What is CCMS?
The Central Claim Management System (CCMS) is a web interface allowing authenticated users to report post-event
operational problems involving the unexpected behaviour or inadequacy of NM procedures, data and / or systems. Such users
can submit complaints regarding NM operational services to the NM by creating an operational incident in the CCMS:
https://www.nm.eurocontrol.int/cwars/jsp/startCCMS.jsp
What are the benefits of CCMS?
The CCMS has been developed as a single integrated tool for NM operational problem reporting and incorporates fully
transparent monitoring of the claims management process, from collection, investigation and reporting to operational claims.
Reports are recorded in the CCMS directly by the users, or alternatively by a member of staff at the Network Manager
Operations Centre. The CCMS allows the originator of the claim and all known authorised persons from the same organisation
to trace and monitor the investigation.
Feedback to the users (the result of the operational investigation) is provided online in the CCMS or via other means of
communication to be agreed with the users (claim originator).
What alternatives exist to CCMS?
Alternatively, if the CCMS cannot be used, claims can be submitted via the standard forms on the EUROCONTROL website
and in the Network Operations HANDBOOK to the email address nm.incident@eurocontrol.int.
How does CCMS work?
The CCMS automates and supports the processing of claims and integrates them into a centralised workflow management
tool. By filling in claim windows, users can at any time produce, expand, monitor and retrieve operational incident reports. The
network operations staff, within whose domain the claim falls, analyse the claim, allowing full transparency with the partners
concerned and maintaining an open dialogue during the claim life cycle.
How can I access CCMS?
Before requesting access to the CCMS, various conditions have to be met:

− You must have public Internet access.
− You must have access to the Network Operations systems (CHMI or NMIR).
− You must obtain approval of the access request from a safety reporting manager if applicable.
Access to CCMS should be requested using a NM Service request form, accessible via the customer support area of the
EUROCONTROL Network Management website or via the Network Operations Library.
2.5 Frequently Asked Questions (A-CDM)

Which airports are A-CDM and Advanced ATC TWR?
See below the list of A-CDM and Advanced ATC TWRs (sorted by ICAO code). This is the correct list at the date of publication
of this manual.
Airport ICAO code Type

Brussels EBBR CDM airport
Liege EBLG Advanced ATC TWR
Berlin Schönefeld EDDB CDM airport
Dresden EDDC Advanced ATC TWR
Erfurt-Weimar EDDE Advanced ATC TWR
Frankfurt EDDF CDM airport
Münster-Osnabrück EDDG Advanced ATC TWR
Hamburg EDDH CDM airport
Düsseldorf EDDL CDM airport
Munich EDDM CDM airport
Saarbrucken EDDR Advanced ATC TWR
Stuttgart EDDS CDM airport
Bremen EDDW Advanced ATC TWR
Helsinki EFHK CDM airport
Manchester EGCC Advanced ATC TWR
Liverpool EGGP Advanced ATC TWR
London Luton EGGW Advanced ATC TWR
London Gatwick EGKK CDM airport …
London City EGLC Advanced ATC TWR
London Heathrow EGLL CDM airport
Aberdeen EGPD Advanced ATC TWR
Glasgow EGPF Advanced ATC TWR
Edinburgh EGPH Advanced ATC TWR
London Stansted EGSS Advanced ATC TWR
Amsterdam Schiphol EHAM CDM airport
Copenhagen Kastrup EKCH CDM airport
Airport ICAO code Type
Oslo Gardermoen ENGM CDM airport
Warsaw EPWA CDM airport
Stockholm Arlanda ESSA CDM airport

Fuerteventura GCFV Advanced ATC TWR
Gran Canaria GCLP Advanced ATC TWR
Lanzarote GCRR Advanced ATC TWR
Tenerife South GCTS Advanced ATC TWR
Tenerife North GCXO Advanced ATC TWR
Alicante LEAL Advanced ATC TWR
Bilbao LEBB Advanced ATC TWR
Barcelona LEBL CDM airport
Ibiza LEIB Advanced ATC TWR
Madrid Adolfo Suárez LEMD CDM airport
Málaga LEMG Advanced ATC TWR
Menorca LEMH Advanced ATC TWR
Palma de Mallorca LEPA CDM airport
Valencia LEVC Advanced ATC TWR
Sevilla LEZL Advanced ATC TWR
Lyon LFLL CDM airport
Nice LFMN CDM airport
Paris Charles de Gaulle LFPG CDM airport
Paris Orly LFPO CDM airport
Milan Malpensa LIMC CDM airport
Bergamo LIME CDM airport
Milan Linate LIML CDM airport
Venice LIPZ CDM airport
Rome Fiumicino LIRF CDM airport
Naples LIRN CDM airport
Prague LKPR CDM airport
Lisbon LPPT CDM airport
Geneva LSGG CDM airport
Zürich LSZH CDM airport
Kiev UKBB Advanced ATC TWR
What is the difference between A-CDM and Advanced ATC TWR?
From an A-CDM, all types of DPI are used: Early (E-DPI), Target (T-DPI-t), Sequence (T-DPI-s), Cancel (C-DPI) and ATC (A-
DPI); from an Advanced ATC TWR only E-DPIs, C-DPIs and A-DPIs may be used.
Where can I find more information about A-CDM airports and contacts?
The Airport Corner, accessible from the NOP Portal, contains information for each airport.
Where can I find information about DPIs triggering events and processes?
More information about DPIs can be found in the DPI Implementation Guide.
3 Air Traffic Flow and Capacity

Management (ATFCM)
3.1 Objectives
ATFCM is a service that is enhancing ATFM with the objective of managing the balance
of demand and capacity by optimising the use of available resources and coordinating
adequate responses, in order to enhance the quality of service and the performance of
the ATM system.
3.2 Establishment of ATFCM Procedures

ATFCM procedures, roles and responsibilities in this document have been established
in line with:
ATFCM procedures, roles and responsibilities in this document have been established
in line with:
a) ICAO procedures as defined in the ICAO Doc. 4444, EUR SUPPs Doc 7030 and
ICAO Doc. 7754, vol. II. These procedures are amended following the ICAO
consultation process.
b) Procedures specific to the ATFCM operations according to the policy and
strategy developed and approved by the responsible EUROCONTROL bodies.

c) Commission Implementing Regulation 2019/123 on ATM network functions
(NM Regulation), Article 17 Working arrangements and processes for
operations (applicable as of 1.1.2020).

d) Commission Implementing Regulation 2017/373 laying down common
requirements for providers of air traffic management/air navigation services
and other air traffic management network functions and their oversight
(Common Requirements), ANNEX III COMMON REQUIREMENTS FOR SERVICE
PROVIDERS (Part-ATM/ANS.OR), SUBPART B — MANAGEMENT
(ATM/ANS.OR.B), ATM/ANS.OR.B.035 Operations manuals (applicable as of
1.1.2020).
e) Commission Regulation (EU) 255 / 2010 on air traffic flow management (ATFM
regulation) relevant articles.
3.3 Network Operations Plan

The Network Operations Plan (NOP) has been developed to build a single document
that provides a consolidated view of the forecast seasonal, monthly, weekly and daily
ATFCM situation.
This service improves through a consolidation of the planning and monitoring
activities and a stronger cooperation with Airspace design, Airspace management,
Aircraft Operators, Air Traffic Services and Airport partners supported by an
enhancement of the information exchange system. It incorporates the existing
information on traffic demand and capacity plans, identifying bottlenecks and

presenting the ATFCM and ASM measures foreseen to counterbalance them.
The objectives are to update permanently the ATM Network Operations Plan, using
scenarios, providing common situation awareness, and minimising the impact of the
lack of resources while ensuring a common understanding of the situation.
In the context of the NOP, winter is defined as the period 31st October – 30th April and
summer 1st May – 30th October.
Special events expected to affect the demand and for which specific ATFCM measures
have been planned are also described in detail in the document.
The NOP is published on the NOP portal at:
https://www.public.nm.eurocontrol.int/PUBPORTAL/gateway/spec/index.html
3.4 ATFCM Phases

The ATFCM provision in the ECAC region is carried out in four phases:
1. Strategic Flow Management takes place seven days or more prior to the day
of operations and includes research, planning and coordination activities
through a Collaborative Decision Making (CDM) process. This phase
comprises a continuous data collection with a review of procedures and
measures directed towards an early identification of major demand / capacity
imbalances (such as: axis management, air shows, major sport events, military
exercises, etc.). When imbalances are identified, the NM is responsible for the
overall coordination and execution of strategic ATFCM planning to optimise all
available capacity and achieve performance targets. The output of this phase
is the Network Operations Plan (NOP).
2. Pre-Tactical Flow Management is applied during the six days prior to the day
of operations and consists of planning and coordination activities. This phase
studies the demand for the day of the operation, compares it with the predicted
available capacity on that day, and makes any necessary adjustments to the
plan that was developed during the Strategic phase. The main objective of the
pre-tactical phase is to optimise efficiency and balance demand and capacity
through an effective organisation of resources (e.g., sector configuration
management, use of scenarios, etc.) and the implementation of a wide range
of appropriate ATFCM measures. The work methodology is based on a CDM
process between the stakeholders (e.g. the NM, FMPs, AOs).The output is the
ATFCM Daily Plan (ADP) published via ATFCM Notification Message (ANM) /
Initial Network Plan (INP) and via the NOP portal.
3. Tactical Flow Management takes place on the day of operations and involves
considering, in real time, those events that affect the ADP and making the
necessary modifications to it. This phase is aimed at ensuring that the
measures taken during the strategic and pre-tactical phases are the minimum
required to solve the demand / capacity imbalances. The need to adjust the
original plan may result from disturbances such as staffing problems,
significant meteorological phenomena, crises and special events, unexpected
limitations related to ground or air infrastructure, etc. and taking advantage of
any opportunities that may arise. The provision of accurate information is of
vital importance in this phase, since it permits short-term forecasts, including
the impact of any event and maximises the existing capacity without
jeopardising safety.
4. Post Operational Analysis is the final step in the ATFCM planning and
management process and takes place following the tactical phase of
operations. During the post operations analysis phase, an analytical process is
carried out that measures, investigates and reports on operational processes
and activities throughout all domains and external units relevant to an ATFCM
service. All stakeholders within the ATFCM service should provide feedback on
the efficiency of the ADP (ATFM measures and delays, the use of predefined
scenarios, etc.), flight planning and airspace data issues. This phase compares
the anticipated outcome (where assessed) with the actual measured outcome,
generally in terms of delay and route extension, while taking into account
performance targets. The final result of this phase is the development of best
practices and / or lessons learnt for improving upon those operational
processes and activities.
3.5 Areas Covered

The NM Central Airspace and Capacity Database (CACD) covers several different
geographical areas that have common and uncommon elements.
The FPM Distribution Area (FPM DIST) is the area in which IFPS is responsible for the
distribution of flight plans and associated messages.
The ATFCM Area is the area in which the NM is responsible for the provision of ATFCM.
Certain states are cooperating with the NM by exchanging data with the NM and
participating in the NM ATFCM service. These States are described as cooperating
States and the NM collectively refers them as the ATFCM Adjacent Area. The NM
provides them with limited ATFCM services based on an NM Agreement which details
the service level provision.
Additionally, the FMPs of these FIRs may request to apply ATFCM measures for the
airports within the FIR or for significant points at the interface between the FIR and the
ATFCM Area.
The NM may apply ATFCM measures to flights which:
• Depart from within the ATFCM area.
• Enter the ATFCM area after departing from an adjacent Flight Information
Region (FIR) within the ATFCM Adjacent Area.
Latest update of the list of adjacent FIRs may be found on the website:
http://www.nm.eurocontrol.int/STATIC/NM_AREA/
3.6 AO Liaison Cell

An important element of the NM operational organisation is the integration of the AOs
into the operations by means of the Aircraft Operator Liaison Cell (AOLC), which is
staffed by representatives of the airlines. During the daily activities of the NM, the cell
is the focal point for the operators for strategic pre-tactical, and post-operations
information about the airspace and ATFCM situation in Europe. In addition, the cell is
involved in the NM crisis management procedure ensuring transparency versus the
AOs in crisis situations as such. The focal points for tactical information are the
EUROCONTROL-employed Operations Managers (OMs) and Deputy Operations
Manager (DOMs) in the NM Operations Centre (NMOC). The cell liaises with NM
operational services, AOs and ATM providers, proposes NM developments to benefit
airspace users and ATM providers, follows up on any repetitive problems affecting the
operators, and monitors the equity of the flow management process.
The latter is a key point – because the AOs are involved and the system is transparent,
the AOs accept the NM proposals and are realistic both in their demands and
expectations. For the first time in European ATM, all partners address the problems
together.
4 Collaborative Decision Making

(CDM)
Collaborative Decision Making is a process which allows decisions to be taken by
those best positioned to make them on the basis of the most comprehensive, up-to-
date accurate information and ensuring that all concerned stakeholders are given the
opportunity to influence the decision. This enables decisions agreed collaboratively to
reach performance objectives and enable particular flights to be dynamically
optimised to reflect near or real-time events.
A decision to implement and execute ATFCM measures within the Area of
Responsibility (AoR) of an FMP shall normally be preceded by a CDM process. This
process provides the various organisations with the opportunity to update each other
continuously on events from the strategic level to the real-time in a timely and accurate
manner. To be efficient and reach the required objectives, CDM must be:
• an inclusive process;
• a transparent process;
• a process that builds trust between the parties involved.
The organisation and structure of the ATFCM CDM process has been designed to
ensure that the affected stakeholders, service providers and airspace users alike, can
discuss airspace, capacity / demand and flight efficiency issues through regular
sessions and formulate plans that consider all pertinent aspects and points of view.
The discussions occurring during the CDM activities shall lead to a consensus view
and solution implying an official commitment of each participant.
In the Strategic phase the focus is made on analysing major and significant events as
well as anticipated capacity shortfalls for individual ACCs / airports. The result is a set
of agreed ATFCM measures / solutions to be considered for implementation in the
pre-tactical and tactical phases. Conferences and briefings take place in advance to
consider these ATFCM events (e.g. axis conferences) following the CDM process.
ATFCM measures considered in pre-tactical / tactical phases could be extracted from
pre-agreed strategic ATFCM measures or envisaged as ad-hoc measures to respond
to a new situation triggered by a change either in traffic demand or ATC system
capacity. The CDM process occurs daily and may be scheduled more frequently
depending on the traffic and capacity situation. The output of these daily conferences
is the ATFCM daily plan (ADP).
The ADP is then constantly updated during the day of operations through further CDM
processes. Tactical briefings and conferences are scheduled depending on the traffic
patterns and their intensity applicable to the area.
Participants should include involved NM staff, ANSPs (FMP and ATS units), AOs (chief
or senior dispatchers and the AO Liaison Cell), affected military authorities and airport
authorities, as applicable.
When, despite all attempts, an agreement cannot be reached, the implementation of a
specific regulation shall ultimately be the responsibility of the FMP, however a
monitoring and eventual escalation process to higher management should be
envisaged if such a situation endures.
Whereas the final decision on the regulation implementation is for the FMP, the details
on the regulation itself should be coordinated with the NM except if otherwise
specified through particular instruction.
The implementation of a Network measure (e.g. level capping, rerouteing) affecting

the area of responsibility of multiple FMPs remains the responsibility of the NM who
shall ensure the Network benefit through the CDM process.
Measures within the area of responsibility of an individual FMP remain the
responsibility of that FMP. In such cases, the NM should be informed.
4.1 CDM Conferences

NM CDM conferences are usually run using EUROCONTROL e-conferencing.
Network Briefings
Briefing on critical situations or traffic load imbalance in the network is carried out
through the NOP portal Headline News.
Seasonal CDM Conferences

Seasonal CDM conferences are held during the summer (e.g. South-West Axis, etc.)
and winter (e.g. Ski Axis, etc.) seasons on an ad-hoc basis according to the axes to
review previous activities and prepare for the following activities. Coordination is
initiated and led by the NM.
Ad-hoc CDM Conferences

Ad-hoc CDM conferences are organised whenever there is a need to discuss a course
of action in order to prepare for and monitor events such as industrial actions, etc.
Notification and invitation will be given by AIM and / or NOP Portal Headline News
which will give details on how to attend.
4.2 ATFCM Daily Plan (ADP)

The ATFCM Daily Plan (ADP) is a set of tactical ATFCM measures that will be in force
in European airspace on the following day.
The NM shall coordinate and define the daily plan and inform Aircraft Operators and
ATC units about the ATFCM measures (e.g. sector configuration, application of
scenarios). Through the ATFCM Daily Plan the NM is trying to optimise available
capacity to meet forecast demand and to manage demand to minimise delay and cost.
The NM shall publish the agreed plan for the day of operations after a collaborative
decision making process.
The ATFCM Daily Plan shall be altered if necessary through real-time optimisation of
capacity / demand creating common situational awareness across the Network.
The ADP is promulgated by means of an ANM and the Initial Network Plan (INP).
Initial Network Plan (INP)

In addition to the ANM, excerpts from the ATFCM Daily Plan are published on D-1 by
17:00 UTC in wintertime (1 hour earlier in summer time) in the INP via the NOP Portal.
Through the INP the NM advises ANSPs and AOs of all areas predicted to have a
significant impact on the Network together with advice offered to AOs on actions to
take including routes and / or levels to be filed to contribute to better utilisation of
network capacity while avoiding heavy delays.
Feedback on ADP Quality

The opinions and comments concerning the ADP quality received from FMPs, AOs as
well as from the NM units represent very important input for further improvement of
the NM Pre-Tactical planning. This feedback will help the NM to identify the reason(s)
and determine corrective actions to avoid reoccurrence.
4.3 Routeing Scenarios

To overcome some of the limitations of the RAD and improve medium and short-term
management of ATC capacity, reducing complexity or workload in a sector, the NM,
together with the FMPs concerned, will develop reroutes during the planning period to
help resolve forecast ATC capacity problems and to achieve a global decrease of
delays by spreading the traffic. These measures are known as routeing scenarios and
are published in the form of alternative or a mandatory instruction via ANM and the
INP. Routeing scenarios are promulgated on the NOP Portal:
Mandatory Routeing Scenarios

Depending on the type of rerouteing required, they may be considered in two parts:
a) Rerouteing Scenarios (RR) (e.g. RR1FUJ): mandatory diversion of flows to
offload traffic from certain areas. If affected by a RR, AOs shall file / refile their
FPL to meet the RR requirements.
b) Flight Level Capping Scenarios (FL) (e.g. FL11FFM): rerouteings of flows
carried out by means of level restrictions (e.g. flights from EDDN to Paris TMA
should file below FL245). If affected by a FL scenario, AOs should file / refile
their FPL to meet the FL requirements.
What are the benefits of using mandatory scenarios?

