The Organised Track System (OTS) in aviation refers to a set of dynamically created, structured air traffic routes designed to manage the flow of aircraft efficiently and safely, particularly in high-traffic oceanic regions.
The provided reference clearly states: "As a result, organised track structures, one for eastbound traffic and one for westbound traffic are created on a daily basis. These track structures are referred to as the Organised Track System (OTS)."
Understanding the Organised Track System (OTS)
In essence, OTS is a system of temporary, predefined flight paths that air traffic control agencies establish daily to optimize transatlantic or transoceanic air travel. These tracks are crucial for managing the immense volume of aircraft crossing vast expanses of airspace where radar coverage may be limited.
Key Characteristics of OTS
- Daily Creation: Unlike fixed airways, OTS tracks are not static. They are generated and published daily, often adjusted to take advantage of prevailing winds (like the jet stream) and avoid adverse weather conditions. This dynamic nature helps airlines save significant amounts of fuel and time.
- Directional Flow: The system typically consists of two distinct sets of organised track structures:
- One set for eastbound traffic.
- One set for westbound traffic.
This separation prevents head-on conflicts and streamlines traffic flow.
- Optimized Routing: The routing of OTS tracks considers factors such as:
- Wind Conditions: Aircraft can fly in the most favorable winds, reducing flight time and fuel consumption.
- Weather Avoidance: Tracks are designed to steer clear of areas with severe turbulence or storms.
- Traffic Demand: The number and spacing of tracks can be adjusted based on the anticipated volume of aircraft.
Purpose and Benefits of OTS
The primary goal of the Organised Track System is to enhance the safety and efficiency of air travel over large oceanic areas.
| Benefit Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Safety | Reduces the risk of mid-air collisions by providing structured, separated routes for aircraft. |
| Efficiency | Optimizes flight paths to leverage favorable winds, leading to shorter flight times and less fuel burn. |
| Capacity | Maximizes the number of aircraft that can safely occupy a given airspace at any one time. |
| Cost Savings | Direct fuel savings for airlines due to optimized routes and reduced flight durations. |
| Predictability | Provides airlines with clear, predefined routes, aiding in flight planning and scheduling. |
Practical Application
The most well-known application of the Organised Track System is the North Atlantic Tracks (NAT-OTS), which manage the dense air traffic between North America and Europe. Each day, dedicated operational centers (such as Gander Oceanic Control in Canada and Shanwick Oceanic Control in Ireland/UK) collaborate to define and publish the NAT-OTS. Pilots flying across the North Atlantic must adhere to these specified tracks, which are identified by letters (e.g., Track A, Track B) and include entry/exit points, coordinates, and flight levels.
By providing a highly structured and adaptable framework, the OTS plays a vital role in enabling the safe, timely, and economical transit of thousands of flights daily across the world's oceans.
