Human in the loop simulations for distributed air-ground operations

Objective: Develop simulation environments for distributed air-ground operational concepts. Use this environment to design and evaluate new concepts for distributed air-ground operations in the National Airspace System (NAS).

Approach: Operational concepts intended to dramatically improve the efficiency and safety of the NAS include distributing authority for aircraft separation and route management between air traffic controllers and flight crews. A simulation facility capable of evaluating these new concepts has been developed. The facility includes full-mission aircraft simulators at Ames and Langley Research Centers, medium fidelity aircraft simulators to provide a realistic picture of other traffic, and both en route and terminal air traffic controllers with ground-based decision support tools such as the Center TRACON Automation System (CTAS).

Several studies have investigated trajectory negotiation between the aircraft and CTAS to enable fuel-efficient descents towards the airport while maximizing the airport’s arrival capacity. These studies suggest significant efficiency and capacity gains can be achieved through collaboration between the air and the ground. One study examined shifts in separation authority between pilots and controllers and found increased workload and role confusion for the controllers, although the flight crews found the concept acceptable.

Impact: The simulation capability is proving invaluable in developing and validating new concepts for air traffic management that involve an increased role for the flight deck in safely improving the efficiency and capacity of the NAS.