• Implementation of scenarios avoids having a considerable penalising
regulation giving high delays to all traffic.
• Mandatory scenarios are only active for short periods (when the imbalance
between demand and capacity is considered to be critical). Tactically these
scenarios are cancelled if the alternative routeings are subject to unforeseen
restrictions.
• The use of scenarios often guarantees a stable, manageable and predictable
traffic pattern.
• These mandatory scenarios are always agreed with the different FMPs
involved and fully embrace the CDM process.
• Mandatory scenarios are in the benefit of the majority of the flights as they
reduce delays in a given sector considerably and are beneficial especially to
those flights, which cannot avoid the regulation.
Alternative Routeing Scenarios (AR)

These are alternative routes which are exceptionally made available to offload traffic
from certain areas, implemented by regulations with a low rate. To avoid heavy delays
and achieve better spreading of traffic, the NM may reach an agreement with the FMPs
concerned to enable AOs to use routes, which are otherwise not available for this type
of traffic. Activation of AR (e.g. AR7SKI) normally causes higher traffic complexity in
the sector(s) concerned, which is the reason for there being a low rate in an AR
scenario.
5 Route Planning
5.1 Route Availability Document (RAD)
The Route Availability Document (RAD) is an ATFCM tool that is designed as a sole-
source flight-planning document, which integrates both structural and ATFCM
requirements, geographically and vertically.
The RAD is updated each AIRAC cycle following a structured standard process of
Requirement, Validation and Publication by the NM in cooperation / coordination with
the States and the AOs. For details of route characteristics, refer to the ENR section of
the relevant AIP.
The objective of the RAD is to facilitate flight planning in order to improve ATFCM while
allowing aircraft operators’ flight planning flexibility. It provides a single, fully
integrated and coordinated routeing scheme. Except where otherwise specified the
RAD affects all NM airspace.
The RAD is designed as a part of the NM ATFCM operation. It organises the traffic into
specific flows to make the best use of available capacity. Whilst, on its own, it will not
guarantee the protection of congested ATC sectors during peak periods, it should
facilitate more precise application of tactical ATFCM measures when required.
The RAD should also assist the NM in identifying and providing re-routeing options.
Global management of the demand will potentially, lead to an overall reduction of
delays.
The RAD is subject to continuous review by the NM, the ANSPs and AOs to ensure that
the requirements are still valid and take account of any ATC structural or
organisational changes that may occur. Further reviews may be initiated at the request
of the States or the user organisations.
The RAD is promulgated on the NOP Portal:
Temporary changes due to exceptional circumstances (e.g. major equipment failure,
industrial action or large-scale military exercises) may necessitate the suspension of
part of the RAD for specified periods, and additional routeings will be activated where
possible following coordination with the relevant FMPs and AO organisations.
Changes will be published by AIM giving details of the traffic affected, the period of
activation and the corresponding routeings.
5.2 Publication of EAUP / EUUP

The European Airspace Use Plan (EAUP) contains the consolidated list of available
CDR2s, and closed CDR1s or permanent ATS routes as repetition of prior notice by
NOTAM. It also contains the planned activations of restricted airspaces, but the
access to this data is for the moment restricted to certain types of users.
The EAUP is issued by the NM each day by 14.00 / 15.00 UTC (summer / winter time).
It covers the 24 hour time period between 06.00 UTC the next day to 06.00 UTC the
day after. After the publication of the EAUP, updated Airspace Use Plans may be issued
and published as European Updated Airspace Use Plan (EUUP).
EAUPs and EUUPs are available through the NOP Portal, in the EAUP / EUUP portlet. A
Compare function enables the user to visualise the changes made between different
versions.
In the context of B2B web services, the same data is also available through the e-AMI
(electronic Airspace Management Information). A system to system connection can
be established to integrate the e-AMI into stakeholders' own applications.
6 Flight Plan Submission and Update

6.1 Flight Plan Submission
The NM requirements for the submission of flight plans conform to the ICAO EUR
Region supplementary procedures (Doc 7030 part 1 Chapter 3) for flight planning.
AOs filing flight plans for flights departing from within the ATFCM area or from within
the ATFCM Adjacent area and entering the ATFCM area, shall assume their flight is
subject to ATFCM measures and subject to the requirement to submit a flight plan at
least three hours before EOBT unless:
a) The flight is exempted from ATFCM slot allocation as defined in the ICAO EUR
Regional Supplementary Procedures (Doc 7030).
b) The flight is taking place in an area or under conditions specified in the AIP of
the State from which the flight is departing as not subject to ATFCM Measures.
It should be noted, however, that effective application of ATFCM measures depends
on an accurate assessment of air traffic demand which, in the Tactical Phase is based
on flight plan information. AOs are, therefore, urged to file flight plans more than three
hours before EOBT whenever possible.
Where applicable, flight plans shall be submitted in accordance with the route
restrictions and specific requirements published in RAD in force, taking into account
any change of validity.
If required by exceptional circumstances, Operators may submit a flight plan for a
route normally forbidden in RAD but only after its availability has been confirmed by
the NM. (e.g. tactical rerouteing scenarios).
If operators, in conjunction with the NM decide to use a route other than that contained
in their previously submitted flight plan (… FPL) it is mandatory to file either a
Modification (CHG) message or use Replacement Flight Plan Procedure (RFP) (see
IFPS Users Manual for details) to that effect.
Flight plan submission procedures, including cancellation and replacement
procedures, within the Flight Planning Messages (FPMs) Distribution area are
described in the IFPS Users Manual.
Note: The IFPS shall not accept DLA and CHG messages for those flight plans that
have been ATC_Activated.
‘Ghost’ and Duplicate Flight Plans

‘Ghost’ is the term used to refer to the flight plans of flights which do not take place
i.e. flight plans that were not cancelled by the originators.
Only one Flight Plan shall exist at any given time for the same flight.
It is absolutely essential that flight plan originators:
• Cancel a flight plan as soon as they know that the flight is not going to take
place.
• Cancel an existing flight plan before filing a replacement flight plan for the
same flight.
The existence of ghost or multiple flight plans is to be condemned as they will:
• Present ATC with false information.

• Impair the efficiency of the NM.
• Be responsible for the issuance of unnecessary new slots.
• Cause additional unnecessary delays to regulated flights.
• Lead to an under-utilisation of ATC capacity.
Reception of REJ Message

Message originators shall always react to the reception of a REJ message by
amending the original message as appropriate and re-submitting it to the IFPS.
Therefore, if a REJ message is received from IFPS, then no flight plan will exist.
6.2 Flights not subject to ATFCM Slot Allocation

Exempted Flights
The following flights are exempted from ATFCM slot allocation:
a) flights carrying Head of State or equivalent status [STS / HEAD].
b) flights conducting search and rescue operations [STS / SAR].
c) flights authorised by the relevant States Authorities to include in the flight plan
[STS / ATFMX].
d) flights carrying a life-critical emergency evacuation [STS / MEDEVAC].
e) Flights engaged in fire-fighting [STS / FFR]
Note: These principles are based on the relevant chapter on ATFCM slot allocation
as established by ICAO in the Doc. 7030 (points a) to c)) and behaviour of the
NM system (point d)).
Where can I find if a flight qualifies for exemption?
The procedures for requesting ATFCM slot allocation exemptions (STS / ATFMX) can
be found in the national AIPs.
Flights departing from outside the ATFCM Area of and the ATFCM Adjacent Area are
not subject to ATFM measures.
If a flight belongs to a flow that is exempted from the regulation by the traffic volume
definition it will not be subject to ATFM measures either.
Airborne Flights
The ETFMS collects surveillance data, also called Correlated Position Reports (CPRs),
and the First System Activation (FSA) data from the ACCs. Automatic Dependent
Surveillance – Broadcast B (ADS – B) data will be processed by ETFMS in the same
manner as the CPR data received. The same time/vertical/lateral deviation thresholds
apply. The refresh rate of the ADS – B data is 1 minute.
See the figure below for further information.
Figure 1 – ADS-B, CPR, FDI, FSA and FAM Operational Status

If the flight is already airborne when the regulation is created, or due to FSA / CPR data
a flight is pushed into an active regulation the flight will be forced into that regulation
without delay.
6.3 Flight Plan Updates

EOBT Requirements
It is a requirement for both ATC and ATFCM, that the EOBT of a flight shall be an
accurate EOBT. This applies to all flights, whether subject to a flow management
regulation or not.
Any change to the EOBT of more than 15 minutes for any IFR flight within the FPM
distribution area shall be communicated to the IFPS.
• To amend the EOBT to a later time, a DLA or CHG message shall be sent to
IFPS.
Note: The update of the EOBT with a second FPL is not allowed in IFPS. When a FPL
is associated to another FPL changing the EOBT, the FPL will be invalidated
with the EFPM401 error saying “NOT ALLOWED TO USE A FPL TO UPDATE THE
EOBT. DLA OR CHG IS REQUIRED”.
• To amend the EOBT to an earlier time, a CNL message shall be sent to IFPS,
which, on receipt of ACK message, shall be followed by a new flight plan with
the new EOBT indicated.
Note: The AO may ask the local ATC Unit (TWR) or the FMP to set the flight as Ready
(REA). See REA status for further details.
An AO should not modify the EOBT to a later time simply as a result of an ATFCM delay
(CTOT). When an AO submits an amendment message (e.g. DLA or CHG) to IFPS, they
must always give as EOBT the earliest EOBT they may comply with. The EOBT in IFPS
should always reflect the time at which the AO actually wants to be off-blocks. The
EOBT should always be changed if the original EOBT established by the AO cannot be
met by the AO for reasons other than ATFCM delay.
If, by changing EOBT, the flight gets affected by another more penalising regulation, its
CTOT will be recalculated.
Note: Some States outside the NM area of responsibility still require AOs to update
the EOBT regardless of why the flight’s original EOBT may have changed. AOs
should bear in mind the formula explained below when doing this. Where it is
known that ATC send Departure (DEP) messages for all flights, then this DEP
message will suffice.
Take the current CTOT, minus the taxi time, minus 10 minutes and send the
new EOBT, which must not be after this time e.g. EOBT 1000, CTOT 1100, but
the flight cannot go off blocks until 1025. The taxi time is say 15 minutes:
1100 minus 15, minus 10 = 1035. The new EOBT must be earlier than 1035. If
it is, then this action will not trigger a revised CTOT.
Last Validity
AOs are able to find in CHMI and the protected NOP Portal the Last Validity value (LV
column) which shows the maximum time to which the OBT of the flight may be shifted
without triggering IFPS errors. This information is aimed at improving AOs awareness
and hence their own operations by anticipating the necessary actions on flights that
might be delayed (DLA). The Last Validity field displays the following characters:
• “+” if the validity time found is over 4 hours (the system does not scan validity
further than 4 hours in the future).
• “<” if the validity time is exactly the one displayed and is less than 4 hours.
• “?..” if the Last Validity parameter has not been computed for the flight (e.g.
PREDICT, SIMEX s.a, CHMI archive).
Modification of Flight Plan in non-CDM (DLA, CHG, RFP)

When do I send a DLA?
A DLA message shall be sent for any change of EOBT greater than 15 minutes. The
new EOBT must be in the future.
What is the response of the NM?
The NM will inform all other ATC Units concerned with the flight and will re-calculate
the flight profile if needed. The resulting calculation may lead to the issuance of a slot
revision such as an SRM or an SLC.
What is the subsequent response of AOs?
Comply with the relevant ATFCM message.
Any revision to a flight plan by means of DLA, CHG or the Replacement Flight Plan
Procedure (RFP) is taken into account by the ETFMS. As a result, messages such as
SAMs, SRMs and SLCs may be sent. SAMs or SRMs will be issued immediately if the
new EOBT is at or after EOBT - 2 hours.
If the flight plan revisions do not alter the ETFMS calculation any SAM or SRM already
sent remains valid. In that event ETFMS will not send new messages and the AO is
expected to comply with messages already received.
How do I modify the field 18 of the FPL?

The CHG message is used to update one or several items of the field 18. The complete
field 18 must be repeated, not only the changed item.
My flight, departing from a non-CDM aerodrome, is active in ETFMS due to incorrect

ATC message, but flight is in reality still on the ground. What can I do?
You can request deactivation of the flight in the ETFMS via the FM Helpdesk. Do not
forget to update the EOBT via DLA / CHG afterwards (to be sure that your flight is
covered by the IFPS revalidation process).
My flight is terminated (TER) in the ETFMS, although it has not yet departed, what
action can I take?
Ask the FM Helpdesk to re-activate the flight. The NM tactical team can manually de-
activate (undo activation) a flight up to 3 hours after it was terminated (TER). Once de-
activated, the flight will go into filed status and a Flight Update Message (FUM) will be
sent to the IFPS.
Modification of Flight Plan in A-CDM (E-DPI, T-DPI-t, T-DPI-s,

A-DPI)
When do I update the TOBT?
Following the CDM process, TOBTs are updated as soon as the responsible person for
updating the CDM platform is aware of the delay. Depending on the local working
practice, DPI messages will be automatically generated and sent to the ETFMS. In
addition to this, a DLA message shall be sent if your TOBT is more than 15 minutes
after the last EOBT.
Airlines can delegate to the NM the filing of DLA messages for departures from
designated CDM airports (EOBT Update Service for A-CDM departures). For flights
operated by an airline which has delegated the DLA-filing, the ETFMS will automatically
file a DLA message using the TOBT values in the DPI messages received. The airline
can also opt to defer the transmission of the DLA. The rationale is to prevent that NM
sends a DLA that is based on an unstable/inaccurate TOBT, potentially forcing the
airline to cancel and refile the flight plan at a late stage.

Upon reception of a DPI message in the ETFMS, the ETFMS will inform all other ATC
Units concerned with the flight data and will re-calculate the flight profile if needed.
The resulting calculation may lead to the sending of a slot revision such as an SRM or
an SLC.
If the TTOT in a T-DPI-t or T-DPI-s message is after the CTOT tolerance window, the
CTOT will be re-calculated accordingly.
What is the subsequent response of AOs?

Comply with the relevant ATFCM message.
Note: Normally, the sequence of DPI messages is: E-DPI > T-DPI-t > T-DPI-s > A-DPI.
• E-DPI (Early DPI): It is sent from EOBT - 3 hours after verification of the flight
plan EOBT with the airport slot (SOBT) and as such confirms the ICAO FPL
message.
• T-DPI-t (Confirmed): It is sent from EOBT - 2 hours and it is based upon the
Target Off-Blocks Time (TOBT) derived from data such as the estimated
landing time of the inbound aircraft, passenger connections, crew connections
and the estimated turn-around time. In general this information represents the
AO’s desires and does not take into account ATC constraints at the airport and
/ or ATFCM restrictions
• T-DPI-s (Sequenced): It is sent from TOBT - 40 minutes and it is based upon
the Target Start-up Approval Time (TSAT) derived from the ATC sequencing
plan. This information represents the ATC’s desires and takes into account
ATFCM restrictions and as accurately as possible any other taxiing /
sequencing delays.
• A-DPI (ATC DPI): It is sent at off-block and it provides the ETFMS with an
accurate estimation of the actual off-block time. It is based upon the take-off-
sequence of the flight.
• C-DPI (Cancel DPI): It is sent if the turn-around process is interrupted at the
airport.
Will a T-DPI-t and T-DPI-s be rejected by the ETFMS if no E-DPI has been received
previously?
T-DPI-t and T-DPI-s will be accepted by the ETFMS even if no E-DPI has been received.
A comment in the operational log 'T-DPI received before E-DPI' will be displayed.
Why is the Registration mark of a flight in a CDM airport different from the one from
my FPL?
The ETFMS overwrites the Registration (REG) from the FPL with the information from
the DPI message. The handling agent should have the most accurate registration (for
the loading and load sheet of aircraft).
How can I update the Registration of the flight?
The CDM platform can send DPI messages with the correct aircraft registration. The
AO should send a CHG message with the correct aircraft registration, when different
from the one from the FPL.
My flight, departing from a CDM aerodrome, is active in ETFMS due to an ATC

incorrect message, but the flight is in reality still on the ground. What can I do?
You can request the TWR to do the necessary to de-activate the flight: either to provide
a C-DPI with reason UNDOADPI that will automatically de-activate the flight, or if this
is not possible and the flight is ready, to contact NMOC to de-activate the flight. Do not
forget to update the EOBT via DLA / CHG or update your TOBT afterwards.
6.4 Flight Plan Cancellation

To cancel a FPL, a CNL message shall be sent to IFPS by the AO.
At CDM aerodromes, usually a C-DPI followed by a FLS from the ETFMS is expected to
take place before the AO sends a CNL message.
Note: CDM airports could pass this information to the Network Manager from as early
as EOBT - 48h or, if the flight plan is filed later, as soon as the flight plan is filed. This
will enable NM to update the traffic demand picture before the aircraft operator
cancels the flight plan through a CNL message.
7 Management of the Readiness

Status of the Flight
7.1 RFI Status
The RFI status indicates that the flight can accept SRMs with CTOT improvements. All
flight plans are by default in RFI status. In case an improvement is possible, flights in
status RFI will immediately receive a Slot Revision Message (SRM).
The AO may change the status of a particular flight from SWM to RFI by sending the
RFI message. It will immediately receive a Slot Revision Message (SRM) in case of
improvement.
When do I send a RFI?
An RFI can be sent when the AO can again accept any improvement to the allocated
CTOT.
The NM will send an SRM if an improvement is possible for this flight.
How do I receive a SIP?
By sending a SIP Wanted Message (SWM), the AO will receive a SIP instead of SRM
when an improvement is possible.
7.2 SIP Wanted Message (SWM) Status

The SIP Wanted Message (SWM) status allows the flight to receive a Slot Improvement
Proposal (SIP), instead of directly receiving an SRM, when there is a possibility to
improve the flight. The default status (RFI) may be changed to SWM status. Flights in
SWM status are not affected by the Recover Hole mechanism.
When do I send an SWM?
When the AO is not ready to accept direct improvement for the flight concerned. This
message can be sent at any time after the flight is known by ETFMS.
The NM will send a SIP if there is any possibility to improve the flight.
Note In case of modification of the most penalising regulation, by default, only flights
in an RFI status or in a Ready (REA) status will be considered for improvement
via SRM. However, if the situation requires it, the NM tactical team will be able
to manually let all flights be considered for improvement by SRM, including
flights for which an SWM has been received.
When does the NM send a SIP?

A Slot Improvement Proposal (SIP) message is sent to the AO by the NM for a flight
being in SWM status to propose a new take-off time if it is possible to improve the
existing CTOT by a significant amount (due to slots being released by other flights,
improvements in rates, etc.).
What is the response of AOs?
An AO responds by means of either a Slot Improvement Proposal Acceptance (SPA)

message or a Slot Improvement Proposal Rejection (SRJ) message.
A SIP expires if:
either
a) no response is received:
then the flight retains the last received CTOT.
or
b) the response is sent after the RESPBY (respond by) time:
then the message is discarded and an error message is sent by the NM stating the
REASON i.e. VOID. The flight also retains the last received CTOT.
or
c) the AO sends a CHG, CNL, DLA, etc. before the end of the RESPBY period
providing the revised take-off time is after the NM proposed one in the SIP.
When AOs do not wish the improvement offered in a SIP, they are requested to
promptly use the SRJ rather than allow the SIP to lapse so that the slot may be offered
to another AO. In this event the AO will comply with the slot sent prior to the SIP.
What is the response of the NM to an SPA?

The NM confirms a NEWCTOT with an SRM. If it is sent after the RESPBY time the
message is discarded.
What can I do if I have received a SIP but the RESPBY time provided has expired?
If the flight is ready send an RFI or ask local ATC (TWR) or the FMP to send a REA.
What is the response of the NM to an SRJ?

No response should be expected from the NM unless the SRJ is sent after the RESPBY
time in the SIP.
In that case the message is discarded and an ERROR message is sent stating the
REASON i.e. VOID.
7.3 Ready (REA) Status

For regulated flights being in a situation to depart before their CTOT / EOBT (doors
closed and ready to depart), the AO may ask local ATC to send a Ready (REA) message
or, in a CDM aerodrome, the TWR may send a TTOT (T-DPI-s) before the CTOT
tolerance window (-5, +10). These actions will trigger the REA status for the concerned
flight.
The Ready (REA) Message

A REA may be sent between EOBT minus 15 minutes, and no later than the CTOT –
TAXITIME / MINLINEUP – SRM minimum improvement time (5 minutes) of the flight
which may result in a flight being offered earlier CTOT or even take off time before its
original EOBT.
When do I send a REA message?
The REA message relates to the regulated flights only. If it is sent for a non-regulated
flight an error message will be generated by the ETFMS with the COMMENT “MESSAGE
RECEIVED BUT NO SLOT HAS BEEN ISSUED”.
The REA message can only be sent by ATC following a request from AO. AO may ask
ATC to send a REA in 2 situations:
1. The flight is ready to depart before the EOBT (maximum 15 minutes before).
2. The flight is ready to depart before its CTOT (no later than CTOT – TAXITIME /
MINLINEUP – SRM minimum improvement time (5 minutes)).
ATC may include a MINLINEUP time in the REA to indicate the minimum time needed
to get from its present position to the take-off.
Note The TIS parameter is not relevant when ATC has sent an REA message for a
flight.
How does the NM check the REA message originator?
There are 2 possibilities to send an REA:
1. Via NM Client Application.
2. Via AFTN or SITA.
NM CLIENT APPLICATION
Access to the REA message is permitted according to the User Id. Only ATC Units (i.e.
TWR, ARO) are granted this permission. The FMP responsible for the ADEP is also able
to send a REA message.
AFTN / SITA
When a REA message is received, the NM systems check to see if the originator of the
message is the TWR / ARO of the aerodrome of departure.
In the CACD, each TWR / ARO definition has an address to which the ATFM messages
are sent. It is this address that will be checked.
Some other units may receive, for information, a copy of the ATFCM message. They
are not permitted to send the REA.
If the check fails, the REA message will be rejected by the NM systems and an ERR
message will be issued.
What will the NM do?
The NM will use the REA message to try to improve the CTOT of the flight up to present
time plus the duration indicated in the —MINLINEUP (if included in the REA, otherwise
the default taxi time of the ADEP is used).
If the regulated flight is ready before its EOBT, the NM will consider the filing time as a
new EOBT and the MINLINEUP, if any, as a revised taxi time.
If a CTOT improvement is possible the NM will send an SRM.
How can I change the REA status?

