DFS - Air Traffic Control

DFS enhances its free information service

DFS Deutsche Flugsicherung GmbH has updated its Internet application that displays the arrival and departure situation at the largest German airports. The program called STANLY_Track (Statistics and Analysis), which DFS provides on its website free of charge, has become more user-friendly.

In particular, the optics have improved; the topographical chart was modified, with distances and altitudes given only in metres and some exemplary images of the aircraft types displayed. Furthermore, technical innovations now allow flight tracks to be shown at larger ranges and altitudes. Another new feature is the display of flight numbers and call signs. “Until now these flight data have been encrypted in the application,” commented Frank Brenner, Director of the business unit Control Centre at DFS.

DFS has been providing this service for several years. It is a quick and uncomplicated way for interested citizens to gain their own impression of air traffic in the vicinity of a selected airport. Apart from the live air situation display, which for security reasons is delayed by 15 minutes, users can also see the flight tracks of the previous 14 days. By providing the STANLY_Track service, DFS strives to create more transparency, particularly with regard to aircraft noise complaints.

DFS Deutsche Flugsicherung GmbH, the German air navigation service provider, is a State-owned company under private law and has 5,800 employees. DFS ensures the safe and punctual flow of air traffic over Germany. Staff coordinate up to 10,000 aircraft movements in German airspace every day, and nearly three million movements every year. This makes Germany the country with the highest traffic volume in Europe. DFS operates control centres in Langen, Bremen, Karlsruhe and Munich. In addition, DFS is represented in the Eurocontrol Centre in Maastricht, the Netherlands, and in the control towers of the 16 international German airports. DFS provides training and consultancy services around the world and develops and sells air traffic management systems, surveillance systems and navigation aids. The company's portfolio also comprises flight-relevant data, aeronautical publications and aeronautical information services. DFS has the following business units: Control Centre, Tower, Aeronautical Solutions and Aeronautical Information Management.