The Project provides training on how to use the methodology and will track the status of remediation programmes. Where these problems cannot be resolved in time, airlines and their business partners will be able to make appropriate contingency plans to ensure safety and business continuity with minimal disruption. For high volume facilities, expert teams are making on-site visits to assist in completing the necessary inventories and assessments. For medium and smaller volume facilities, regional training seminars are being organised and a methodology 'toolkit' made available to help airports and ATS providers to review their installations and inform their airline customers about the status of their Year 2000 programmes.
All airlines are welcome to participate in the project and obtain access to the database.
The cost of participation will be equivalent to that of IATA Member airlines. The ATA Year 2000 Program will enable us to provide our member airlines with an accurate assessment of the readiness of the FAA and other governmental agencies, airline vendors and suppliers. We are confident that Mr. Browne's background and perspective will enable us to identify potential problems early in the planning process and, if necessary, to develop and implement contingency plans. Another big problem, said Schwitz, is the lack of a contingency plan. The controllers need to be trained to handle the problems that will arise if the systems fail.