By sending a DLA / CHG message with a later EOBT. A CTOT recalculation could be
triggered, or not, depending on the slot zones.
…
Does a REA message update the EOBT (update the FTFM)?
Yes, when the REA message is sent before the EOBT, the time stamp of the REA
message will be the new EOBT.
Can a REA push traffic outside a regulation?
Yes. In that case a slot cancellation (SLC) will be sent by the ETFMS.
TTOT before the CTOT Tolerance Window

Traffic departing from A-CDM may send a REA message by following the same
process as for non-CDM airports. This may result in recalculating the CTOT and
deleting all relevant information received in previous DPI messages.
A T-DPI-s message might also be used instead of a REA message and ETFMS will
react similarly if the TTOT (T-DPI-s) is before the CTOT tolerance window (-5, +10).
Then the TTOT is stored for possible future use as a “no slot before time”. The ETFMS
will consider this message as a REA and will try to improve the CTOT at regular
intervals and the ETFMS will use the “no slot before time” when the regulations are
modified (e.g. if flight AAA123 has a TTOT 10:00 and the CTOT is 10:30, a T-DPI-s with
TTOT 10:15 can be sent to set the flight status to REA and may recalculate its CTOT).
In case the TTOT is before the last ETOT in the FPL, then the filed profile (FTFM) will
be updated. In fact, in this case the T-DPI-s is processed in exactly the same way as a
REA message.
When could a TTOT trigger a REA status?
CDM airports will trigger a REA status for a flight if the TTOT sent in the T-DPI-s (sent
by the TWR) is before the CTOT tolerance window and up to 45 minutes before the
ETOT.
The flight will be set to the REA status and it may be improved up to the new TTOT of
the flight. If a CTOT improvement is possible the NM will send an SRM.
How can I change the REA status?
By sending a DLA / CHG message with an EOBT update. A TTOT update after the CTOT
tolerance window will be treated as a DLA as well. A CTOT recalculation could be
triggered.
The CDM airport can also send a new T-DPI-s with a TTOT inside the CTOT tolerance
window.
7.4 Type of Flight Data (States)

During the processing by the ETFMS, a flight can be in one of the following states:
Field Values
CHMI /
NOP
ETFMS Portal FUM Description
flight list (FLTSTATE)
(T
column)
… A flight is in the state 'Planned' … if its data comes from PREDICT
Planned
P (PFD) Flight Data (PFD)
Planned,
… A “Planned” flight is in the state “Planned, Slot Allocated” after slot
Slot
P (PFD) allocation was applied to it
Allocated
Planned, … A “Planned” flight is in the state “Planned, Re-routed” after it was re-
Re-routed P (PFD) routed
Planned,
Slot … A “Planned” flight is in the state “Planned, Slot Allocated, Re-routed”
Allocated, P (PFD) after slot allocation was applied to it and it was re-routed
Re-routed
Filed I FI A flight is in the state “Filed” after ETFMS received its FPL
Filed, Slot A “Filed” flight is in the state “Filed, Slot Allocated” after slot allocation
I FS
Allocated was applied to it
Filed, Slot A “Filed” flight is in the state “Filed, Slot Issued” after slot allocation
I SI
Issued was applied to it and the corresponding SAM was sent
TACT If an A-DPI was accepted.
t TA
Activated
A flight is “TACT Activated”:
TACT • In A-CDM, when the clock time reaches TTOT or CTOT (if
T TA regulated).
Activated
• In non-CDM, when the clock time reaches ETOT or CTOT (if
regulated).
The reception of a coordination message (FSA, APL, ACH), an Air-
Filed Flight Plan (AFIL), an APR, a DEP, an FAA Departure Information
ATC
A AA (FDI) and a CPR will put a flight in the state “ATC Activated”. IFPS
Activated
sends an ACH message when the time of the estimate changes by
more than 40 minutes (with no other change to the flight).
Flight data in the state “Cancelled” is never shown in counts, flight
lists, etc... and is almost equivalent to removed flight data, with the
Cancelled CA
exception that a new FPL can correlate with cancelled flight data
(rerouteing and departure information)
An “ATC activated” flight (receiving ATC updates such as CPRs) will
be “Terminated” 20 minutes after the latest Actual Time of Arrival
(ATA), which is derived from ATC data
Terminated E TE
A “TACT activated” flight (no ATC updates received) will be
“Terminated” 180 minutes after the latest ATA, which is derived from
the flight plan
A flight is suspended if an FLS was sent, the flight will return to the
Filed I SU
Filed status in the ETFMS
Note: Flights in status “TACT Activated”, “ATC Activated” and “Terminated” can be
de-activated by the NM tactical team and returned to the “Planned” status. This
is required if modifications to the FPL (e.g. DLA, CHG) need to be undertaken
as the ETFMS will reject such modifications for activated flights.
Can I see the status of my flight in the FUM message?

Yes, from the operational log of the flight that can be found in the NOP Portal CHMI
and NMIR.
8 Management of Slot Allocated

Flights
8.1 Slot Allocation Process
The slot allocation procedures detailed below are those applicable to the NM ETFMS.
They are applied to all flights subject to ATFCM slot allocation departing from within
the ATFCM area or from within the ATFCM Adjacent area and entering the ATFCM
area.
Description of the Computer Assisted Slot Allocation (CASA)

The CASA system is largely automatic and centralised, and functions from an AO’s
point of view in passive mode. In other words, the act of filing a flight plan effectively
constitutes a request for a slot.
After coordination with the FMP, the NM decides to activate regulations in those
locations where it is necessary. In ETFMS regulations include the start and the end
times, the description of the location, the entering flow rate and some others
parameters. In accordance with the principle of ‘First Planned - First Served’ the system
extracts all the flights entering the specified airspace and sequences them in the order
they would have arrived at the airspace in the absence of any restriction.
On this basis, the Take-Off Time (TOT) for the flight is calculated. It is this information,
Calculated Take-Off Time (CTOT), which is transmitted to the AO concerned and to the
control tower at the aerodrome of departure.
In addition to this fundamental process, a number of other mechanisms will act to
compensate for factors such as late received flight plans and modifications.
Description of the Slot Allocation Process
8.1.2.1 Slot Allocation List – Basic Rate
For each regulated point, area or airport, CASA builds and manages a list of slots i.e.
the Slot List. A regulation may be specified over sub-periods, each sub-period being
assigned a rate. CASA uses these items to build initially an empty Slot List. For
instance, a four hour long sub-period associated with a basic rate of 28 flights per hour,
would result in a Slot List made up of 112 slots separated from one another by
approximately 2 minutes.
8.1.2.2 Pre-Allocation Stage
When the regulation is activated, CASA starts to receive flight data, based on … Filed
Flight Plans (FPL), as available. Each flight concerned by the regulation is given a
provisional slot based on the order of their Estimated Time Over (ETO) the restricted
location.
This initial reservation is internal to the ETFMS system and is subject to amendment.
Due to the constant recalculation of the Slot Allocation List (SAL) as new flight plans
arrive, the provisional slot is very likely to be changed.
When CASA receives new flight data, it pre-allocates the slot as close to the requested
Estimated Time Over (ETO) the restricted location as it is available:
a) If that slot is free, it is assigned to the flight, which thus suffers no delay.
b) If that slot is already pre-allocated to a flight which is planned to overfly the
restricted location after the new flight then the latter takes the slot. Of course,
the consequence can be a chain reaction, because the flight whose slot has
been taken tries to recover another slot, possibly by taking the slot of another
flight, etc.
8.1.2.3 Pending Rate
In order to reduce the number of large delays for late updaters the pending rate
will be kept entirely for flights that are modified after the SAM is issued with messages
such as FCM, DLA or CHG messages. Late filers will not be considered for allocation
of pending slots.
Pending slots are not used during activation of a regulation, taxi time change,
deep rectification. A pending slot with an earlier time will not be allocated to a flight
from a later slot, i.e. a flight will not be improved to an earlier slot by being a late
updater, but will be allocated the next available later slot. At a certain time a pending
slot is converted into a normal slot.
Slot Amendment Procedure

When CASA receives the flight data for the cancellation of a flight, this may improve
the slots given to other flights. The slot amendment procedure aims to take into
account the new slots made available. It applies only to pre-allocated flights. Therefore
it is an essential requirement, with beneficial interest for AOs, to cancel as early as
possible those flight plans which will no longer operate.
Allocation Stage
At a fixed time before the Estimated Off-Block Time (EOBT) of each pre-allocated flight,
called Slot Issue Time 1 (SIT1), the slot is allocated to the flight and a Slot Allocation
Message (SAM) is sent to the AOs and ATC.
An allocated slot cannot be taken by another flight, unless the regulation is deep
rectified and the CTOT has not been forced. However, an AO should update its EOBT,
if it is thought that the flight will not be able to comply. Moreover, the slot allocated to
a flight may be improved by the true revision process.
Why my flight did not receive a CTOT even if it is inside the regulation period?
Whenever a flight is subject to an ATFCM measure there is a possibility to receive a
CTOT except if:
a) Flights with C / ETOT – TAXI – TRS before clock time of the time when the
regulation is applied / changed will not be recalculated in order not to disturb
the start-up sequence.
b) The C / EOBT of the flight is after the clock time of the application / change of
the regulation (the flight is still on the ground) but close to its departure time
and the OBT of the flight is within the next 30 minutes. E.g. 10:00 is the clock
time of the application / change of the regulation and the OBT of the flight is
1010. The 30 minutes is a default time parameter in the ETFMS and can be
manually modified. It protects the airport start-up sequence in case of
regulation changes, like TRS and TIS, but it also avoids that last minute SRMs
are sent to AOs.
The 30 min parameter could be subject to modifications based on the operational
safety criteria (e.g. chaotic situations).
Late Filing
FPLs sent to the IFPS less than 3 hours before the EOBT will render those flights as
“late filer”. These flights may be penalised during the slot allocation process. In the
flight status column (STA) of the flight list in CHMI / NOP Portal these flights can be
identified with a “LF”.
Late Updating
Modifications to the FPL (DLA / CHG) sent less than 2 hours before EOBT will cause
the flights to be considered as “late updater” if the update changes the profile
calculation. In the flight status column (STA) of the flight list in CHMI / NOP Portal
these flights can be identified with a “LU”.
These flights may benefit from the Recover Hole mechanism and pending slots (a late
updater may be allocated the next available pending slot, not an earlier pending slot)
in order to avoid excessive delay.
Combined Flow Measures for one Flight

The general principle is that a flight which is subject to several CASA regulations is
given the delay of the most penalising regulation and is forced with that delay into all
other regulations.
A flight was rerouted out of a regulation but no SLC message was received, why is
this?
If an SRM is received, with or without a new CTOT, the flight is subject to a new most
penalising regulation.
The regulations for a flight can be found in CHMI, the NOP Portal and the SAM / SRM
(REGUL field).
How do I know which one is the most penalising regulation for a flight?
In the SAM / SRM each regulation is specified in the REGUL field. The most penalising
regulation is the first in the list. The Most Penal Reg field in CHMI / NOP Portal in flight
details also provides this information.
True Revision Process

This is the automatic mechanism that routinely attempts to improve the slot of
allocated flights every minute; for a given flight, the true revision process takes place
after the SAM has been issued until a time parameter before the CTOT.
Recover Hole Mechanism

The Recover Hole mechanism has been implemented so that a late updater flight,
releasing its slot, should benefit from flights with an earlier ETO making use of the
released slot. It works ad-hoc and it is separated from the True Revision Process
When a DLA / CHG message is received for a regulated flight, the Recover Hole
mechanism will try to improve flights having an ETO before the new ETO of this flight.
So that the new reservation for the delayed flight could find a better alternative and,
thanks to these improvements, non-disproportionate delayed slot will be available to
the flight that provided the new EOBT.
Only flights in RFI or REA status, as well as pre-allocated flights, will receive
improvements through this mechanism. The same criteria as for the True Revision
process are used for RFI and REA flights, based on minimum improvement time, TIS,
etc.
When new data enters in CASA for a flight for which an E-DPI or a confirmed T-DPI has
already been received, the Recover Hole mechanism will also be activated.
Aerodrome Parameters
8.1.10.1 Taxi Time
The taxi time at aerodromes is an important parameter taken into account in the slot
allocation process. Default taxi time is specified for each runway at an aerodrome in
the CACD but can be changed on the day of operation following a request of the FMP
concerned.
The taxi time can be modified for a given time period. A modification of the taxi time
will modify all flights having their EOBT inside the period, some issued slots may be
recalculated and a few short notice SRMs issued.
Which flights are impacted by changes in the runway configuration implemented at

clock time?
Flights with OBT within the clock time + 30 minutes will not be impacted in order not
to disturb the TWR sequencing. The 30 minutes is a default time parameter in the
ETFMS and can be manually modified.
This applies to Runway updates in non-CDM aerodromes and also to SID and taxi time
updates in DPI messages.
The modification of RWY criteria is performed by FMPs, TWRs and the NM on request
of the FMP or TWR. Accurate taxi times improve predictability in the Network (e.g.
more accurate E / CTOTs will be calculated). Additionally, fewer suspensions due to
FAM, while taxiing, will occur.
A-CDM towers are not affected because DPI messages contain taxi time and SID
information for individual flights.
8.1.10.2 TIS and TRS
Time to Insert into Sequence (TIS) and Time to Remove from Sequence (TRS) are
parameters used to prevent last minute modifications of the CTOT. These values are
stored in CACD and kept updated by the relevant FMPs and TWRs. They may be
adjusted at any time depending on the local aerodrome traffic situation and may vary
during the day.
The Time to Remove from the Sequence (TRS) prevents a change to a later CTOT, or
the allocation of a CTOT, when the flight is already in the departure sequence.
The Time to Insert into the Sequence (TIS) prevents an improvement into an already
organised departure sequence.
The TIS parameter is not relevant when ATC has sent an REA message for a flight.
Late Reception of Slot Messages

There are many mechanisms within the NM systems to prevent, in normal
circumstances, the late transmission of a slot, or update to a slot. Nevertheless, there
are four conditions that can cause the late reception of a slot time:
a) Late Flight Plan Submission / Update
The flight plan is filed or modified (reception of a FPL / DLA / CHG message by the
ATFCM system) shortly before the EOBT. If needed, a SAM / SRM is sent immediately.
Consequently, in this case the SAM / SRM is also late.
b) A Regulation is Created or Modified
For flights having already received a slot, a SRM may be sent. However, a SRM is not
sent for flights that are close to their off block time. The parameter TRS (Time to
Remove from Sequence), related to each aerodrome, prevent it from happening. The
values of the TRS for each aerodrome are available via the NM Client Application in the
Environment / Aerodrome Details menu.
For flights that become regulated as a result of the new or modified regulation, a SAM
is sent. There is no mechanism to forbid sending a SAM up to the last minute, however,
for flights very close to their EOBT, the SAM will not indicate a delay i.e. it will indicate
an 'on time' slot. The main reason for sending the SAM is to inform the Tower and the
pilot that the flight has become regulated. If the flight preparation is on schedule, it
should not be unduly affected. If the flight preparation is late, then the normal
procedure for flights not able to cope with their slots must be used. See also Allocation
stage.
In case of cancellation of a regulation, a SLC may be sent. This can happen any time
up to the CTOT. The main reason is to inform the Tower and the pilot that the flight is
no longer regulated.
c) Manual Intervention
The NM tactical team (e.g. NOC, SNOC) manually allocates another slot to a given
flight causing a SRM to be sent. This normally only happens following an agreement
between the parties.
d) Transmission Delay
The message is sent early enough, but due to transmission problems it arrives late.
The occurrence is limited but it may happen.
8.2 Slot Adherence

AOs and ATC are jointly responsible for achieving CTOT compliance at departure
aerodromes.
Aircraft Operators
In order to comply with a CTOT, AOs need to plan the departure of a flight so that the
aircraft will be ready for start-up in sufficient time to comply with a CTOT taking into
account the taxi time.
AOs shall inform themselves of and adhere to:
a) General ATFCM procedures including flight plan filing, strategic ATFCM
Measures and message exchange requirements.
and
b) Current ATFCM Measures (e.g. specific measures applicable on the day in
question, such as ATFCM slot or flight suspension).
ATC
a) ATC is responsible for CTOT compliance monitoring at departure aerodromes.
Whereas the exact procedures to be followed will depend on the way that ATS
is organised at each aerodrome, the following requirements shall apply in all
cases:
b) States shall ensure that CTOT, if applicable, be included as part of the ATC
clearance. ATC shall take account of an applicable slot or flight suspension
when a clearance is issued.
c) ATC units responsible for CTOT compliance monitoring shall be provided with
the necessary information concerning the ATFCM measures in force and
CTOTs allocated.
d) ATC shall provide all possible assistance to AOs to meet CTOT or to coordinate
a revised CTOT.
e) A slot tolerance (-5’ to +10’) is available to ATC for which the aircraft must not
depart outside.
f) ATC may deny start up clearance to a flight unable to meet its CTOT until
coordination with the ATFCM units concerned has been effected and a revised
CTOT issued.
Slot Revisions
Revisions to CTOTs should, where possible, be coordinated between the AO and the
NM using the ATFM message exchange procedures. However, it may be the case that
last minute revisions to CTOTs and slot extensions when the pilot is in direct
communication with ATC, are more easily or efficiently coordinated with the FMP / NM
by ATC.
8.2.3.1 Slot Allocation Message (SAM)
When does the NM send a SAM?

A SAM is sent to AOs / ATS any time a flight becomes regulated (new flight entering
the system, new period of regulation in the system, in response to an FCM or CHG
providing new RVR after a suspension) but at the earliest 2 hours before the last
received EOBT.
The SAM is used to inform AOs and ATS of the Calculated Take-Off Time (CTOT) for
an individual flight.
What is the normal response of AOs / ATS?
They shall comply with the CTOT. A slot is issued as a Calculated Take-Off Time
(CTOT). The CTOT is defined as a time at which the aircraft shall take-off.
The calculation of take-off times takes into account the off-block times and an average
taxiing time for the runway in use at the airfield concerned.
8.2.3.2 Slot Revision Message (SRM)
When does the NM send an SRM?

An SRM may be sent by the NM:
a) To notify all concerned of either a significant change (>5’) to the original CTOT
or a modification of the most penalising regulation or both. Such changes are
due to circumstances unrelated to the flight e.g. the introduction of a new
restriction or a change to the parameters of an existing restriction. By default,
only flights in an RFI status or in a Ready (REA) status are considered for
improvement but if the situation requires it, the NM Flow Controllers are able
to let all flights, including those in SWM status, be considered for improvement.
b) In response to a DLA, CHG or DPI when the current CTOT is no longer compliant
with the new information.
c) To notify all concerned of a routine improvement of the CTOT by the revision
process for a flight in an RFI status or in a Ready (REA) situation.
d) In response to a valid SPA to notify all concerned of the improvement of the
CTOT.
e) In case of a change of the most penalising regulation.
What is the response of AOs / ATS?
They must comply with the NEWCTOT.
8.2.3.3 REGUL Field
The —REGUL field indicates the name of the regulation affecting the flight.
Several —REGUL fields may be present, the first one being the most penalising
regulation i.e. the regulation giving the biggest contribution to the delay. The other
regulations are those with the calculated time of entry inside the regulation period.
The name of the regulation is built with the following elements:
Location of the regulation (ATC sector, aerodrome, …).
Date of the regulation.
Period in the day: M = Morning
A = Afternoon
N = Night
E = Early morning
X = Other
8.2.3.4 REGCAUSE Field
In order to provide more specific nomenclature for delay causes and, at the same time,
to assist the post-flight analysis, the ADEXP field —REGCAUSE comprises:
a) Regulation cause code (one letter code corresponding to the cause assigned
by the NM to the most penalising regulation).
b) Regulation Location code - one letter code: D, E or A), describing the phase of
the flight (Departure, Enroute and Arrival) affected by the most penalising
regulation.
c) A space.
d) The IATA Delay Code in numeric (e.g. 81, 82, 83, 89) or 00 when no IATA Code
available.
The —REGCAUSE appears in the SAM and SRM messages, and is associated only with
the most penalising regulation. The code appearing in the message is the code valid
at the time the delay was given to the flight. (see Annex E)
8.2.3.5 Slot Requirement Cancellation (SLC) Message
When does the NM send an SLC?

