In case of a failure to receive updated data, which action is most appropriate for the controller?

In situations where a controller has not received updated data, investigating the cause of the data interruption is paramount. By doing so, the controller can determine whether the issue is temporary or indicative of a more serious problem. Failure to address a lack of updates could lead to misinformed decision-making or a lack of situational awareness, potentially compromising the safety and efficiency of air traffic management.

Understanding the cause of the interruption helps the controller to take appropriate subsequent actions. For instance, if the problem is identified as a technical glitch, the controller may need to implement contingency plans or revert to manual tracking methods to ensure continued safe operations. This proactive approach fosters operational reliability and maintains the safety standards that are critical in air traffic control.

The other actions, such as ignoring the lack of updates or continuing operations unchanged, do not prioritize safety and can lead to serious consequences. Furthermore, notifying ground personnel may be important, but it typically comes after understanding the situation on the controller's end, making investigation the most logical first step.