ENABLING USER PREFERENCES THROUGH DATA EXCHANGE

Steven M. Green, Dr. Tsuyoshi Goka, and David H. Williams


Abstract

This paper describes the application of data exchange, for integrating user and air
traffic management (ATM) systems, to enable user preferences for en-route flights.
User preferences may be defined in terms of a four-dimensional (4D) user-preferred
trajectory, or a series of profile constraints (e.g., speed, routing, time), 
depending on user capability.  Deviations from the user's preference are often 
required to meet ATM-system constraints related to capacity, weather, and conflicting
preferences of other flights.  Progress in reducing these deviations is considered
progress toward free flight.

This paper describes a process, via user-ATM data exchange, for enabling user
preferences in an ATM-based system.  An emphasis is placed on determining the minimum 
deviations necessary to ensure a safe and efficient flow of traffic.  Several key 
system-integration issues are identified and explored in terms of their impact on
the data to be exchanged and the roles of the user and ATM systems.  Three
categories of key data are proposed for exchange, including: user preferences,
for one flight or a group of flights; calibration data, to improve trajectory
predictions (airborne and ground-based); and ATM-system state data, to improve
the basis for user decision making and preference selection.  The paper concludes 
with a brief description of two experimental evaluations designed to explore 
data-exchange applocations involving current and future systems for flight 
management and data link.