A SLC is sent to AOs / ATS to advise that a flight which has received a CTOT is no
longer subject to an ATFCM regulation.
It may be due to the change in parameters of an existing regulation or its cancellation,
to the reception of a message from AOs such as DLA, CHG, and FCM, or a DPI message
from the CDM platform.
Note When the current EOBT is more than 15 minutes in the past a —COMMENT
PLEASE UPDATE EOBT WITH A DLA MSG will be included in the SLC reminding
the AO to update its EOBT by sending a DLA. In the meantime, the flight will be
counted as departed at taxi time + TIS after the slot requirement cancellation.
It may also be due to the reception of a CNL message from AOs.
Note In this example the field —COMMENT FLIGHT CANCELLED is present because
the slot is cancelled as a result of the cancellation of the flight plan.
An SLC does not guarantee that the flight will not be subject to further regulations. If
following receipt of the SLC, a new regulation is imposed which affects the flight, the
AO will receive a new SAM.
A flight may normally depart without an ATFCM regulation. Departures from A-CDM
will have to comply with the relevant TTOT.
When the SLC is issued after EOBT + 15 minutes the AO must update its EOBT by
sending a DLA to IFPS.
What does "adjustment to clock" time indicate?

It is the time difference between the filed EOBT and the COBT of a flight when the flight
has received a SLC message after its FPL EOBT.
For a flight adjusted to clock, FAM will start to shift (and eventually suspend) the flight
after SLC timestamp + TIS + taxi time.
8.2.3.6 Error (ERR) Message
When does the NM send an ERR?

The NM sends an ERR message when a message is received where:
Its syntax is incorrect and, therefore, cannot be processed.
or
The message or a part of the message is not relevant.
In the following example the EOBD is not correct:
The message will not be processed and the following ERR message will be answered:
What is the Response of AOs / ATS?
A correct message should be sent to the NM where appropriate.
8.3 Rerouteing Procedures

Rerouteing Proposals
During the Tactical Phase, the NM monitors the delay situation and, where possible,
identifies flights subject to delays that would benefit from a reroute. When the Network
situation permits, rerouteing proposals can be sent to propose more efficient routes
to airspace users.
This is achieved by selecting a flight and then either:
a) Choosing an alternative route.
Or
b) Asking ETFMS to process all possible options.
In both cases, ETFMS considers the routes as well as the possible flight level
limitations and give the consequent result in terms of delay, miles to fly and CRCO
route charge information.
The NM may depending on the circumstances, consult the AO concerned about their
final selection. Once the final decision is taken, the NM will then propose the selected
route, which will result in the booking of a slot for that flight and at the same time
trigger the sending of a Rerouteing Proposal (RRP) message to the originator,
associated with the appropriate comment. AOs who wish to benefit from the offer shall
consequently modify their flight plan (either with a CHG or a CNL and refile using the
RFP procedure).
To secure the new CTOT, the CHG / new FPL should be received before the Respond
By (RESPBY) time in the RRP. Upon the reception of the new route in the flight plan, the
ETFMS shall merge the new route with the proposal. Then SLC, SAM or SRM messages
will be transmitted by the ETFMS as appropriate.
Alternatively, an AO may respond to an RRP by sending ETFMS a Rerouteing Rejection
(RJT) message. In this case the last received slot remains valid.
AOs not wishing to take up an RRP are requested to use the RJT so as to enable the
proposed improvement to be re-offered to another AO.
The OBT validity period field (OBTLIMIT – VALPERIOD) is presented in the RRP
message. This field presents the period for which the proposed route is IFPS
compliant. The calculation is done from EOBT until a maximum of four hours in the
future. This field can help in the decision making process for accepting or rejecting the
proposal.
8.3.1.1 Rerouteing Proposal (RRP) Message
When does the NM send an RRP?

Airspace users will receive RRP message in two different cases:
CASE 1 - A sudden deterioration across the network would certainly be noticed when
one of the ACCs reduces capacity resulting in excessive delays for example. ATFCM
staff shall assess the situation before any decision is made. Assessment would
include the best and worst case scenarios with alternatives to both. RRP will be one of
the solutions to mitigate potential delays with the specific comment: ‘PURPOSE IS
ATFCM’.
The RRP may be issued after the transmission of a slot (i.e. SAM) or prior to the slot
transmission i.e. when a Provisional Take-Off Time (PTOT) has been allocated to the
flight.
CASE 2 – Under the flight efficiency initiatives, the NM is constantly trying to propose
opportunity routeing looking to achieve a better utilisation of the route network.
Route opportunities will be transmitted to airspace users via RRP with the specific
comment: ‘PURPOSE IS FLIGHT EFFICIENCY’.
Six POSSIBLE SCENARIOS must be considered
1. The flight has already received a CTOT corresponding to its original route.
A new CTOT is offered provided the flight is re-filed along the proposed New
Route (NEWRTE). The Validity Period field indicates the time period the
NEWRTE is IFPS compliant. The computation is done starting from original
EOBT for a maximum period of four hours. The comment included in the RRP
message is: ‘PURPOSE IS ATFCM’ ‘PURPOSE IS STAM’ or ‘PURPOSE IS AOWIR
ACTION An RRP with a NEWRTE, NEWCTOT and OBT validity period is
proposed.
2. The flight has already received a CTOT corresponding to its original route.
A New Route (NEWRTE) without a regulation (REASON OUTREG) is offered.
The Validity Period field indicates the time period the NEWRTE is IFPS
compliant. The computation is done starting from the original EOBT for a
maximum period of four hours. The comment included in the RRP message is:
‘PURPOSE IS ATFCM’.
ACTION An RRP with a NEWRTE, OBT validity period and REASON
OUTREG is proposed.
3. The flight has not yet received a CTOT, only a PTOT was calculated.
A New Provisional Take-Off (NEWPTOT) is offered provided the flight is re-filed
along the proposed New Route (NEWRTE). The Validity Period field indicates
the time period the NEWRTE is IFPS compliant. The computation is done
starting from the original EOBT for a maximum period of four hours. The
comment included in the RRP message is: ‘PURPOSE IS ATFCM’.
ACTION An RRP with a NEWRTE, NEWPTOT and OBT validity period is
proposed.
4. The flight has not yet received a CTOT, only a PTOT was calculated.
A New Route (NEWRTE) with no regulation active at the time of the proposal is
offered. The Validity Period field indicates the time period the NEWRTE is IFPS
ACTION An RRP with a NEWRTE and OBT validity period is proposed.
5. The flight is not regulated, therefore no CTOT / PTOT present.
offered. The Validity Period field indicates the time period the NEWRTE is IFPS
6. The flight is not regulated, therefore no CTOT / PTOT present.
offered, following the concept of the flight efficiency initiatives. The Validity
Period field indicates the time period the NEWRTE is IFPS compliant. The
computation is done starting from the original EOBT for a maximum period of
four hours. The comment included in the RRP message is: ‘PURPOSE IS FLIGHT
EFFICIENCY’.
What is the Response of AOs to accept the RRP?

An AO who wishes to benefit from a reroute proposal must modify the relevant flight
plan either with a:
—CHG (this solution is preferred where the flight is conducted wholly within the IFPS
/ ATFCM area of responsibility).
or
—CNL and refile using the Replacement Flight Plan Procedure (RFP).
Either of the above actions must be performed before the RESPBY time in the RRP
otherwise the last received CTOT, where relevant, remains valid and the booked slot, if
any, will be lost.
What is the Subsequent Reaction of the NM?

The NM shall respond by issuing SLC, SAM or SRM messages as appropriate.
Can I receive a RRP that shows a shorter Estimated Elapsed Time (EET) but is longer
in mileage than the original route?
Yes, the ETFMS calculates the flight profile taking into account the forecast wind. It
also receives weather updates every 6 hours that may trigger a profile recalculation.
Are RRPs checked against IFPS validity?

Yes, but only for portions inside the IFPS zone (IFPZ). Do not copy and paste for
portions outside this area without checking with the relevant authorities.
8.3.1.2 Rerouteing Rejection (RJT) Message
What is the Response of AOs to reject the RRP?

A Rerouteing Rejection (RJT) message is a negative response to a Rerouteing
Proposal (RRP) message.
The AO should send an RJT to indicate that the proposed new route (NEWRTE) is not
a preferred option. In this event the AO shall comply with the slot sent prior to the RRP.
AOs should use an RJT rather than allow the RRP to lapse so that the new CTOT may
be offered to another flight. Note that otherwise a booked slot will be left unused until
the RESPBY time elapses, this reduces effective capacity and may cause slot wastage.
Flight Management / Aircraft Operator ‘WHAT-IF’ Reroute

(AOWIR)
8.3.2.1 Initial Steps
This NM function allows an AO to request a modification of a filed flight plan (FPL)

routeing within the NM system, via NM Client Application (only routeings, which are
entirely within the FPM_DIST area may be modified by means of the Flight
Management / AOWIR).
Via the Flight Management / AOWIR, the AO can either generate a new route by means
of the dynamic route generator or enter manually their preferred route. Flight
Management / AOWIR function for a specific flight can be used until OBT. Such
rerouteing alternatives generated and evaluated through the Flight Management /
AOWIR can be filtered to display only IFPS-compliant ones, or search for rerouteing
alternatives avoiding specific ATFCM measures. For the rerouteing alternatives, it is
possible to retrieve the estimated delay (CTOT), the ATFCM measures impacting the
flight and the last valid EOBT for the route.
On identifying an acceptable rerouteing possibility, the user has two FPL refiling
options:
CASE 1. Allow the NM to simultaneously initiate an FPL change (CHG or CNL /
FPL) on successful acceptance.
CASE 2. Allow the NM to simultaneously initiate an FPL cancellation (CNL) and
slot booking on successful acceptance, but, in addition the user must
then refile the FPL.
Users should note that an APPLY requires manual refile or an APPLY / FILE initiates
an automatic refile.
• If the AUTOMATIC filing was selected by using the Reroute Apply File option,
then no action is required from the user if the 'Apply File' process is successful.
• If the MANUAL filing was selected by using the Reroute Apply option, if the
'Apply' process is successful, a new slot will be booked and the user will have
to REFILE a new FPL via SITA or ATFN networks.
8.3.2.2 CASE 1. NORMAL: The Flight Plan is Changed
The IFPS proceeds as if a Change (CHG) message had been submitted by the user.
As a consequence the following actions are initiated by the NM:
• The original FPL is updated and all IFPS messages indicating this change (FPL,
CHG) including a flag ‘AWR / Rn’ in FIELD18 or FIELD22, are distributed to the
appropriate ATC addresses.
• A (long) Acknowledgement (ACK) message, with ‘—MSGTYP IFPL’, is
dispatched to the address associated to the NM Client Application having
made the rerouteing acceptance AND to the originator of the initial flight plan,
if identifiable AND to the originator of the latest Flight Plan message received
prior to the AOWIR, if any. The ACK contains all the flight plan details of the
rerouted flight as accepted by the NM and a FIELD18 flag ‘AWR / Rn’ is also
inserted.
In addition, the ACK will contain a field:
—COMMENT FLIGHT PLAN CHANGED AS A RESULT OF AOWIR
In order to be consistent with the existing ICAO Replacement Flight Plan procedure,
the IFPS additionally inserts or increments an ‘RFP / Q’ indicator in FIELD18 of the FPL
in accordance with the following rules:
• If no ‘RFP / Q’ indicator is given in the FPL which is being treated for rerouteing,
the IFPS inserts both ‘RFP / Q1’ and ‘AWR / R1’ in FIELD18.
• If an ‘RFP / Q’ indicator is given in the FPL which is being treated for rerouteing,
the IFPS increments the ‘RFP / Q’ indicator and inserts ‘AWR / R1’ in FIELD18.
e.g.: received FPL gives RFP / Q3

output FPL will give RFP / Q4 + AWR / R1
Appropriate ATFM messages (SRM, SLC, FLS, DES...) corresponding to the new Flight
Plan are dispatched according to existing addressing rules.
These messages may include a field:
—COMMENT FLIGHT REROUTED BY AO
What is the response of AOs / ATS ?
No action is required.
8.3.2.3 CASE 1. SPECIAL: The System Cancels the Flight Plan & a New
Flight Plan is Generated
In certain circumstances there could be a mismatch between the last known EOBT
stored in IFPS and the latest known EOBT stored in ETFMS. If such a case occurs then
the IFPS will NOT proceed as if a CHANGE (CHG) message had been submitted by the
user but will:
• Distribute an FPL Cancellation (CNL) to appropriate ATC addresses.
• Dispatch a (short) Acknowledgement (ACK) message, with ‘—MSGTYP ICNL’
including the flag ‘AWR / Rn’ to the address associated to the NM Client
Application having made the rerouteing acceptance and to the originator of the
initial flight plan if identifiable and to the originator of the latest flight plan
message received prior to the AOWIR, if any.
In addition, the ACK contains a field:
—COMMENT FLIGHT PLAN CANCELLED AS A RESULT OF AOWIR
• A Slot Cancellation (SLC) message is distributed in accordance with the
existing addressing rules for this message.
The message will include the fields:
—COMMENT FLIGHT REROUTED BY AO FPL CANCELLED and
—REASON RRTE
• Wait for an appropriate period (to allow adequate time for the transmission of
the CNL).
• Distribute a new FPL to appropriate ATC addresses using the latest known OBT
from ETFMS in FIELD13 and including the flag ‘AWR / Rn’ in FIELD18.
• Dispatch a (long) Acknowledgement (ACK) message with ‘—MSGTYP IFPL’ to
the address associated to the NM Client Application having made the
rerouteing acceptance. The ACK contains all the flight plan details of the
rerouted flight as accepted by the NM and FIELD18 flags ‘RFP / Qn’ and ‘AWR
/ Rn’ are also inserted therein.
In order to be consistent with the existing ICAO Replacement Flight Plan procedure,
the IFPS additionally inserts or increments an ‘RFP / Q’ indicator in FIELD18 of the FPL
in accordance with the rules detailed above.
Appropriate ATFM messages (SAM, FLS) are dispatched according to the existing
rules for these messages.
8.3.2.4 CASE 2. The Flight Plan is Cancelled & a New Slot is Booked
The IFPS proceeds as if an FPL Cancellation (CNL) message had been submitted by
the user i.e.:
• An FPL Cancellation (CNL) message is distributed to the appropriate ATC
addresses.
• As a consequence of the FPL cancellation (CNL) an acknowledgement
(ACK) message with ‘—MSGTYP ICNL’, including the flag ‘AWR / Rn’, is
dispatched to the address associated to the NM Client Application having
made the rerouteing acceptance and to the originator of the initial Flight Plan
message, if identifiable and to the originator of the latest flight plan message
received prior to the AOWIR, if any.
In addition, the ACK contains a field:
—COMMENT FLIGHT PLAN CANCELLED AS A RESULT OF AOWIR
A Slot Cancellation (SLC) message is distributed in accordance with the existing
addressing rules for this message.
The message will include the fields:
—COMMENT FLIGHT REROUTED BY AO FPL CANCELLED and
—REASON RRTE
A Rerouteing Notification (RRN) message is generated by ETFMS to the address
associated to the NM Client Application having made the rerouteing acceptance AND
to the same addresses as for a Rerouteing Proposal (RRP) / Slot Improvement
Proposal (SIP) messages.
This message includes the new route description and the new slot calculation result
e.g.:
—NEWCTOT 1130
or
—REASON OUTREG when the new route is not submitted to ATFCM regulation.
After the reception of ACK for the CNL, the user is required to file a new Flight Plan to
the IFPS Units in accordance with the normal rules and where appropriate to all
relevant units outside the IFPS distribution area. The FPL shall include the flags ‘RFP /
Qn’ and ‘AWR / Rn’ in FIELD18.
Note The route in the new FPL shall be fully consistent with the one provided within
the RRN message.
The booked slot will be used only if the profile of the FPL matches with the profile of
the booked flight representing the accepted rerouteing.
The matching is using the following rules:
• Only the aerodromes and ‘en-route’ points of the point profile are used in the
matching. Points on the departure or arrival procedure are ignored.
• There can be more points in the route of the replacement FPL than in new route
description of the provisional flight plan reserved in ETFMS. Any additional
points found in the FPL are ignored.
• The sequence of the ‘en-route’ points must be identical.
• The levels and the timing on the points must be similar (a very small tolerance
is accepted).
• The criteria indicated above are intended to give a reasonable flexibility (i.e.
additional points for level / speed, SID / STAR free choice) without being too
permissive.
Processing of the New Flight Plan by NM

IFPS
a) When the new FPL is received and has been processed successfully by the
IFPS:
An ACK message is dispatched to the address (es) associated to the originator
of the flight plan. The ACK will give the complete flight plan concerning the
rerouted flight and will include the flags ‘RFP / Qn’ and ‘AWR / Rn’, as provided
by the AO, in FIELD18.
The FPL (including the flags ‘RFP / Qn’ and ‘AWR / Rn’ as provided by the AO)
is distributed to the appropriate ATS Units.
b) In the exceptional case that the new FPL fails automatic processing in the IFPS,
the user upon receipt of the Manual (MAN) message is expected to call the
responsible IFPS Unit (IFPU).
c) In the case of an FPL being rejected by IFPS a rejection (REJ) message is sent
back to the originator according to normal rules. The user must resubmit a
correct FPL.
ETFMS
Once processed by IFPS the new FPL is sent to the ETFMS.
a) In the case where the new FPL and in particular the new route, successfully
matches the ‘booked’ flight in ETFMS:
• Appropriate ATFCM messages (SAM, FLS) are dispatched according to
the existing rules for these messages.
A field: —COMMENT FLIGHT REROUTED BY AO may be inserted in
these messages.
When the new flight is not subject to regulation, no further message will
•
be generated by ETFMS.
b) In the case that the match in ETFMS fails, a new slot allocation may be
executed. No account is taken of the ‘booked’ slot associated to the rerouteing,
which is released.
A field: —COMMENT REROUTE CONDITION CHANGED may be inserted
in the relevant ATFCM message.
After a time parameter in which no new FPL has been received the ‘booked’ slot is
released.
An Error (ERR) message including a field: —COMMENT REROUTE TIMEOUT is
distributed to the relevant addresses including the one associated to the NM Client
Application where the rerouteing was originated.
Note There may be slot revisions for rerouted flights as a consequence of new or
revised ATFCM regulations with the result that the delay expected with the
rerouteing is modified.
8.4 FM Helpdesk Services

The FM Helpdesk is established to provide assistance to those Flow Management
Positions, Towers, Aircraft Operators and Flight Handling Agents who have critical
operational problems which cannot necessarily be solved by use of ATFM message
exchange;
• Assistance to follow the correct procedure for particular problems;
• When possible assistance to reduce delays;
• Information concerning ATFCM measures.
An E-Helpdesk has been developed to handle queries faster than the telephone and to
minimise the amount of calls to the telephone Helpdesk.
The E-Helpdesk is a portlet of the Protected NOP Portal which by default can be
accessed by all aircraft operators, flow management positions and towers who have
access to NM systems, by using secure ID tokens
The E-Helpdesk is the principle tool for dealing with requests for help with flights from
flow management positions, towers, aircraft operators and flight handling agents. For
this reason
E-Helpdesk has priority over Helpdesk calls. E-Helpdesk queries will be answered
before the telephone. The telephone service is reserved for business aviation and
those who do not have internet access.
Neither the E-Helpdesk nor the telephone helpdesk should be used to systematically
request improvement for every flight which has a delay. The Help function is provided
to assist with critical flights only
E-Helpdesk
Only one request per flight should be submitted. Do not send repeated requests for the
same flight concerning the same problem, this will result in the response ‘Unable’ being
sent.
There is a drop down menu with the most frequently asked questions. If a question
does not appear in the drop down menu it may be submitted as a free text message.
Some of the queries will provide answers without submitting them to the NM, for
example: “My flight is suspended what should I do”. The correct actions are already
described in the drop down menus.
It is not necessary to follow up an REA message with a query to the E-Helpdesk as,
flights in REA status are marked in the queue in the details area of the E-Helpdesk. The
ETFMS will automatically look for improvements for flights in REA or RFI status.
Automatic submissions will be rejected with the response ‘Unable’.
Do not request improvements for flights which have no delay. E-Helpdesk airspace
users are able to provide the earliest take-off time that they can achieve and help the
NM Tactical team when finding the most suitable improvement. This can increase the
likelihood of getting the requested improvement and reduce the time of response.
Airspace users have the possibility to flag E-Helpdesk requests as critical for:
• Specific flight schedules which are key for airspace users’ operations plans,
or;
• Flights for which reducing ATFM delay is critical for their business.
Each airspace user can submit a critical request for:
• 5% of its regulated flights;
• A minimum of 1 flight, and;
• A maximum of 20 flights.
Critical requests are highlighted in the NOP flight list and E-Helpdesk queue to the
NMOC staff for processing in magenta colour. Critical E-Helpdesk requests will not be
subject to E-Helpdesk automatic processing rules (e.g. automatic rejection).
Critical E-Helpdesk requests are subject to Network constraints depending on:
• The number of filed flight plans during the day of operations;
• The number of regulated flights in the system.
All E-Helpdesk functionalities are available via both NM B2B and B2C.
Telephone Helpdesk
Whenever possible, customers should use the E-Helpdesk to contact the FM Helpdesk
services.
However, for where no other option exists, a telephone service will be retained. If it is
possible to access the E-Helpdesk do not use the telephone Helpdesk.
For those who do not have access to the internet the Helpdesk telephone number is:
++32 (0) 2 745.19.01
When connected to the Helpdesk, callers are requested to provide the flight’s call sign
before stating the problem. This enables the Helpdesk to display the relevant data
concerning the flight before any problem solving takes place.
Callers who have no specific operational flight critical problem to resolve, should not
call the Helpdesk. Business jet users should contact EBAA (European Business
Aviation Association) for details on how to access help services at info@EBAA.org. Use
NM HELPDESK in the subject line.
Slot Extensions
Slot extensions are limited to a maximum of 10’ and are considered under the
following circumstances:
If requested by a TWR
• For operational reasons the slot extension should normally be given. The
appropriate tactical staff should be informed if there is an adverse impact on
the load. It will then be the responsibility of the NM tactical team to either
negotiate extra capacity from the affected FMP or to rectify the load.
• If an unacceptable overload is unavoidable, a slot extension should be refused.
Co-ordination with the appropriate tactical staff will be necessary to ensure
that nothing can be done prior to refusing a request from a TWR.
If requested by an AO
• If present clock time is still 20 minutes or more before the COBT (CTOT –Taxi
time) no slot extension should be given. The customer should be instructed to
send a DLA message.
• If a flight has already been given a slot extension no further extension should
be given. The customer should be instructed to send a DLA message
• If it is within 20’ of the COBT (CTOT -Taxi time - less than 20’) and no later than
the COBT (non-CDM airport departures) or AOBT (Advanced ATC TWR
departures), the extension does not generate IFPS errors and no prior slot
extension has been given:
1. Check the load. If the extension would create an overload no slot extension
should be given unless a swap is possible with a later flight.
2. If the extension would not generate an overload a 10 minute slot extension
may be given.
The capacity should be respected in ALL regulations, not just the most penalising.
For traffic departing from CDM airports, no slot extension will be provided if requested
by the AO. If the flight has received start-up approval only the pilot can call the TWR
(over the frequency) for a slot extension. If the flight has not received start-up approval
an update of the TOBT is required.
Slot Swapping Procedure

