Gander Automated Air Traffic System

Gander Automated Air Traffic System (GAATS) is a computer system used by NAV CANADA for air traffic control in the oceanic airspace of the Gander Area Control Centre (ACC).

Air traffic control procedures in oceanic airspace (see North Atlantic Operations and Airspace Manual, ICAO NAT Doc 007) differ significantly from those in most continental airspace due to limited surveillance of aircraft and historically less reliable communication with pilots (although modern developments have substantially improved both). Operations therefore need to be more strategic rather than tactical. For example, the time at which a flight will reach each of its waypoints along its route across the ocean must be calculated as accurately as possible so that controllers at the ACC can issue a clearance to the aircraft before it enters oceanic airspace that is guaranteed to be free of conflict with other aircraft until it reaches the opposite coast. Such a clearance specifies the ocean entry time, route, altitude, and speed.

GAATS is specifically designed to support air traffic control staff in this operation by automating critical functions, including vital safety monitoring.

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