Plan staffing around sector openings

When sectors open or combine, staffing needs change. Sector planning connects those changes with the working positions that need coverage throughout the day.

Start with the positions

Start with the operational roles: executive controller, planner, supervisor or flow manager. For each position, define its name, code, qualifications and supported limits for time on position and rest before assignment.

Minimum and maximum time on position serve different purposes. Review each value against the unit’s operating requirements.

Map the sectors

Represent the sectors and subdivisions used by the operation. Their structure supports the configurations used when sectors are opened, closed or combined.

Capacity information helps describe the sector structure. Decisions about demand and suitable configurations remain part of the organisation’s operational planning process.

Bring the configuration together

A configuration brings sectors and working-position requirements together. Define the roles needed for each arrangement, including positions that serve more than one sector, such as a multisector planner.

Check the qualification requirements and staffing numbers for each configuration. A change in sector structure may change the demand for qualified staff even when total traffic remains similar.

Set opening times

Apply the relevant configuration across the day. SkyRoster supports a demand plan in 15-minute intervals, allowing planners to represent changes that would be missed in an hourly view.

The opening plan supplies demand to tactical rostering. Traffic forecasting and decisions about airspace configuration remain separate planning tasks.

See how demand is covered

Use the demand plan to review the allocation of available, qualified controllers to working positions. Examine coverage gaps, time on position and breaks before approving the operational plan.

See sector planning for an illustrative timeline and tactical rostering for the allocation workflow.