The ETFMS slot swapping functionality is used to swap flights when requested by
aircraft operators and also to improve another flight if an aircraft operator requests a
slot extension (i.e. instead of forcing the flight).
Aircraft operators shall only request swaps concerning flights for which they are the
responsible operator (OPR field) or where there is a formal agreement between both
aircraft operators for swaps to take place between their flights.
8.4.4.1 Conditions
• A request for a swap from an AO via the e-Helpdesk, TWR or FMP is received.
• The NMOC will not check whether flights are from the same operator or where
there is a formal agreement between both aircraft operators for swaps to take
place between the concerned operators.
• FMPs can request swaps for two flights of the same aircraft operator or, during
critical events at airports, also for different aircraft operators;
• The two concerned flights must be in status slot issued.
• The two flights must be subject to the same most penalising regulation.
• Up to three swaps per flight shall be accepted, except critical events.
• For regulated flights departing from an A-CDM, the flight is not pre-sequenced
(not in ‘s’ CDM status).
Can I swap flights that are impacted by different regulations?

Yes, but only if the regulation where they are swapped is the most penalising one.
Slot Improvements
CTOTs may be manually modified in the ETFMS upon request from FMP / TWR staff
or AOs. AOs can make such requests via the FM Helpdesk. FMPs and TWRs can also
use the E-Helpdesk. The NM tactical team may also identify flights that could be
improved.
This is possible for critical flights (e.g. crewing difficulties) or flights with
disproportionately heavy delays.
8.4.5.1 Conditions
• Any improvement depends on a Network assessment. No improvement will be

granted if it produces a negative Network impact.
• The flight must be in either RFI or REA status.
• The taxi time and TIS (MINLINEUP if in REA status) need to be respected.
• For flights departing from A-CDM, an improved CTOT cannot be before the last
known TTOT.
How can I avoid automatic slot improvements?

Change the flight status to SWM by sending the message SWM to the ETFMS.
My flight cannot be improved, what can I do?

You can check rerouteing / level capping possibilities or swap partners.
9 Management of Flight Suspensions

9.1 Slot Missed Message (SMM) – new EOBT is NOT
Known
When do I send an SMM?
An SMM is sent when the last received CTOT issued cannot be met and a new EOBT
is NOT known.
Note The NM attempts to reallocate the slot made available by an SMM and thereby
reduce overall delays. It is important, therefore, to send an SMM as early as
possible.
The NM will cancel the original CTOT, issue the suspension with a Flight Suspension
(FLS) message and await the response of the AO.
How does an AO respond to such an FLS?
The AO will send a new EOBT by using a CHG or DLA message or cancel (CNL) the
flight if it will not operate.
What is the response of the NM to receipt of a new EOBT?
The NM responds with a Slot Allocation Message (SAM) or a De-Suspension (DES)
message.
9.2 FLS Triggered by C-DPI Messages

Airports that provide accurate Take-Off-Time (TTOTs) to the NM via DPI messages
(CDM airports and Advanced ATC Towers) may also occasionally send Cancel DPI (C-
DPI) messages. See the list below for possible reasons that may cause a C-DPI:
Reason value Possible transmission reasons Possible Actions

NOAIRPORTSLOT The airport did not have an AO to request an airport
airport slot for the departure slot or to CNL the flight
plan
TOBTUNKNOWNOREXPIRED The TOBT was deleted, the AO / Handling Agent to
pilot did not request start-up or update the TOBT, to file a
report ready in accordance DLA message, AO to CNL
with the procedures at the the flight plan…
Airport…
TSATEXPIRED The pilot did not request start- AO / Handling Agent to
up in accordance with the CDM update the TOBT, to file a
procedures at the airport DLA message, AO to CNL
the flight plan…
RETURNTOSTAND After having started taxi, the AO / Handling Agent to
flight returned back to stand / update the TOBT, to file a
ramp DLA message, to CNL the
flight plan…
FLIGHTPLANINVALID The discrepancy between AO / Handling Agent to
TOBT and EOBT is larger than update the TOBT or send a
15min (and needs to be DLA message
resolved before start-up will be

issued)
FLIGHTCANCELINAODB Cancellation of the airport slot CNL the flight plan

or Schedule before the ICAO
FPL has been cancelled (CNL).
Where can I find the reason for the C-DPI?

Apart from the C-DPI itself, it can be found in the Flight Data display of the CHMI, the
NOP Portal and the ETFMS. At de-suspension, the C-DPI reason will no longer be
displayed.
My TOBT is unknown, how can I generate a C-DPI?

Usually, C-DPIs cannot be manually sent. If your new TOBT is not known, you should
remove your current TOBT and the CDM platform will automatically generate a C-DPI.
The ETFMS will reply with an FLS.
How can I identify if a flight has been suspended due to a C-DPI from the departure
aerodrome?
The COMMENT field in the FLS will contain the following: “SUSPENDED BY
DEPARTURE AIRPORT. PLEASE SEND DLA / CHG OR UPDATE THE TOBT OF THE
FLIGHT”.
How can I de-suspend a flight that has been suspended due to C-DPI (no other
suspension reasons occur)?
The flight will be de-suspended at reception of a DLA / CHG updating the EOBT or a
new DPI message triggered by a TOBT update. An A-DPI message is rejected for
suspended flights. However, an A-DPI TWRUPDATE message will be accepted. The
message will be followed by a SAM, DES or FLS sent by the ETFMS. If the flight has
already departed, the first received ATC message (DEP / FSA) or the first received CPR
will automatically de-suspend the flight in ETFMS (no SAM or DES is sent).
Can a C-DPI be sent before any other DPI?

Yes, this usually indicates that there is a mismatch between the FPL and the airport
slot.
9.3 Flight Activation Monitoring (FAM)

With the development of the ETFMS, the NM is now receiving updates on flights once
they have departed. These updates are provided by the ATC systems and based on
ATC radar and flight plan updates. The benefit of this information is a better knowledge
of the present traffic situation.
To take advantage of this information and to improve the prognosis of the traffic
pattern, the ETFMS:
• monitors flights, regulated or non-regulated, which should have been airborne
but have not been reported as such at the expected time;
• takes action on these flights through an internal update of the Actual take-off.
In order to improve the traffic forecast, the internal ETFMS mechanism works
as follows;
o flights departing from within, or with an elapse time of less than 3 hours
to, a CPR-covered FAM enabled area will be ‘shifted’ in ETFMS up to 3
times, for 5 minutes each time, and will then be suspended after another
2 minutes (i.e. after 17 minutes in total) by an FLS.
o flights departing from non-CPR covered areas with an elapse time of
more than 3 hours to a CPR-covered FAM enabled area will be ‘shifted’
up to 23 times, for 5 minutes each time, and will then be suspended
after another 5 minutes (i.e. after 120 minutes in total) by an FLS.
• suspends them, after a time parameter, unless a message which confirms that
the flight is airborne, has been received in the meantime;
• informs the AOs and local ATC of the suspension by sending an FLS message
with the comment ‘NOT REPORTED AS AIRBORNE’ , enabling them to react.
The expected results is to release the slots unduly occupied by these flights and to
create an incentive for the AOs to update their flights in due time.
FAM is applied on all flights, whether regulated or not, departing from, landing at or
crossing areas where CPRs are received by the NM and FAM activated.
When such an FLS is received by the AO and the Tower of aerodrome of departure the
following cases may occur:
• The flight is still effectively on the ground either on stand or already taxiing.
How does an AO respond to such an FLS?

The AO should then ensure that the flight plan is re-initiated in ETFMS by means of a
DLA message with a correct EOBT. ETFMS will then respond with a DES or SAM
message depending whether the flight is non-regulated or regulated respectively.
• The TWR of departure should not let the aircraft start-up / depart before such
a message (DES or SAM) is received.
• The flight is already airborne. No action is needed from the AO or from the
Tower of aerodrome of departure. The continuous re-occurrence of the above
may mean a lack of proper information sent to NM. A possible solution would
be in a DEP message sent by the aerodrome of departure.
I sent a FCM for a flight suspended by FAM (no other reasons for suspension apply)
but it remained suspended. What can I do to de-suspend it?
A CHG / DLA message with an updated EOBT will de-suspend the flight.
9.4 Suspension due to Route Restriction

FPLs may be suspended by the IFPS up to 30 minutes prior to their EOBT if their profile
enters an environmental restriction. See the IFPS Users Manual for further
information.
What can I do to de-suspend a flight suspended due to the IFPS revalidation process?
A CHG / DLA message with a compliant EOBT / route (field 15) will de-suspend the
flight.
My flight received a CTOT but the destination airport was closed in the AIP or by a
NOTAM. Why was my flight not suspended in the ETFMS?
A zero rate regulation, which will suspend the flight in the ETFMS, is not compulsory if
there is a NOTAM prohibiting take-off and landing in an aerodrome. It is the airline who
is responsible for making sure that handling services are available as well as the AO is
responsible to check that the airport is fully operational before commencing the flight.
9.5 Flight Confirmation Message (FCM)

In certain occasions the NM may request AOs to confirm that their flight will take place.
In those cases an FLS will be sent by the ETFMS and an FCM message from the AO
will be required to confirm the flight. This may happen particularly during:
• the application of mandatory scenarios (where a delay threshold value of 20
minutes is used);
• industrial actions (where, if used, the default delay threshold value is 3 hours);
• disruptions, e.g. unavailability of airspace or aerodrome or very high delays
(where the default delay threshold value is 3 hours);
• and low visibility with RVR unknown.
Note: The NM may request this confirmation depending on the amount of delay each
flight has. The delay threshold mechanism is used in such cases.
When the delay threshold value is used, suspended flights have to reply with an
FCM within the RESPBY time provided in the FLS if they wish to secure a CTOT
according to the initial order of the entry in the regulated location (ETO).
Replying after the RESPBY time will also grant a CTOT, but placed at the end of
the queue at the moment and, potentially, with larger delay.
Those flights that do not reach the delay threshold value will receive a SAM and
will not be suspended.
I sent an FCM for a suspended (FLS) flight, why is it still suspended?

A flight may be suspended due to one or more regulations. A FCM message for each
regulation that has suspended the flight is required to de-suspend the flight. Note that
this applies for the cases listed above.
9.6 De-Suspension (DES) Message

When does the NM send a DES?
The NM sends a DES when a flight not subject to ATFCM restrictions is de-suspended.
The original suspension could have been due to e.g. receipt of an SMM, the effect of
exceptional conditions, non-availability of aerodrome, termination of the activation
monitoring.
PLEASE UPDATE EOBT WITH A DLA MSG will be inserted to remind the AO to
update his EOBT by sending a DLA.
10 Operations in Unusual
Circumstances
10.1 Flights Subject to Unusual Circumstances
All flights, including flights exempted from ATFCM slot allocation, will be affected by
the measures applied to handle unusual situations, except flights departing from
outside the ATFCM area and from outside the ATFCM Adjacent area.
Latest update of the NM Area of Responsibility may be found on the website:
http://www.eurocontrol.int/network-operations
10.2 Low Visibility Operations

Aerodromes that wish to continue operating in poor visibility or are available for
instrument approaches in conditions of low cloud are required to develop and maintain
Low Visibility Procedures.
LVPs have been devised to allow aircraft to operate safely from and into aerodromes
when the weather conditions do not permit normal operations. To this end, they
comprehensively cover all relevant issues relating to non-aircraft surface movement
within the designated aircraft manoeuvring area. NM will assist any effort and facilitate
ATFCM measures which will contribute to safe operations.
Definition
Low Visibility Procedures (LVP) are procedures applied at an aerodrome for the
purpose of ensuring safe operations during Category II and III approaches and Low
Visibility Take-offs. (JAR-OPS 1, paragraph 1.435 (a) (2))
Category II and III approaches are discussed under Precision Approach.
A low visibility take-off (LVTO) is a take-off where the RVR is less than 400 m (JAR-
OPS 1, paragraph 1.435 (a) (3)).
LVPs are the combination of CAT II / III operations (BKN / OVC 200ft or below, or sky
obscured, or IRVR below 600m) and runway safeguarding.
The NM may take the following actions:
a) Implement an XCD (Exceptional Conditions) Low Visibility regulation whereby:
• flights not able to land according to a specified RVR will be regulated to arrive
after the low visibility period;
• flights able to land according to a specified RVR will be regulated to arrive
within the low visibility period;
• flights for which the RVR capability is unknown will be suspended.
Note 1 This RVR value relates to the filtering of demand and not to the actual RVR, at
the affected aerodrome. Nevertheless, AOs shall respect the minima set in the
exceptional condition and the use of minima, which subsequently cannot be
met upon arrival, shall be considered as an ATFCM incident.
Note 2 In certain rare circumstances, where many flights would become delayed to
arrive after a long low visibility period, NM may choose to suspend flights with
insufficient RVR in addition to flight with unknown RVR. In these rare cases AOs
will have to confirm their RVR with FCM irrespectively if they have previously
provided their RVR. An AIM will be issued to reflect this rare requirement.
b) Issue revised slots at short notice.
Specific operational procedures for managing Low Visibility situations depend on the
local situation. They are coordinated in advance between individual FMPs and the NM
in accordance with the FMP operational procedures.
When are the flights going to be suspended?
The NM will send an AIM message describing the situation, in particular the time period
and the minimum RVR required.
The RVR may be provided in different ways:
either
via an FPL or CHG message (FIELD18 e.g. RVR / 200)
or
via an FCM message if the FPL has already been filed. This message may be sent as
soon as the AO is aware that there is a risk of low visibility at an aerodrome.
The messages issued by the NM will depend on the RVR status of the flight and
whether or not the flight is exempted. Three main scenarios are possible:
either
The RVR minima of the flight are known and satisfy the minimum required:
A SAM / SRM is issued for non-exempted flights due to a reduction of the landing rate.
Exceptionally no message is issued if the current slot is still compatible with the
landing rate.
or
The RVR minima of the flight are known and are not sufficient, then the flight is delayed
to arrive after the end of the low visibility period and a SAM or an SRM is issued
indicating the (new)CTOT, the COMMENT: ‘RVR CRITERIA NOT MET’ as well as the
minimum RVR required.
Note The (NEW)CTOT may evolve as the situation requires. When an AO submits an
amendment message (e.g. DLA or CHG) to IFPS, they must always give as
EOBT the earliest EOBT they may comply with. This time is not directly related
to the (NEW)CTOT provided in the SAM / SRM. The EOBT in IFPS should always
reflect the time at which the AO actually wants to be off-blocks.
If this delayed flight is also subject to other regulations, the subsequent SAM / SRM
will include the —COMMENT: ‘RVR CRITERIA NOT MET’ as well as the minimum RVR
required.
or
The RVR minima of the flight are not known.
The flights are suspended and an FLS is issued indicating the COMMENT: ‘RVR
UNKNOWN’ as well as the minimum RVR. A RESPBY time is also in the message
enabling the AO to keep its present CTOT if the FCM with sufficient RVR is received by
the NM in due time.
Note The FLS are sent when the exceptional conditions are implemented but at SIT1
at the earliest.
What is the Response of AOs?

An AO must provide the NM with the RVR capability of the flight, either by sending an
FCM or CHG message.
Depending on the RVR the result will be:
either
The RVR minima of the flight are sufficient then a SAM or a DES will be issued to the
AO:
• SAM with possibly an additional comment if the flight is not exempted.
• DES if the flight is exempted.
PLEASE UPDATE EOBT WITH A DLA MSG will be inserted to remind the AO to
update its EOBT by sending a DLA. In the meantime the flight will be counted
as if departed taxi time + TIS after the de-suspension.
or
The RVR minima of the flight are not sufficient, then the flight is delayed and a SAM is
issued indicating the CTOT as well as the minimum RVR required.
Note The management of the situation for the flight will be maximised where the
RVR information is provided to the NM at the earliest possible time.
What happens if the situation deteriorates?

i. Flights having RVR minima which still comply: no message.
ii. Flights for which the RVR minima do not meet the new minima: the flight is
delayed and an SRM is issued indicating the deteriorated CTOT as well as the
new minimum RVR required.
iii. Flight with unknown minima: receive a new FLS with the new RVR.
What happens if the situation improves?

i. Flights that have not been suspended or have not received a SAM: no message.
ii. Flights whose minima meet those published by the NM:
• for a non-exempted flight that received a SAM, a SRM or SIP will be issued as
appropriate;
• for an exempted flight a SLC is issued.
When the current EOBT is more than 15 minutes in the past a —COMMENT PLEASE
UPDATE EOBT WITH A DLA MSG will be included reminding the AO to update its EOBT
by sending a DLA.
iii. Flights whose minima do not meet those published by the NM: the flight
remains delayed and an SRM may be issued indicating, if possible, an improved
CTOT as well as the new minimum RVR required.
iv. Flights with unknown minima: the flight is kept suspended and a new FLS is
issued indicating the new minimum RVR required.
What happens when the Exceptional Condition ends?

