Today, developments in ground-based and on-board computers, navigation and digital air/ground/air communications make it possible to envision, for tomorrow, extensive automation of the overall air traffic control process, always provided that reliability, safety and responsibilities can be absolutely covered in all possible eventualities, however remote. Accordingly, before tomorrow, an appreciable amount of traffic will cross our skies and be handled by air traffic controllers without the support of advanced automated tools. Nevertheless, at the same time, the potential of automation will continue to increase. This subject is discussed in the light of the experience gained during the development of an approach to the definition, assessment and testing in an operational environment of a procedure suitable for guiding aircraft along 4-D trajectories illustrative of the next system generation of ATC. The essential aspects are examined of the computer/controller/pilot/aircraft chain of dialogues, placing the emphasis on the interface between the computer and the controller, the intelligent interpretation of the surveillance information by the computer, the definition, generation, and relay of guidance directives to the pilot and finally, the use of navigation aids. The integration of the ground-based 4-D guidance and control system messages on a standard ATC radar display is shown, illustrating this for the guidance of flights conducted by SABENA crews operating B-737 and DC-10 aircraft.


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    Title :

    Air Traffic Controller Facing Automation: Conflict or Cooperation


    Contributors:
    A. Benoit (author) / S. Swierstra (author) / R. Dewispelaere (author)

    Publication date :

    1990


    Size :

    7 pages


    Type of media :

    Report


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English