A new and innovative way to evaluate runway safety initiatives for airports is through the use of interactive real-time simulation. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) operates an integrated suite of simulators that can give both pilots and tower controllers the ability to simultaneously "try out" ideas in the safety of virtual reality. In February of 2003, the FAA conducted a demonstration in the NASA facilities for Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) of a concept to reduce runway crossings and enhance the efficiency of the airport. Currently DFW experiences about 1,700 runway crossings per day, which contribute to arrival and departure delays and the potential for runway incursions. The proposed concept included the addition of new perimeter taxiways on the East and West sides of the airport. Through use of NASA's unique simulation capabilities, DFW controllers and commercial pilots provided expert feedback on the safety and operational implications by directly experiencing the proposed changes. Overall, the data collected from the participants and the simulators demonstrated that the concept would improve operations at DFW, if implemented. Improvements were observed in many areas including departure rates, taxi duration, runway crossings, and controller and pilot communications.


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    Title :

    Controllers and Pilots Play a Key Role in Runway Safety Initiatives Through Real-Time Simulation


    Contributors:
    Madson, Mike (author) / Bender, Kim (author)

    Conference:

    FAA Worldwide Airport Technology Transfer Conference ; 2004 ; Atlantic City, NJ, United States


    Publication date :

    2004-01-01


    Type of media :

    Conference paper


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English