The NM will cancel or remove the Exceptional Condition. As a consequence:
i. All suspended flights are de-suspended:

• if they become non-regulated then non-exempted flights will receive a DES;
• if they remain regulated, non-exempted flights will receive a SAM;
• exempted flights will receive a DES.
UPDATE EOBT WITH A DLA MSG will be included in the DES reminding the AO to
update its EOBT by sending a DLA.
ii. All flights delayed due to insufficient or unknown RVR are repositioned in the
slot list:
• if they become non-regulated then non-exempted flights will receive a SLC;
• if they remain regulated, non-exempted flights will receive a SRM;
• exempted flights will receive a SLC.
UPDATE EOBT WITH A DLA MSG will be included in the SLC reminding the AO to
update its EOBT by sending a DLA.
10.3 Management and Recovery of a Disruption

Disruption Phase
In the event of a major disruption (mainly for ANSP system failures, but the same
concept is applicable to any other kind of disruption affecting the Network), the NM
and FMPs will apply measures (zero rate or any other rate agreed with FMP) with an
initial standard duration of 2 (two) hours and to be reviewed every 30 minutes.
However, a different duration of the initial zero / low rate regulation could be set,
depending on the type or location of the disruption and taking into account the flight
list (high number of long haul flights). This procedure can be applied for en-route
sectors, AUA and aerodromes.
In the event of the non-availability (zero-rate regulation) of an aerodrome or airspace,
NM exceptional conditions (XCD) will be used. FPLs will be accepted in the IFPS and
processed by the ETFMS accordingly. After the non-availability period, the regulation
may continue without XCD to regulate a possible bunching if needed.
Note The CTOT may be modified as the situation requires. When an AO submits an
amendment (e.g. DLA or CHG) to IFPS, it must always give the earliest EOBT
they may comply with. This time is not directly related to the (NEW) CTOT
provided in the SAM / SRM. The EOBT in IFPS should always reflect the time at
which the AO actually wants to be off-blocks.
If the NM requests AOs to send a Flight Confirmation Message (FCM), all flights,
including the exempted flights, originating from the ATFCM Area and the Adjacent
Area will be affected by the regulation during the non-availability period and will be
suspended (FLS including the COMMENT ‘AERODROME OR AIRSPACE OR POINT NOT
AVAILABLE’). The identifier of the regulation concerned together with the
corresponding regulation cause will be inserted in the FLS message.
Alternatively, the delay threshold mechanism may be used instead. In this case, flights
with a delay larger than the threshold (usually 3 hours in this case) will be suspended
(FLS) and those with a delay lower than the threshold will receive a SAM.
In exceptional cases, the flight may be subject to several regulations (e.g. strike on
ADEP, non-availability on ADES). Flights which are suspended in multiple regulations
will have to be confirmed for every single regulation. As for a SAM / SRM the
REGCAUSE of the first regulation (most penalising regulation) in the list will be
provided for information.
Flights still wishing to depart shall send:
either
a) An FCM confirming all or a sub-set of regulations of the FLS in which the flight
is still operating. A flight confirmed (by one or several FCM) in all regulations
requesting a confirmation will be de-suspended and delayed to arrive after the
re-opening time therefore a SAM will be issued indicating the CTOT and
including the specific COMMENT. In case the delay threshold mechanism is
used, sending the FCM before the RESPBY time (20 minutes) should ensure
that the CTOT issued after the re-opening time will respect the initial order of
the entry in the disrupted location.
or
b) A DLA or CHG indicating an EOBT that will bring its Estimating Time Over (ETO)
after the re-opening time. A flight confirmed (by one or several FCM) in all
regulations requesting a confirmation will be de-suspended and considered
according to the new EOBT.
Either immediately or at the earliest 2 hours before the new EOBT, one of the following
will occur:
• if the flight becomes non-regulated then a non-exempted flight will receive a
DES;
• if it remains regulated, a non-exempted flight will receive a SAM;
• exempted flights will receive a DES.
Flights which do not send an FCM or which do not confirm in all regulations requesting
a confirmation will remain suspended and will be considered as not flying. An FLS will
be issued including the list of remaining regulations affecting the flight still requesting
a confirmation and for which ETFMS did not get a confirmation yet. However, in order
to inform ATC that the flight is not taking place, AOs are requested to send a CNL to
cancel the FPL.
Flights willing to operate to another aerodrome shall cancel their existing flight plans
and re-file new ones to ensure accurate data is sent to ATC and to avoid wasting
capacity.
The NM will publish and update relevant information via the NOP Portal Headline
News and AIM regarding:
• any ATFCM measure applied,
• the reason of the disruption,
• information on airports capability for diversion management,
• information for long haul flights,
• the prognosis for the coming hours,
Non-Availability due to a Strike

When the non-availability is due to a strike with a list of flights allowed to fly the
procedure is identical. In addition, NM will manually exclude all the authorised flights
according to the request received from the FMP and all the exempted flights according
to the NOTAM (emergency, rescue, etc.).
The NM will send an AIM message describing the situation, in particular the time period
and the reason.
Recovery Phase
At a certain point in time, the FMP will communicate to the NMOC that the problem is
going to be solved and therefore it will be necessary to replace the disruption
measures with recovery measures. The application of the recovery procedure will
address the bunching issue and it will minimise CTOT fluctuations, giving AOs more
stable departure times, and improving Network predictability. However, a stable CTOT
will only be achieved when full capacity / sector configuration will be provided by the
FMP.
As the duration of the recovery measures depends on the capacity values and sector
configuration availability, it is not possible to set any fixed value beforehand.
10.4 Diverted Flights form CPR Information

ETFMS is able to identify the different ADES (compared with the original filed ADES)
from the CPR messages and set the flight as diverted. The diversion will be visible on
CHMI and NOP applications and provided via NM B2B web services.
Note: In CHMI and NOP applications, the Flight List could indicate the diversion in the
“D” column (by the sign ‘>’). As well, in case of diversion, the Flight Data will contain
the diverted aerodrome (under ‘ADES’ field) and the original filed ADES (under the ‘Filed
ADES’ field).
10.5 Diversions to Original Aerodrome of Departure

(ADEP)
If a flight diverts back to its original ADEP for technical or other reasons, a ‘Diversion’
Arrival (ARR) message shall be sent by ATC. The plan of the diverted flight will be
‘closed’ in the NM systems. The normal practice is to file a Replacement Flight Plan
using the original Aircraft Identification (ARCID). The NM system will process this
Replacement Flight Plan as a new flight.
If the ‘Diversion’ Arrival message is not sent, the Replacement Flight Plan will
supersede the plan of the diverted flight. To overcome this situation AO should file the
new flight plan with a different Aircraft Identification (ARCID) e.g. ABC123 becomes
ABC123A.
My flight diverted, why was this not visible in the NOP Portal and the CHMI
application?
Only a diversion ACH or a diversion ARR could modify the destination of a flight. These
two messages are sent by ATC to the IFPS; you should contact ATC if your flight is not
updated.
ARR messages can be sent up to 120 minutes in the future. ARR messages can be
sent for flights in filed status as well.
10.6 ATFCM Procedural Contingency

If the ETFMS fails, the ATFCM procedural contingency will be initiated. This is a phased
operation, whereby nominated airports will apply predetermined departure intervals. In
this case AOs concerned may expect high delays. Flights departing from non-
nominated airfields are not affected by the ATFCM procedural contingency plan.
In order to permit an effective and orderly resumption of slot allocation by the ETFMS
following recovery, flight plan and flight plan update messages will continue to be sent
to the IFPS throughout the whole period of operation of the contingency plan.
More details of the actions that may be expected in the event of an ATFCM procedural
contingency event are published in the seasonal ATFCM Procedural Contingency Plan
that is published in the NOP Portal. It is important that FMPs and affected towers,
download and save or print the plan when it is issued (twice a year) both to familiarise
themselves with any changes and to ensure that the plan is available even if the NOP
Portal is u/s.
NMOC Site Contingency

In the event of NMOC contingency and unavailability of the NM site at Brussels, the
Nossegem contingency site will send Headline News emails (if the users are
subscribed at the NOP to the email service for the Headline news), while MUAC will
send AIMs (if the users have AFTN connection) informing users about the contingency
situation and the address to type for Contingency NOP for any other relevant
instruction for NM Contingency operations.
11 General Information on ATFCM

Messages
11.1 NM ATFM Message Addresses
The NM Addresses for ATFM messages are:
• AFTN: EUCHCEUW
• SITA: BRUEC7X
11.2 General Format of Messages

NM ATFM messages conform to the EUROCONTROL standard message format for
use within the ECAC States, the ATS Data Exchange Presentation (ADEXP).
This format is based on a sequence of fields each of which is identified by a hyphen (‘-
’) followed by a keyword (e.g. ‘ADEP’ for Aerodrome of Departure), a separator (a space
‘ ‘) and the information (e.g. ‘LEMD’).
It is important that the exact format is used in all messages. For example, a hyphen
must always be used at the start of a field but cannot be used in the content of a field.
Failure to use the exact format will result in rejection and, in some cases, an error
message being sent.
11.3 Message Fields

Each ATFM message comprises a number of fields, some of which are mandatory and
some are optional. This may vary from message to message. Specific requirements
are given in this document according to the principles of the ADEXP Standard
document already mentioned.
All ATFM messages shall begin with the TITLE field. The order of other fields is
optional.
The field IFPLID, the unique identifier assigned to a flight by IFPS (2 alphabetic
characters followed by 8 digits, e.g. —IFPLID AA12345678), will be in all ADEXP
messages issued by the NM. ETFMS will accept the IFPLID when provided in an
incoming message in ADEXP format. Therefore, messages originated by AOs may
include the IFPLD, preferably only if generated automatically.
AOs may extract the IFPLID from the ACK message.
11.4 Addressing by the NM

ATFM messages are distributed to:
• The AO: either to the Flight Plan Originator address (this could be an ARO) or
to an address (SITA or AFTN) notified in advance to the NM by the operator.
The AO is responsible for making arrangements to ensure receipt of any CTOT
issued by the NM.
• ATC at the aerodrome of departure.
• En-route ATC Centres.
Addressing of ATFM Messages by the NM to AOs

The AO is identified either from the aircraft identification or from Item 18 (OPR) of the
ICAO filed flight plan.
In the case where both are present, but different, the concerned AO is recognised by
the aircraft identification unless the AO has expressly requested a default to Item 18
(OPR). If so requested, both AOs may receive the ATFM messages.
The choice of the addresses belongs to the AO. Any request for modification should
be issued by the central operations and sent to the NM.
Initiation of Messages by the NM

The NM may, depending on the requirements of AOs, send all ATFCM messages
either
i. to a unique centralised address (the AO control centre AOCC);
or
ii. to an AOs representative office for the aerodrome of departure (the AO control
unit ADEP-AOCU) or to the AOs local Handling Agent for this ADEP;
or
iii. to both a centralised address and a representative office for the aerodrome of
departure (AOCC and ADEP-AOCU).
In the cases where no AO has been identified or the NM has not found either a
centralised nor a local address for an AO (although requested), messages are sent to:
i. the ATS Reporting Office at the aerodrome of departure (ADEP-ARO);
and, if different
ii. the address of the originator of the last flight plan related message (FPL and
related MSGs).
In addition to the above mechanism the NM addresses the MSG ORIGINATOR in
response to an ATFCM MSG which has been previously received (e.g. an SRM in
response to an RFI).
Addressing of Messages by the NM to Air Traffic Services

Messages resulting from slot allocation (SAM, SRM, SLC, FLS)
They are transmitted:
a) Systematically to the Tower responsible for the aerodrome of departure
(ADEP-TWR) and / or to any addresses associated to this Tower (FMP).
b) Optionally to Air Traffic Control Units e.g. approaches, Area Control Centres
(APPs, ACCs) along the route of the flight.
A Central Flight Processing Unit (CFPU) in national services may be used to substitute
this addressing mechanism. In that case the CFPU takes up the responsibility and shall
readdress the data to appropriate units.
ATS may receive all kinds of NM messages as default addressees for unidentified AOs
representative offices at the aerodrome of departure.
The default addresses may be:
a) the ATS Reporting Office in charge of the aerodrome of departure (ADEP-ARO);
and, if different,
b) the originator of the last flight plan related message.
Response to ATS previous NM Messages

(an ATS Unit is active on behalf of an AO)
In addition to the above mechanism, NM addresses the MSG ORIGINATOR in response
to an ATFCM MSG which has been previously received (e.g. an SRM in response to an
RFI).
11.5 ATFCM Notification Message (ANM) and ATFCM

Information Message (AIM)
The ANMs and AIMs are available online on the NOP Portal:
These messages are also online via CHMI.
ATFCM Notification Message ANM

The ANM (ATFCM Notification Message) is a message issued by the NM to notify all
concerned of any ATFM regulations. The ANMs resulting from the ATFCM Daily Plan
are sent the day before the day of operations upon finalisation and release of the plan,
around 17:00 UTC in winter time (1 hour earlier in summer time).
11.5.1.1 Description
Figure 2 - ATFCM Notification Message (ANM)
The elements included in the ANM are described below:

Header:
Valid Validity date for the ANM. It is important to ensure that the ANM
referred to is the correct one.( i.e.: current or applicable for the
next day)
Released Date and time of release. As the ANM is regularly updated it is
important to ensure that the one being used is the latest format
of regulation description
Seq No The sequence number of the regulation which is valid for a
specific date (the number is not reused if the regulation is
cancelled)
State (NEW, CANCEL, or CHANGE).
FMP Flow Management Position (FMP) identifier (first four
characters of the traffic volume set identifier).
Published Date and time of the REGULATION release
Regulation ID The regulation identifier.
WEF The time of validity of the restriction.
Flight Level Flight levels affected.
UNT The time of validity of the restriction.

Reason The regulation cause
RMK Any remarks relevant to the regulation. This line is optional.
ATFCM Information Message (AIM)

The AIM may be used to send information to NM customers about NMOC daily
operations such as possible disruptions.
Figure 3 - ATFCM Information Message (AIM)
The elements included in the AIM are:

DESCRIPTION Summary description of the AIM message.
VALIDITY Start and end date of the AIM message.
RELEASED Released date and time of the AIM message (in brackets).
DETAIL The message in detail.
Appendix
A. Message fields – Abbreviations and Definitions

KEYWORD DEFINITION
ARCTYP Aircraft type.

ADEP ICAO indicator for Aerodrome of Departure.
ADES ICAO indicator for Aerodrome of Destination.
ARCID ICAO Aircraft Identification.
COMMENT This field provides additional information.
CTOT Calculated Take-Off Time.
EOBD Date of Flight (this field can optionally be used in messages from AOs to the NM when an ambiguity may exist with the date). The format is and
will remain YYMMDD (i.e. no century).
EOBT Estimated Off-Block Time.
ERRFIELD ADEXP name of erroneous field(s).
FILTIM Date and Time Stamp of original message.
FURTHRTE Further route, i.e. the route to be followed after the reference point (It may optionally repeat the reference point).
IFPLID IFPS Identification. This is the unique flight plan identification which is issued by IFPS. It is only available in flight plans which have been
distributed in ADEXP format.
IOBD Initial Off-Block Date. The format is and will remain YYMMDD (i.e. no century).
IOBT Initial Off-Block Time.
MINLINEUP Minimum time to line-up for take-off.
NEWCTOT Revised CTOT.
KEYWORD DEFINITION
NEWPTOT New Provisional Take-Off Time.

NEWRTE New Route (when a Rerouteing is proposed).
OBTLIMIT - Validity period of a rerouteing proposal. The calculation is performed from the EOBT until a maximum of four hours in the future
VALPERIOD (YYYYMMDDhhmm).
ORGMSG Reference to the title of a message originally received.
ORGRTE Original Route (when a Rerouteing is proposed).
POSITION The actual position of the aircraft. The POSITION field is a composite field, which may consist of the following subfields:
ADID : Aerodrome Identification, i.e. ICAO location indication of the airfield.
PTID : Point identification, i.e. the name of the route point.
TO : For Aerodromes, this field contains the Actual-Take-Off time and for route points, this field contains the actual Time-Over the point.
FL : For Aerodromes, this field shall (if present) contain the airfield elevation and for route points, this field contains the actual flight level
over the point.
PTOT Provisional Take-Off Time.
REASON Reason to explain an action by ETFMS (e.g. rejection, cancellation, etc.).
REGCAUSE Reason of Regulation.
REGUL Identifier for the restriction imposed.
REJCTOT Rejection of a new CTOT where a Slot Improvement has been proposed by the NM.
RESPBY Latest time by which a Response must be received.
RRTEREF Reroute Reference designation.
RVR Runway Visual Range (this field is optional in certain messages).
TAXITIME The average taxiing time for the runway in use which was considered by ETFMS to derive the take-off times from the off-block times when
calculating the last flight profile.
TITLE Message name.
B. Slot Related Messages - Originated by the NM

The following table gives examples of all ATFCM messages currently in use. The table includes a brief description of each message and
subsequent actions.
SLOT RELATED MESSAGES - ORIGINATED BY THE NM

MESSAGE & example DEFINITION PROCEDURE & ACTION
-TITLE SAM (1) SAM : SLOT ALLOCATION MESSAGE
-ARCID AMC101
-IFPLID AA12345678 The SAM is used to inform AOs & ATS of the Sent to AOs / ATS 2 hours before the last received EOBT.
Calculated Take-Off Time (CTOT) computed
-ADEP EGLL AOs / ATC must comply with the CTOT.
by CASA for an individual flight, to which AOs
-ADES LMML / ATC must adhere.
-EOBD 160224
-EOBT 0950
-CTOT 1030
-REGUL RMZ24M
-TTO -PTID VEULE -TO 1050 -FL F300
-TAXITIME 0020
-REGCAUSE CE 81

TITLE SAM (2) SAM : SLOT ALLOCATION MESSAGE In the event of a non-availability for a short period the NM activates exceptional
condition mechanism to inform AOs individually of the delay of their flight(s).
-ARCID AMC 101 In the case of : Closure
-IFPLID AA12345678
The AO and ATC shall comply to the(NEW)CTOT according to the usual ICAO rules.
-ADEP EGLL A SAM message is sent by the NM when a The (NEW)CTOT may be modified as the situation requires. When an AO submits
problem occurs on the flight path requiring a an amendment (e.g. DLA or CHG) to IFPS, he must always give as EOBT the earliest
-ADES LMML
modification of the take off time e.g. non- EOBT he may comply with. This time is not directly related to the (NEW)CTOT
-EOBD 160224 availability of aerodrome for a short period. provided in the SRM. The EOBT in IFPS should always reflect the time at which the
-EOBT 0945 AO actually wants to be off-blocks. The flight plan may be modified to avoid the
problem area. Reference shall be made to AIM / ANM and NOTAM.
-CTOT 1200
-REGUL LMMLA24
-TTO -PTID GZO -TO 1438 -FL F060
-COMMENT AERODROME OR AIRSPACE
OR POINT NOT AVAILABLE
-TAXITIME 0010
-REGCAUSE AA 83

-TITLE SAM (3) SAM : SLOT ALLOCATION MESSAGE
-ARCID AMC 101 In the case of Runway Visual Range
(RVR)
-IFPLID AA12345678
An SAM message is sent by the NM when a ETFMS sends individual Slot Allocation Messages to inform AOs and / or ATC that
-ADEP EGLL
problem occurs at or around aerodromes a flight has been delayed to arrive when RVR requirement is met.
-ADES LMML requiring a modification of the take-off time
e.g. low visibility conditions which affect ATC An SAM will be sent immediately at or after the moment of slot issue.
-EOBD 160224
capacity. The flight is delayed to arrive when AOs / ATC must conform to the SAM and, where required, the relevant AIM.
-EOBT 0945 RVR requirement is met (the RVR field will be
added in the SAM message indicating the Flights delayed due to insufficient RVR are repositioned in the slot list at reception of
-CTOT 1200 messages from AOs (see FCM below). The message will be followed by a SRM
minimum RVR required as well as the related
-RVR 100 comment). (indicating the NEWCTOT) or an SLC which indicate the departure requirements.
Flights affected by weather conditions may become subject to other ATFCM
-REGUL LMMLA24
regulations as well.
-COMMENT RVR CRITERIA NOT MET
-TAXITIME 0010
-REGCAUSE WA 84

-TITLE SRM (1) SRM : SLOT REVISION MESSAGE
-ARCID AMC101
-IFPLID AA12345678 After CASA has issued an initial SAM, The SRM notifies a significant change of slot It is issued not earlier than 2 hours
subsequent updates may be notified via the before the last received EOBT. This EOBT may be provided by DLA or CHG.
-ADEP EGLL
Slot Revision Message (SRM).
-ADES LMML
AOs / ATC must comply with the NEWCTOT.
-EOBD 160224 This message may be used to indicate a delay
-EOBT 0950 increase or decrease.
-NEWCTOT 1005
-REGUL RMZ24M
-TTO -PTID VEULE -TO 1025 -FL F300
-TAXITIME 0020
-REGCAUSE CE 81

TITLE SRM (2) SRM : SLOT REVISION MESSAGE In the event of a non-availability for a short period the NM activates exceptional
condition mechanism to inform AOs individually of the delay of their flight(s).
-ARCID AMC 101 In the case of : Closure
-IFPLID AA12345678
The AO and ATC shall comply to the(NEW)CTOT according to the usual ICAO rules.
-ADEP EGLL An SRM message is sent by the NM when a
The (NEW)CTOT may be modified as the situation requires. When an AO submits
problem occurs on the flight path requiring a
-ADES LMML an amendment (e.g. DLA or CHG) to IFPS, he must always give as EOBT the
modification of the take-off time e.g. non-
earliest EOBT he may comply with. This time is not directly related to the
-EOBD 160224 availability of aerodrome.
(NEW)CTOT provided in the SAM / SRM. The EOBT in IFPS should always reflect
-EOBT 0945 the time at which the AO actually wants to be off-blocks. The flight plan may be
modified to avoid the problem area. Reference shall be made to AIM / ANM and
-NEWCTOT 1200
NOTAM.
-REGUL LMMLA24
-COMMENT AERODROME OR AIRSPACE
OR POINT NOT AVAILABLE
-TAXITIME 0010
-REGCAUSE AA 83

