Operational Division
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Head of OPS Division |
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The Operational Division is the central point for all processes related to the execution of military air transport, i.e. planning, tasking, mission control and analysis. Based on the bigger variety of assets the best suitable aircraft – in terms of location, load capacity, range and type of mission - will be selected for a specific mission.
Long-term Plans
Incoming Air transport Requests (ATRs) need to be processed first so they get registered. Then the authenticity and completeness have to be checked, changes on existing ATRs may become necessary and the nations have to be informed about the status of their ATR.
Due to the large number of ATRs it is also necessary to prioritize and to communicate closely with the National Movement and Transportation Coordination Centers (NMTCCs). Together with them our Long-term Plans Branch checks and coordinates possibilities for synergies of AT missions.
After that they proceed with an initial route planning which contains alternative routes, route calculations, over flight allowances and assessments on the suitability of the airfield. The close internal coordination with the other OPS branches is an additional key to success.
Tasking
The Tasking Branch takes over the mission preparation from the Long-term Plans Branch and produces the Air Transport Mission Order (ATMO) with the data provided. If necessary the route and time planning gets specified and services at the destination are organized. The production of an ATMO is due to the complexity and intensity internally divided into two regions; Europe including the Air to Air refuelling and VIP missions and the overseas regions. In close coordination with the Air Transport units the aircraft loading configuration is prepared before the ATMO gets compiled and distributed. Before starting the mission execution, all relevant data are handed over to Mission Controlling.
Mission Controlling
The mission controlling branch is permanently manned and monitors all flight activities initiated by the EATC. In case of unforeseen events or short term ATRs they are capable to intervene and take all actions necessary to bring missions to success at any time of the day.
Therefore the branch consists of a shift leader who orchestrates the necessary steps. He is assisted by a maintenance expert who is responsible for logistical questions concerning the mission. Furthermore a Flight Dispatcher is active to monitor all flight related issues and to change or initiate a flight planning if necessary.
Operational Support
At the end of every flight the EATC collects all the information and turns them into statistics which are analysed and made available to the nations. This lessons-learned process is an important step on the way to efficiency because it helps to identify best practices and areas for improvement.
Aeromedical Evacuation Control Centre (AECC)
For the transport and evacuation of military patients via aircraft, a team of flight surgeons is permanently available at the EATC. Knowing the specific requirements for aeromedical transports they assess and coordinate a patient's validation for a flight with the requesting nation. Together with the other branches our doctors then match the medical requirements with the airlift capabilities and task the appropriate aircraft.
Besides the operational business they also work on the development of standardized procedures in the aeromedic transportation domain in order to facilitate the movement for those who rely on a quick and simple transfer to their home country.