Generic Airspace Concepts and Research

The purpose of this study was to evaluate methods for reducing the training and memorization required to manage air traffic in mid-term, Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) airspace. The authors contrasted the performance of controllers using a sector information display and NextGen automation tools while working with familiar and unfamiliar sectors. The airspace included five sectors from Oakland and Salt Lake City Centers configured as a 'generic center' called 'West High Center.' The controller information tool was used to present essential information for managing these sectors. The multi-aircraft control system air traffic control simulator provided data link and conflict detection and resolution. There were five experienced air traffic controller participants. Each was familiar with one or two of the five sectors, but not the others. The participants rotated through all five sectors during the ten data collection runs. The results addressing workload, traffic management, and safety, as well as controller and observer comments, supported the generic sector concept. The unfamiliar sectors were comparable to the familiar sectors on all relevant measures.

• Record URL:
  http://ntrs.nasa.gov/archive/nasa/casi.ntrs.nasa.gov/20110008616_2011009064.pdf
• 
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Presented at 10th American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Aviation Technology, Integration, and Operations Conference, Fort Worth, Texas, September 13-15, 2010.
• Corporate Authors:

  National Aeronautics and Space Administration

  Ames Research Center
  Moffett Field, CA  United States  94035
• Authors:
  • Mogford, Richard H
• Publication Date: 2010-9

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Web
• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 48p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Advanced automation system (Air traffic control); Air traffic control; Air traffic controllers; Airspace (Aeronautics); Aviation safety; Data collection; Memory; Simulation; Training; Workload
• Identifier Terms: Next Generation Air Transportation System
• Subject Areas: Aviation; Education and Training; Operations and Traffic Management;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01357838
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: ARC-E-DAA-TN2190, ARC-E-DAA-TN2031
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Nov 29 2011 12:57AM