-TITLE SRM (3) SRM : SLOT REVISION MESSAGE
-ARCID AMC 101 In the case of Runway Visual Range ETFMS sends individual Slot Allocation Messages to inform AOs and / or ATC that
(RVR) a flight has been delayed to arrive when RVR requirement is met.
-IFPLID AA12345678
-ADEP EGLL
An SRM message is sent by the NM when a A SRM will be sent immediately
-ADES LMML
problem occurs at or around aerodromes
AOs / ATC must conform to the SRM and, where required, the relevant AIM.
-EOBD 160224 requiring a modification of the take-off time
e.g. low visibility conditions which affect ATC Flights delayed due to insufficient RVR are repositioned in the slot list at reception of
-EOBT 0945
capacity. The flight is delayed to arrive when messages from AOs (see FCM below). The message will be followed by a SRM
-NEWCTOT 1200 RVR requirement is met (the RVR field will be (indicating the NEWCTOT) or an SLC which indicate the departure requirements.
added in the SRM message indicating the
-RVR 100
minimum RVR required as well as the related
-REGUL LMMLA24 comment).
-COMMENT RVR CRITERIA NOT MET
-TAXITIME 0010
-REGCAUSE WA 84

-TITLE SLC (1) SLC : SLOT REQUIREMENT
-ARCID AMC101 CANCELLATION MESSAGE The flight is no longer subject to ATFCM measures and may depart without delay.
-IFPLID AA12345678
-ADEP EGLL Sent to AOs / ATS to advise that a flight which If the EOBT of the flight is not realistic (e.g. more than 15 minutes in the past) the
has received a CTOT is no longer subject to an SLC will indicate a COMMENT PLEASE UPDATE EOBT WITH A DLA MSG reminding
-ADES LMML the AO to update its EOBT by sending a DLA).
ATFCM restriction.
-EOBD 080901
-EOBT 0945
-REASON OUTREG
-TAXITIME 0020
-TITLE SLC (2) SLC : SLOT REQUIREMENT
-ARCID AMC101 CANCELLATION MESSAGE When an SLC is issued as a result of a CNL, the field -COMMENT FLIGHT
CANCELLED will be included in the SLC.
-IFPLID AA12345678
-ADEP EGLL In the case of Cancel
-ADES LMML
-EOBD 080901 Sent to AOs / ATS to confirm that the slot of a
regulated flight has been released as a result
-EOBT 0945
of a CNL.
-REASON VOID
-COMMENT FLIGHT CANCELLED
-TAXITIME 0020

-TITLE SIP SIP : SLOT IMPROVEMENT
-ARCID AMC 101 PROPOSAL MESSAGE
-IFPLID AA12345678
-ADEP EGLL The SIP proposes a NEWCTOT. If CASA is able to improve the CTOT by a significant amount, by using the slots
freed due to a revised EOBT, Slot Missed Message or an improved flow rate, etc., a
-ADES LMML A response is expected from the AO.
proposal is put to the AO before the NEWCTOT becomes firm.
-EOBD 080901 If no response is given, the proposal expires at
The AO accepts the proposal with an SPA or rejects with an SRJ.
the respond by (RESPBY) time and the last
-EOBT 0945
published CTOT remains valid.
-CTOT 1030
-NEWCTOT 1010
-REGUL UZZU11
-RESPBY 0930
-TAXITIME 0020

-TITLE FLS (1) FLS : FLIGHT SUSPENSION MESSAGE
-ARCID AMC101 In the case of : Non Availability
-IFPLID AA12345678 The ETFMS indicates with an FLS that this In the event of a non-availability for a long period the NM activates the exceptional
flight is considered as not taking off. The condition mechanism to inform AOs individually of the suspension of their flight(s).
-ADEP EGLL
flight data are kept in the database but The identifier of the regulation(s) concerned together with the corresponding
-ADES LMML suspended (non-availability of an aerodrome regulation cause are inserted in the FLS message
for a long period).
-EOBD 080901
-EOBT 0945 AO must confirm their intent to operate in the provided regulation(s) with an FCM, in
-REGUL LMMLA01 order to receive a slot after re-opening.
-COMMENT NOT AVAILABLE

-TAXITIME 0020
-REGCAUSE AA 83

-ARCID AMC101 In the case of Runway Visual Range (RVR)
-IFPLID AA12345678
-ADEP EGLL The flight is suspended (comment will be RVR ETFMS sends individual Flight Suspension Messages to inform AOs and / or ATC
UNKNOWN) until the flight’s RVR is provided that a flight has been suspended. A RESPBY time is also in the message enabling
-ADES LMML the AO to keep its present CTOT if the CHG / FCM with sufficient RVR is received
to the NM.
-EOBD 080901 by the NM in due time.
-EOBT 0945 An FLS will be sent immediately where a flight has already received a CTOT.
-RVR 350 The FLS is sent instead of a SAM at the moment of slot issue.
The identifier of the regulation concerned together with the corresponding
-RESPBY 0855
regulation cause are inserted in the FLS message.
-REGUL UZZU11
-COMMENT RVR UNKNOWN
-TAXITIME 0020
-REGCAUSE WA 84
-TITLE FLS (3) FLS : FLIGHT SUSPENSION MESSAGE The flight will be de-suspended at reception of a DLA / CHG updating the EOBT or
a new DPI message triggered by a TOBT update. The AO is expected to send a DLA
-ARCID AMC101 In the case of : Slot Missed Message / CHG or communicate the updated TOBT to the A-CDM platform. The message
(SMM) will be followed by a SAM (indicating the CTOT) or a DES, which indicates the
-IFPLID AA12345678
departure requirements. If the flight has already departed, the first received ATC
-ADEP EGLL message (DEP / FSA) or the first received CPR will automatically de-suspend the
After the reception of a SMM, the flight is put flight.
-ADES LMML
in suspension and ETFMS originates an FLS.
AOs / ATC must conform to the FLS and, where required, the relevant AIM.
-EOBD 080901 The flight will be de-suspended after the
reception of a DLA.
-EOBT 0945
-COMMENT SMM RECEIVED
-TAXITIME 0020

-ARCID AMC101 In the case of : Flight Activation Monitoring Flights may be reactivated at reception of DLA or CHG messages from AOs.
-IFPLID AA12345678 AOs / ATC must conform to the FLS and, where required, the relevant AIM.
-ADEP EGLL The flights, which are expected to be The message will be followed by a SAM (indicating the CTOT) or a DES which
airborne but are not actually reported as indicates the departure requirements.
-ADES LMML
airborne will be regularly ‘shifted’ then If the flight has already departed, the first received ATC message (DEP / FSA) or
-EOBD 080901 suspended and ETFMS will originate an FLS. the first received CPR will automatically de-suspend the flight.
The flight will be de-suspended after the
-EOBT 0945
reception of a DLA.
-COMMENT NOT REPORTED AS AIRBORNE
-TAXITIME 0020

-ARCID BEL2CC In the case of : Cancel DPI The flight will be re-activated if a new TOBT (Target-Off-Block-Time) is provided at
the CDM airport or if a new EOBT is provided by a DLA or CHG message by the AO.
-IFPLID AA00126947
The message will be followed by a SAM (indicating the CTOT) or a DES which
-ADEP EBBR At airports transmitting DPI messages the indicates the departure requirements.
Cancel DPI (C-DPI) is sent when there is an
-ADES LIPZ If the flight has already departed, the first received ATC message (DEP / FSA) or
interruption to the departure planning
the first received CPR will automatically de-suspend the flight.
-EOBD 120119 process and a new Off-Block-Time is not
(yet) known, triggering the FLS.
-EOBT 0543
-COMMENT SUSPENDED BY DEPARTURE
AIRPORT
-TAXITIME 0016

-TITLE FLS (6) FLS : FLIGHT SUSPENSION MESSAGE If, at SIT1 (EOBT - 2 hours) or later, the delay of the flight is bigger than the Delay
Confirmation threshold time specified in the regulation editor, a slot for that flight
-ARCID BEL2CC In the case of : Regulation with Delay
will be booked, for a period of 20 min. Flights presenting delays below the threshold
threshold Monitoring (used in specific
-IFPLID AA00126947 value will get a SAM.
circumstances decided by the NM)
-ADEP EBBR A FLS will be sent containing a Proposal Take-Off Time (PTOT) and a Time for
response by (Time of FLS issuance +20 min).
-ADES LIPZ
To additionally give to the airspace users
By sending a Flight Confirmation Message (FCM) message within the time for
-EOBD 120119 delay information and time to react before
response by, the airspace user shows its acceptance of the PTOT, upon receipt of
fully suspending a flight crossing a high
-EOBT 0543 a FCM a SAM is sent (PTOT becomes the CTOT).
delays regulation.
-PTOT 1000 If the airspace user fails to respond within the Time for response by, the booking is
An additional benefit is that the flights do not
lost and the flight remains suspended.
-RESPBY 0720 lose the initial sequence based on the ETO,
as the slot is kept booked for a period of 20 Before SIT1, provisional delays and flights affected by delay threshold regulations
-REGUL DVR9811
minutes. can be monitored using external interfaces (NOP / CHMI).
-COMMENT SUSPENDED DUE TO DELAY
EXCEEDING THRESHOLD VALUE. SEND
FCM BEFORE RESPBY TO SECURE PTOT.
ALTERNATIVELY, REROUTE, OR UPDATE
EOBT WITH A DLA MSG, OR CNL
-TITLE DES DES : DE-SUSPENSION MESSAGE

-ARCID AMC101 The flight is de-suspended by ETFMS and is no longer subject to ATFCM measures.
-IFPLID AA12345678 This NM message indicates that a flight which No action is normally required of AOs / ATS but if the EOBT of the flight is not
was previously suspended is now de- realistic (e.g. more than 15 minutes in the past) the DES will indicate a COMMENT
-ADEP EGLL
suspended. PLEASE UPDATE EOBT WITH A DLA MSG reminding the AO to update its EOBT by
-ADES LMML sending a DLA. In the meantime the flight will be counted as if departed taxi time +
TIS after the de-suspension. AO shall update the EOBT by sending a DLA / CHG
-EOBD 080901
-EOBT 0945
-TAXITIME 0020

-TITLE RRP (1) RRP : REROUTEING PROPOSAL MESSAGE
-ARCID AMC101
-IFPLID AA12345678 This message is sent to an AO to offer a This issue follows a what-if reroute and ‘apply’ made at the NM. The AO who
different CTOT or to avoid the need for a slot wishes to benefit from the offer shall consequently modify its flight plan either with
-ADEP EGLL
on a new route. a CHG (this solution preferred when the flight is conducted wholly within the IFPS
-ADES LMML / NM area of responsibility) or a CNL and refile using the Replacement Flight Plan
A ‘respond by time’ is also added.
procedure (RFP). This should be received before the RESPBY time.
-EOBD 080901
At the reception of the new route in the flight plan ETFMS will merge it to the
-EOBT 1030
Example 1 proposal.
-ORGRTE MID UA1 RBT UG32 TOP UA1 ELB
The flight had already received a CTOT
UA12 PAL UA18 EKOLA A18 MLQ
corresponding to its original route (ORGRTE).
-CTOT 1230 A new CTOT is offered provided the flight is
refiled along the proposed new route
-RRTEREF EGLLLMML1
(NEWRTE).
-NEWRTE MID UA1 RBT UG32 BAJKO UA21
NIZ UA2 AJO UA9 CAR UB21 PANTA B21
MLQ
-NEWCTOT 1105
-RESPBY 0900
-TAXITIME 0020
-OBTLIMIT -VALPERIOD
20080901105020080901450

-TITLE RRP (2) Example 2
-ARCID AMC101
-IFPLID AA12345678 This flight is rerouted from a route which is Then SLC, SAM, SRM messages will be transmitted as appropriate.
crossing a regulated area(s) to a new route
-ADEP EGLL The possible combination of optional fields is as follows :
without a regulation.
-ADES LMML -CTOT -NEWCTOT
-EOBD 080901 -CTOT -REASON
The REASON OUTREG indicates that there is
-EOBT 1030 no slot required, for that route. -PTOT -NEWPTOT
-ORGRTE MID UA1 RBT UG32 TOP UA1 ELB -PTOT -REASON
-PTOT -NEWCTOT
-CTOT 1230
-NEWCTOT only
-RRTEREF EGLLLMML2
-NEWPTOT only
-NEWRTE MID A1 BOGNA UA1 RBT UG32
TOP UA1 ELB UA12 UA18 EKOLA A18 MLG
DCT MLQ
-RESPBY 0900
-REASON OUTREG
-TAXITIME 0020
-OBTLIMIT -VALPERIOD 200809
200809011450

-ARCID AMC101
-IFPLID AA12345678 This flight has not yet received its slot, only This issue follows a what-if reroute and ‘apply’ made at the NM. The AO who wishes
a provisional take-off (PTOT) time was to benefit from the offer shall consequently modify its flight plan either with a CHG
-ADEP EGLL
calculated. A new provisional take-off or a CNL and refile using the Replacement Flight Plan procedure (RFP). This should
-ADES LMML (NEWPTOT) time is calculated which be received before the RESPBY time.
corresponds to the new proposed route.
-EOBD 080901 At the reception of the new route in the flight plan ETFMS will merge it to the
This value may be modified until the final
proposal.
-EOBT 1030 slot is issued.
Then SLC, SAM, SRM messages will be transmitted as appropriate.
-ORGRTE MID UA1 RBT UG32 TOP UA1 ELB
-PTOT 1230
-RRTEREF EGLLLMML1
MLQ
-NEWPTOT 1100
-RESPBY 0730
-TAXITIME 0020
200809011450

-ARCID AMC101
-IFPLID AA12345678 Same as above. The flight has not yet The possible combination of optional fields is as follows :
received a slot and is proposed a route with
-ADEP EGLL
no regulation active at the time of the
-ADES LMML proposal. -CTOT -NEWCTOT
-EOBD 080901 -CTOT -REASON
-EOBT 1030 -PTOT -NEWPTOT
-ORGRTE MID UA1 RBT UG32 TOP UA1 ELB -PTOT -REASON
-PTOT -NEWCTOT
-PTOT 1230
-NEWCTOT only
-RRTEREF EGLLLMML2
-NEWPTOT only
-NEWRTE MID A1 BOGNA UA1 RBT UG32
DCT MLQ
-RESPBY 0730
-REASON OUTREG
-TAXITIME 0020
-OBTLIMIT -VAL
200809011050200809011430

-TITLE RRP Example 5
-ARCID GRV090A
-IFPLID AT00002136 Flight which is not regulated receives a more This issue follows a what-if reroute and ‘apply’ made at the NM. The AO who wishes
efficient route proposed route with no to benefit from the offer shall consequently modify its flight plan either with a CHG
-ADEP LGKV
regulation active at the time of the proposal. or a CNL and refile This should be received before the RESPBY time.
-ADES LGAL
-EOBD 140204
-EOBT 0525
-ORGRTE N0250F090 IDILO
-RRTEREF LGKVLGALG3
-NEWRTE N0250F090 SOSUS1A SOSUS
G12 IDILO IDILO1A
-RESPBY 1305
-REASON OUTREG
-TAXITIME 0005
201402040930

-TITLE RRN (1) RRN : REROUTEING NOTIFICATION
MESSAGE The RRN message is issued in case of an acceptance of the rerouteing with option
-ARCID AMC101
‘CNL original FPL’, book slot and flight plan refile by the AO via SITA / AFTN.
-IFPLID AA12345678
This message is sent to an AO to notify a
-ADEP EGLL
rerouteing triggered through the NM Client The flight plan is cancelled in the NM system and a new slot may be booked :
-ADES LMML Application.
-EOBD 080901
The IFPS proceeds exactly as if a cancel (CNL) message had been submitted by
-EOBT 1030 Example 1 the user.
-ORGRTE MID UA1 RBT UG32 TOP UA1 ELB SLC are distributed with the FPL cancellations.
The flight had already received a CTOT RRN messages are sent by ETFMS to AO addresses in accordance with the
-CTOT 1230 corresponding to its original route (ORGRTE). addressing rules in the ATFCM Users Manual and, in addition, to the address
-RRTEREF EGLLLMML1 A new CTOT is offered provided that the flight associated to the NM Client Application having made the Apply.
is refiled along the proposed new route
(NEWRTE).
MLQ
-NEWCTOT 1105
-RESPBY 0900
-TAXITIME 0020
-OBTLIMIT -VAL
200809011050200809011450

-TITLE RRN (2) Example 2
-ARCID AMC101 This message includes the new route description and e.g. :
-IFPLID AA12345678 This flight is rerouted from a route which is

crossing a regulated area(s) to a new route -NEWCTOT 1105 the new slot calculation result
-ADEP EGLL
without a regulation.
-ADES LMML -REASON OUTREG when the new route is not subject to ATFCM
regulation or
-EOBD 080901
The REASON OUTREG indicates that there The user is now expected to file a new flight plan in order to match the new
-EOBT 1030 is no slot required, for that route. conditions.
-ORGRTE MID UA1 RBT UG32 TOP UA1 ELB This shall be received before RESPBY time.
The route should be fully consistent with the one provided within the RRN message
-CTOT 1230 and also displayed on the NM Client Application.
-RRTEREF EGLLLMML2 Then SAM or FLS messages will be transmitted as appropriate.
-NEWRTE MID A1 BOGNA UA1 RBT UG32 The possible combination of optional fields is as follows :
DCT MLQ -CTOT -NEWCTOT
-RESPBY 0900 -CTOT -REASON
-REASON OUTREG -NEWCTOT only
-TAXITIME 0020
-OBTLIMIT -VAL
200809011050200809011450

-TITLE ERR ERR : ERROR MESSAGE This message is sent by ETFMS when a message is received but its syntax is
incorrect and cannot be processed.
-ARCID AMC101
It can also be sent when a message is received with a correct syntax but the
-FILTIM 0915 The error message indicates that an error has
message cannot be correlated to an existing flight plan or the message is not
been found in a message previously received
-ORGMSG SMM relevant (e.g. an EOBT earlier than the previous one).
by ETFMS.
-REASON SYNTAX ERROR AOs / ATS resend the correct message.
The erroneous field or the reason for rejection
may be indicated.
C. Slot Related Messages – Originated by AOs / ATS

SLOT RELATED MESSAGES - ORIGINATED BY AOs / ATS
It is highly recommended that ATFCM messages originated by AOs / ATS include the EOBD and the IFPLID, preferably only if generated automatically. These fields being
used by ETFMS in the correlation mechanism will precisely indicate to which flight the ATFCM message is addressed.
-TITLE SMM SMM : SLOT MISSED MESSAGE
-ARCID AMC101
-IFPLID AA11857784 This message is originated by an AO when a slot time given in the NM cancels the issued CTOT and issues the suspension with an FLS
SAM cannot be achieved but where a new EOBT cannot be supplied. message. The flight is suspended until :
-ADEP EGLL
AOs / ATS will advise new EOBT (when known) via a Change (CHG), Delay
-ADES LMML
(DLA) or CNL and refile into IFPS.
-EOBD 080901
The NM responds with an SAM or a DES.
-EOBT 0945
-CTOT 1020
-TITLE SPA SPA : SLOT IMPROVEMENT PROPOSAL ACCEPTANCE
MESSAGE
-ARCID AMC101
-IFPLID AA11857784 NM confirms thereafter NEWCTOT with an SRM if an SPA is received within
This message is a positive response to a Slot Improvement Proposal the RESPBY time.
-ADEP EGLL
(SIP) message.
If an SPA outside RESPBY time or if parameters of restriction have
-ADES LMML
changed, an error message will be sent stating the REASON i.e. VOID. AOs
-EOBD 190328 / ATC comply with the NEWCTOT or SRM.
-EOBT 0945
-NEWCTOT 1010
-TITLE SRJ SRJ : SLOT PROPOSAL REJECTION MESSAGE

-ARCID AMC101
-IFPLID AA11857784 This message is confirmation that an AO cannot comply with a Slot Use of this message will allow the SIP slot to be released back into the
Improvement Proposal (SIP) message. system for potential use elsewhere.
-ADEP EGLL
The AO keeps the original slot received before the SIP.
-ADES LMML
-EOBD 190328
-EOBT 0945
-REJCTOT 1010
-TITLE RFI RFI : RFI MESSAGE
-ARCID AMC101 The RFI message is used by the AO to change the flight’s readiness The AO operating a flight having its RFI status set to YES will receive an
status from SWM (RFI NO) to RFI. The RFI status of the flight will be SRM if any improvement is possible. ATC will also receive the same
-IFPLID AA11857784
set to YES. message.
-ADEP EGLL
AO and ATC shall comply with the NEWCTOT.
-ADES LMML
-EOBD 080901
-EOBT 1030

