Simulator Evaluation of the Final Approach Spacing Tool

TLDR: Simulation results summarized in the paper show that FAST significantly reduced controller workload and demonstrated a potential for an increase in landing rate.

Abstract: This paper describes the design and simulator evaluation of an automation tool for assisting terminal radar approach controllers in sequencing and spacing traffic onto the final approach course. The automation tool, referred to as the Final Approach Spacing Tool (FAST), displays speed and heading advisories for arrivals as well as sequencing information on the controller's radar display. The main functional elements of FAST are a scheduler that schedules and sequences the traffic, a 4D trajectory synthesizer that generates the advisories, and a graphical interface that displays the information to the controller. FAST has been implemented on a high performance workstation. It can be operated standalone in the Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) Facility or as an element of a system integrated with automation tools in the Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC). FAST was evaluated by experienced TRACON controllers in a realtime air traffic control simulaton. Simulation results summarized in the paper show that FAST significantly reduced controller workload and demonstrated a potential for an increase in landing rate.

Full text

NASA Technical Memorandum 102807
Simulator Evaluation of the
Final Approach Spacing Tool
Thomas J. Davis, Heinz Erzberger,
and Steven M. Green
May 1990
(NA;SA-TF".,.-102:!i_07) S[MUL_,T!TF_', EVALUst_T[ON OF
TH_: FINAL APF'RJA.C!-_ SP.ACTNG TiJQL (NASA)
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National Aeronautics and
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NASA Technical Memorandum 102807
Simulator Evaluation of the
Final Approach Spacing Tool
Thomas J. Davis, Heinz Erzberger, and Steven M. Green
Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California
May 1990
RI/kSA
National Aeronautics and
Space Administration
Ames Research Center
Moffett Field, California 94035-1000

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
SUMMARY .......................................................................................................................................... 1
INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................. 1
OVERVIEW OF AUTOMATION SYSTEM CONCEPT ................................................................... 2
FINAL APPROACH SPACING TOOL (FAST) .................................................................................. 2
Scheduler ......................................................................................................................................... 2
Four-Dimensional Trajectory Generator ......................................................................................... 3
Graphical Advisory Interface .......................................................................................................... 5
SIMULATION DESCRIPTION ........................................................................................................... 6
SIMULATION RESULTS .................................................................................................................... 6
Airspace Utilization ......................................................................................................................... 6
Interarrival Spacings ........................................................................................................................ 7
Capacity Effects .............................................................................................................................. 8
Controller Evaluations ..................................................................................................................... 8
CONCLUDING REMARKS ................................................................................................................. 9
REFERENCES ..................................................................................................................................... 10
TABLES ............................................................................................................................................... 11
FIGURES ............................................................................................................................................ 12
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