2024-07-13 - [Aerodrome] Heathrow SMR Functionality Changes

[VATSIM UK Operations]

Effective 13 July 2024

From the above date and incorporated into the 2024/07 release of the UK Controller Pack the Heathrow SMR now simulates geofencing of the apron areas to reflect the real-world system. This will declutter the SMR screen, whilst mimicking the display that controllers have/use in reality.

Aircraft that are positioned static on stand will no longer display a data block regardless of which SSR code the aircraft has set. Aircraft will only display a data block once they are either moving or are out with the stand areas.

Controllers are reminded that they should be vigilant when issuing pushback instructions to aircraft, ensuring that the stand number has been confirmed by the pilot, alongside confirming the assigned stand in the pushback clearance.

“BIG JET 347, stand 545 right, with PDC, request push and start.”

“BIG JET 347, stand 545 right, push and start approved, face North, QNH 1013”

Many thanks to @Alice Fordfor updating vSMR to add new functionalities. Any vSMR feature requests can be added to the fork on GitHub

Controllers wishing to retain the old, unrealistic functionality may do so by utilising the vSMR profiles menu, where the old profile has been retained.