-TITLE SWM SWM : SIP WANTED MESSAGE
-ARCID AMC101 The SWM message is used by the AO to indicate that it cannot accept The AO operating a flight having its RFI status set to NO will receive a SIP
SRM when an improvement is possible but wants to be in a position if any improvement is possible.
-IFPLID AA11857784
to refuse an improvement. The RFI status of the flight will be set to
The AO will accept the proposal with an SPA or reject it with an SRJ.
-ADEP EGLL NO.
-ADES LMML
-EOBD 080901
-EOBT 1030
-TITLE REA REA : READY MESSAGE
-ARCID ABC101 Only ATC / ATFCM units can send a REA message.
-IFPLID AA11857784 For flights having already received their slot and being in a situation REA may be sent between EOBT minus 15 minutes and the CTOT of the
to depart before their CTOT (doors closed and ready to depart), the flight. When the REA is filed before the EOBT, the flight is considered as
-ADEP EGLL
AO may ask local ATC to send a Ready (REA) message. In the REA having a new EOBT at this filing time and the MINLINEUP as a revised
-ADES LMML local ATC may also include a MINLINEUP time, to indicate the taxi time.
minimum time needed for that flight to get from its position to take-
-EOBD 080901 The MINLINEUP is constrained in the range [0 min, 90 min]
off.
-EOBT 1030 If an improvement is possible AO and ATC will receive an SRM.
-MINLINEUP 0005
-TITLE FCM FCM : FLIGHT CONFIRMATION MESSAGE
(1)
-ARCID AMC101
An AO indicates to ETFMS the RVR capability of a flight with an EOBT An AO may send an FCM in response to a selective AIM or to an individual
-IFPLID AA11857784 in the future. FLS message to provide the RVR operating minima which should be given
in metres.
-ADEP EGLL A suspended flight with an EOBT in the past or an obsolete EOBT
must first be amended by a DLA and then confirmed by an FCM, When the flight’s RVR capability is requested, the flight is kept suspended
-ADES LMML which includes the flight’s RVR capability. When the route has also within ETFMS until this RVR capability is provided by CHG or FCM message
-EOBD 190328 to be changed it must be amended by a CHG, which will include an or until the NM releases the RVR requirement or until a DLA / CHG message
amended route and the flight’s RVR capability. pushes the flight outside the period requesting the RVR.
-EOBT 0945
-RVR 200

(2)
-ARCID AMC101
An AO indicates to ETFMS that a flight with an EOBT in the future is An AO may send an FCM in response to a selective AIM or to an individual
-IFPLID AA11857784 now confirmed for the regulation(s) provided in this FCM. FLS message.
-ADEP EGLL A suspended flight with an EOBT in the past or an obsolete EOBT When a confirmation is requested, the flight is kept suspended within
must first be amended by a DLA and then confirmed by an FCM. ETFMS until FCM message(s) confirm the flight in all affecting
-ADES LMML When the route has also to be changed it must first be amended by regulation(s) requesting a confirmation or until the NM releases the
-EOBD 190328 a CHG and then confirmed by an FCM. confirmation requirement or until a DLA / CHG message pushes the flight
outside the period requesting the confirmation.
-EOBT 0945
-REGUL LMMLA01

(3)
-ARCID AMC101 An AO may send an FCM in response to a selective AIM or to an individual
An AO indicates to ETFMS that a flight with an EOBT in the future is
-IFPLID AA11857784 now confirmed for the regulation(s) provided in this FCM. The FLS message. If so required, it includes the RVR operating minima which
message may include the flight’s RVR capability. should be given in metres.
-ADEP EGLL
A suspended flight with an EOBT in the past or an obsolete EOBT When both a confirmation and a flight’s RVR capability are requested, the
-ADES LMML must first be amended by a DLA and then confirmed by an FCM. flight is kept suspended within ETFMS until FCM message(s) confirm the
-EOBD 190328 When the route has also to be changed it must first be amended by flight in all affecting regulation(s) requesting a confirmation and provide
a CHG and then confirmed by an FCM. the flight’s RVR capability or until the NM releases the confirmation and
-EOBT 0945 the RVR requirement or until a DLA / CHG message pushes the flight
-RVR 200 outside the period requesting the confirmation and the RVR.
-REGUL LMMLA01
-TITLE RJT RJT : REROUTEING REJECTION MESSAGE
-ARCID AMC101
-IFPLID AA11857784 Used by an AO to reject an RRP message. Use of the RJT will enable the slot potentially associated with the RRP, to
be released back into the system for possible use elsewhere.
-ADEP EGLL
-EOBD 190328
-EOBT 0945
-ADES LMML
-RRTEREF
EGLLLMML1
D. Primary Field Composition of Tactical ATFCM Messages

Exchange
PRIMARY FIELD COMPOSITION OF TACTICAL ATFCM MESSAGES EXCHANGE (1)
Message Field SAM SRM SLC SIP FLS DES RRP RRN ERR SMM SPA SRJ FCM RJT
-TITLE 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
-IFPLID 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 (1) (1) (1) (1) (1) (1)
-ADDR (1) (1) (1) (1) (1) (1)
-ARCID 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 (1) 1 1 1 1 1
-ADEP 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 (1) 1 1 1 1 1
-EOBD 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 (1) (1) (1) (1) (1) (1)
-EOBT 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 (1) 1 1 1 1 1
-IOBD (1) (1) (1) (1) (1) (1) (1) (1) (1) (1) (1) (1) (1) (1)
-IOBT (1) (1) (1) (1) (1) (1) (1) (1) (1) (1) (1) (1) (1) (1)
-CTOT 1 1 (1) (1) 1
-NEWCTOT 1 1 (1) (1) 1
-NEWPTOT (1) (1)
-REJCTOT 1
-REASON (1) (1) (1) (1) (1) (1) (1) (1) (1)
-ADES 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 (1) 1 1 1 1 1
-REGUL 1< 1< 1< 0< 0<
-ORGRTE 1 1
-PTOT (1) (1) (1)
-NEWRTE 1 1
-RRTEREF (1) 1 (1)
Message Field SAM SRM SLC SIP FLS DES RRP RRN ERR SMM SPA SRJ FCM RJT
-RVR (1) (1) (1) (1)
-RESPBY 1 (1) 1 1
-ORGMSG (1)
-FILTIM 1
-ERRFIELD
-MINLINEUP
-COMMENT 0< 0< 0< 0< 0< 0< 0< 0< 0<
-TAXITIME 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 (1)
-REGCAUSE 1 1 (1)
-OBTLIMIT - 1 1
VALPERIOD
-TTO 1 1
‘1’ means: exactly one field of the specified type is required a ‘blank cell’ means: this field is not in a message
‘(1)’ means : a single optional field of the specified type is allowed ‘n<‘ means: n or more occurrences of this field can appear in a message
Note: Refer to the IFPS Users Manual for the format of FLS message used in flight plan.

Message Field SWM RFI REA
-TITLE 1 1 1
-ADDR
-ADEP 1 1 1
-ADES 1 1 1
-ARCID 1 1 1
-COMMENT
-CTOT
-EOBD (1) (1) (1)
-EOBT 1 1 1
-ERRFIELD
-FILTIM
-IFPLID (1) (1) (1)
-IOBD (1) (1)
-IOBT (1) (1)
-MINLINEUP (1)
-NEWCTOT
-NEWPTOT
-NEWRTE
-ORGMSG
-ORGRTE
-PTOT
-REASON
-REGCAUSE
-REGUL
-REJCTOT
-RESPBY
-RRTEREF
-RVR
‘1’ means: exactly one field of the specified type is required a ‘blank cell’ means: this field is not in a message
‘(1)’ means : a single optional field of the specified type is allowed ‘n<‘ means: n or more occurrences of this field can appear in a message
E. Correlation between IATA Delay Codes and NM Regulation Causes

Correlation between IATA Delay Codes and the NM Regulation Reasons
NM IATA
Regulation cause Regulation
CODE GUIDELINES Code Delay Cause
Location
D En Route: Demand exceeds or complexity reduces declared 89 RESTRICTIONS AT AIRPORT OF DEPARTURE
ATC capacity C E or expected ATC capacity 81 ATFM due to ATC ENROUTE DEMAND / CAPACITY
A Airport: Demand exceeds declared or expected ATC capacity. 83 ATFM due to RESTRICTION AT DESTINATION AIRPORT
D 89 RESTRICTIONS AT AIRPORT OF DEPARTURE
ATC industrial
I E Reduction in any capacity due to industrial action by ATC staff 82 ATFM due to ATC STAFF / EQUIPMENT ENROUTE
action
A 83 ATFM due to RESTRICTION AT DESTINATION AIRPORT
ATC routeings R E Network solutions / scenarios used to balance demand and 81 ATFM due to ATC ENROUTE DEMAND / CAPACITY
capacity
ATC staffing S E Unplanned staff shortage reducing expected capacity. 82 ATFM due to ATC STAFF / EQUIPMENT ENROUTE
Reduction of expected or declared capacity due to the non-
ATC equipment T E availability or degradation of equipment used to provide an 82 ATFM due to ATC STAFF / EQUIPMENT ENROUTE
ATC service.
Accident / D Reduction of expected ATC capacity due to an aircraft 89 RESTRICTIONS AT AIRPORT OF DEPARTURE
A
incident A accident / incident. 83 ATFM due to RESTRICTION AT DESTINATION AIRPORT
NM IATA
Location
D Reduction in declared or expected capacity due to the 89 RESTRICTIONS AT AIRPORT OF DEPARTURE’
Aerodrome degradation or non-availability of infrastructure at an airport.
G e.g. Work in Progress, shortage of aircraft stands etc.
capacity A 83 ATFM due to RESTRICTION AT DESTINATION AIRPORT
Or when demand exceeds expected aerodrome capacity.
D Reduced capacity due to the degradation or non-availability of 99 OTHER
Aerodrome support equipment at an airport e.g. Fire Service, De-icing /
E
Services A snow removal equipment or other ground handling 99 OTHER
equipment.
Industrial action D A reduction in expected / planned capacity due to industrial 98 INDUSTRIAL ACTION OUTSIDE OWN AIRLINE
N
NON-ATC A action by non ATC personnel. 98 INDUSTRIAL ACTION OUTSIDE OWN AIRLINE
Reduction in declared or expected capacity following changes
Airspace
M E in airspace / route availability due to small scale military 82 ATFM due to ATC STAFF/EQUIPMENT ENROUTE
management
activity
D Reduction in planned, declared or expected capacity or when 89 RESTRICTIONS AT AIRPORT OF DEPARTURE
demand exceeds the above capacities as a result of a major
E 82 ATFM due to ATC STAFF / EQUIPMENT ENROUTE
sporting, governmental or social event. It may also be used for
Special event P ATM system upgrades and transitions. Large multinational
military exercises may also use this reason. This category
should only be used with prior approval during the planning
process.
Weather W D 89 RESTRICTIONS AT AIRPORT OF DEPARTURE
NM IATA
Location
E Reduction in expected capacity due to any weather 81 ATFM due to ATC ENROUTE DEMAND / CAPACITY
phenomena. This includes where weather impacts airport
A infrastructure capacity, but where aerodrome services are 84 ATFM due to WEATHER AT DESTINATION
operating as planned / expected.
D Reduction in any capacity or when demand exceeds any 89 RESTRICTIONS AT AIRPORT OF DEPARTURE
Environmental capacity due to agreed local noise, runway usage or similar
V E 81 ATFM due to ATC ENROUTE DEMAND / CAPACITY
issue procedures. This category should only be used with prior
A agreement in the planning process. 83 ATFM due to RESTRICTION AT DESTINATION AIRPORT
This should only be used in exceptional circumstances when
Other O E no other category is sufficient. An explanatory ANM remark 81 ATFM due to ATC ENROUTE DEMAND / CAPACITY
MUST be given to allow post ops analysis.
F. ATFCM RTF Phraseology
CIRCUMSTANCES PHRASEOLOGY
Calculated Take-Off Time (CTOT) delivery

resulting from a Slot Allocation Message
(SAM). SLOT (time)
(The CTOT shall be communicated to the
SLOT pilot on first contact with ATC).
Change to CTOT [resulting from a Slot REVISED SLOT (time)
Revision Message (SRM)].
SLOT CANCELLED,
CTOT cancellation (resulting from a Slot
Cancellation Message (SLC)). REPORT READY
FLIGHT SUSPENDED UNTIL

Flight suspension until further notice
FURTHER NOTICE,
(resulting from an FLS).
DUE (reason)
SUSPENSION
SUSPENSION
Flight de-suspension (resulting from a De- CANCELLED,
Suspension Message (DES)).
REPORT READY
UNABLE TO APPROVE
Denying start-up when requested too late START-UP CLEARANCE

to comply with the given CTOT. DUE SLOT EXPIRED,
REQUEST A NEW SLOT
DENIAL UNABLE TO APPROVE
START-UP CLEARANCE
Denying start-up when requested too early
DUE SLOT (time),
to comply with the given CTOT.
REQUEST START-UP AT
(time)
G. Summary of CASA Parameters

PARAMETER BASIC DEFINITION VALUE
Filing Time The minimum time before EOBT for flight plan filing when At least 3 hours
a flight may be subject to ATFCM.
before EOBT
Slot Issue Time (SIT1) The time at which the NM issues the SAM to the AO and 2 hours
ATC at the aerodrome of departure.
before EOBT
Slot Window A slot is issued as a Calculated Take-Off Time (CTOT).
The CTOT is defined as a time when the aircraft must
take-off. -5’ to +10’
The slot tolerance (-5’ to +10’) is available only to ATC around CTOT
and only to organise the departure sequence. If there is
no departure sequence, the CTOT shall be strictly
adhered to.
Minimum Revision This parameter is the minimum improvement that can
trigger a Slot Improvement Proposal (SIP). 15 minutes
for SIP (min REV)
SIP Time-Out A SIP expires if no response is received from an AO by 15 minutes

the respond by (RESPBY) time included in the message. after the SIP
issue time
Minimum Revision This parameter is the minimum improvement that will

trigger a revision to the previous slot of a flight in RFI or 5 minutes
for
REA situation.
Direct Improvement
Ready (REA) The —MINLINEUP is the minimum time needed for that 0 minutes (minimum)
flight, which has declared itself ready to depart, to get 90 minutes
MINLINEUP
from its position to take-off. (maximum)
RRP Time-Out A RRP expires if no response is received from an AO by

the ‘Respond by Time’ (RESPBY) included in the 30 minutes
message.
RVR response time If a flight with a CTOT becomes suspended due to an
RVR requirement, the current CTOT will be booked for the
RVR response time parameter. 20 minutes
The RVR capability must be confirmed (with an FCM)
within the time-out period.
H. Airport CDM (A-CDM) Summary

Message summary
Message E-DPI T-DPI-t T-DPI-s A-DPI C-DPI
Timing from From EOBT From EOBT - From TOBT – 40 min At AOBT At any time
OBT - 3 hrs 2 hrs
Received A-CDM or A-CDM A-CDM A-CDM or Adv ATC TWR A-CDM or

From Adv ATC Adv ATC
TWR TWR
Received TT TT TT TT TT
Data (some
SID SID SID SID SID
of these
fields are TTOT TTOT TTOT (Sequence TOT) TTOT
optional) (Target TOT)
TOBT TOBT AOBD
TOBT
SOBT TSAT AOBT
TSAT
Derived Data TOBT = TSAT = Seq_TOT –TT

TTOT – TT
TTOT = No slot before
TTOT = No
CDM CDM status = s CDM CDM
slot before
status = e status = a status = e
CDM
status = t
Effect on FTFM FTFM For Non Regulated Flight TT updated Flight

ETFMS recompute recomputed Suspended
When TTOT outside DTW tac activated
d with with SID, TT, (FLS)
TTOT or TTOT  Perform Network CTFM created / updated
EOBT + TT assessment for
suspension / regulation.
When TTOT inside DTW For Non Regulated Flight
 CTFM created  CTFM created based
on TTOT
For Regulated Flight
When TTOT before ETOT
For Regulated Flight
 Same processing as REA
When TTOT before CTOT
When TTOT after ETOT and
tolerance window
before CTOT tolerance window
 CTFM created based
 CTFM deleted
on
 CTOT improvement
STW_LowerBoun
possible
d
When TTOT inside CTOT
When TTOT inside or after
tolerance window
CTOT tolerance window
 CTFM created
 CTFM created based
 No CTOT improvement
on TTOT
When TTOT after CTOT
 CTOT frozen
tolerance window
 Perform Network
assessment for
suspension / regulation
Notes: Following Network assessment

When Flight non-regulated / de-suspended:
TTOT Target TOT  CTFM re / computed
TOBT: AO’s Target OBT  SLC / DES sent appropriately
When Flight assessed regulated:
TSAT: ATC’s Target Start-up Approval Time
 SAM / SRM sent
TTOT (T-DPI-s): ATC’s updated Actual TOT  CTOT improvement possible
No slot before: TTOT (Sequenced TOT) If TTOT inside the CTOT tolerance window
DTW: Dep. Tolerance Window  CTFM created

 No CTOT improvement
When Flight assessed suspended:
 FLS sent
For further details refer to the DPI Implementation Guide and the Flight Progress
Messages document.
CDM STATUS in the Flight List
A CDM status indicator is shown in the flight list. The first letter indicates:
(blank) Not departing from a CDM airport
C Departing from a CDM airport (expecting DPI)
e Estimated (E-DPI)
t Targeted (T-DPI-t)
s Pre-sequenced (T-DPI-s)
a Actual off-block (A-DPI)
Abbreviations
Abbreviations and acronyms used in this document are available in the
EUROCONTROL Air Navigation Inter-site Acronym List (AIRIAL) which may be found
online:
http://www.eurocontrol.int/airial/definitionListInit.do?skipLogon=true&glossaryUid=
AIRIAL.
2019
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ATFCM USERS MANUAL

Document Title ATFCM USERS MANUAL

Document Subtitle Network Manager

Edition Number 25.0

Edition Validity Date 27-04-2021

Status Released Issue

Author(s) S. Niarchakou and M. Sfyroeras

Contact Person(s) S. Niarchakou

Edition No. Validity Date Author(s) Reason

19.2 1//01/2016 SEL, NIA Update for new NM role titles

20.0 05/04/2016 SEL, NIA Update for NM release 20.0

Restructuring and update of

20.1.1 16/11/2016 SEL, NIA Update to new validity date

21.0 03/05/2017 SEL, NIA Update for NM release 21.0

21.1 18/10/2017 SEL, NIA Update for NM release 21.5

22.0 03/05/2018 SEL, NIA Update for NM release 22.0

22.1 14/11/2018 NIA, MCECH Update for NM release 22.5

23.0 01/05/2019 NIA, MCECH Update for NM release 23.0

23.1 16/10/2019 NIA, MCECH Update for NM release 23.5

24.0 23/06/2020 NIA, SFY Update for NM release 24.0

25.0 27/04/2021 NIA, SFY Update for NM release 25.0

EDITION CHANGE RECORD

Title Amendment notes

3. AIR TRAFFIC FLOW AND

6.1 Flight Plan Submission; 6.2.2 Airborne Flights;

8. MANAGEMENT OF SLOT 8.4.4 Slot Swapping Procedure;

10. OPERATIONS IN UNUSUAL

11. GENERAL INFORMATION ON

ANNEX 1. MESSAGE FIELDS –

ANNEX 2. SLOT RELATED

ANNEX 3. SLOT RELATED

ANNEX 4. PRIMARY FIELD

ANNEX 6. ATFCM RTF

ANNEX 7. SUMMARY OF CASA

ANNEX 8. AIRPORT CDM (A-CDM)

Significant deletions of text are indicated with the symbol 

8.2 Slot Adherence........................................................................................... 45

Non-Availability due to a Strike ............................................................................ 70

INTENTIONALLY BLANK PAGE

1.5 How to Use this Document

INTENTIONALLY BLANK PAGE

2 ATFCM Quick Reference Guide

Flight Plan Filing Problems

Operational ATFCM Problems

Technical Problems (Transmission, Terminals)

Operational Post Event Problems

2.2 Frequently Asked Questions

When do I file an FPL?

How should a FPL message originator reply to the reception of a REJ?

By amending the original message as appropriate and re-submitting it to the IFPS.

How do I revise my FPL?

Send a DLA / CHG.

What if I sent to IFPS a second FPL with an update of the EOBT

When do I notify a delay?

Why have I not received a slot 2 hours before EOBT?

The flight is not currently subject to a regulation.

When do I get a slot (CTOT)?

NON-CDM AERODROMES (AO) CDM AERODROMES (CDM platform / AO)

If I receive a slot, do I need to update my EOBT / TOBT?