A HUMAN FACTORS EVALUATION OF ACTIVE FINAL APPROACH SPACING TOOL CONCEPTS

Richard A. Coppenbarger


Abstract

Software decision support tools that assist controllers with the
management of air traffic are dependent  upon the ability to accurately
predict future aircraft positions.  Trajectory predictions in en route
airspace rely upon the availability of aircraft state, aircraft
performance, pilot intent, and atmospheric data.  The use of real-time
airline information for improving ground-based trajectory predictions
has been a recent focus in the development of the Center-TRACON
Automation System (CTAS) at NASA Ames.  This paper studies the impact of
airline flight-planning data on CTAS en route climb trajectory
prediction accuracy.  The climb trajectory synthesis process is first
described along with existing input data.  Flight-planning data
parameters, available from a typical airline operations center, are then
discussed along with their potential usefulness to CTAS.  Results are
then presented to show the significant impact of airline-provided
takeoff weight, speed-profile, and thrust calibration date on CTAS climb
trajectory prediction performance.