An approach to support controller work-place design in a multi-airport environment using fast and real-time simulations

Abstract

The DLR Institute of Flight Guidance is one of the leading establishments in the field of air traffic management research worldwide. Research is conducted using different simulation models. The fast time simulation tools (e.g. Simmod, AirTOp, etc.) offer the possibility to examine various aspects of the air traffic in short evaluation cycles. Especially long lasting, complex traffic flows can be well analysed with the help of these tools. In contrast to the fast time simulation tools, the real time simulation facilities operated by the Institute allow the so-called human-in-the-loop research. For instance, the Apron-and Tower Simulator (ATS) emulates the air traffic controller's working environment at the airport. Within this environment, the impact of new concepts on the controllers can be examined. The influence of different traffic scenarios, additional assistant systems, work organization and the design of workplaces on controllers' task-and workload can be researched in this way. Inside the ''Deutsches Zentrum für Luft-und Raumfahrt'' (DLR) project Remote Airport Traffic Control Center (RAiCe), an approach was developed to combine both types of the described simulation models. Therefore, the fast time simulation was enhanced with elements representing typical tasks of a controller (e.g. separation keeping or radio communication). By this approach, it was possible to preselect appropriate traffic scenarios and to determine special traffic events. At the ATS, air traffic controllers were confronted with the selected scenarios and events. Based on their performance, conclusions concerning different remote tower operation concepts were made. Within this paper, the cooperative use of fast and real time simulation is reviewed. A five step cooperative strategy is suggested to allow for efficient scenario design that enables the validation expert to design scenarios with specific traffic situations using a fast time simulation tool. Furthermore, harmonizing fast and real time simulation offers the possibility to use data of the fast time simulation as scenarios for real time simulations, and real time simulations can be used for the validation of fast time simulation models. Data of the simulations within RAiCe are introduced. The application of the cooperative use of fast and real time simulation for validation of future ATM concepts is indicated.

A Method Framework for Automatic Airspace Reconfiguration-Monte Carlo Method for Eliminating Irregular Sector Shapes Generated by Region Growth Method

“…Since airspace design is a complicated process, we had only solved the problem that the initial airspace design was almost completed manually in China in the past. This scheme has to be further simulated and evaluated by SIMMOD, AIRTOP and other tools [78]. Finally, it has to be evaluated by human in the loop before it can be implemented [6].…”

Multiple remote tower for Single European Sky: The evolution from initial operational concept to regulatory approved implementation

“…Whilst the landing is represented in the flight movement data by a single timestamp, the actual process of landing occupies the ATCO's attention longer by monitoring closely the final approach until the aircraft touches down and stabilises on the runway. Therefore, two aircraft landing within the 60 second time span can be considered as simultaneous in respect of the monitoring task of the controller (Schier, Papenfuss, Lorenz, Walther, & Moehlenbrink, 2011). Based on the exercises of Demonstration Plan, there was no negative impact on human performance on multiple remote tower operations.…”

Air traffic management and energy efficiency: the free flight concept

“…In bibliography numerous researches have been done concerning the Air Traffic Flow Management (ATFM) methods the last decades [14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30]. These mathematical and simulation models have been developed in order to reduce the amount of congestion and to examine the possibility of introducing auxiliary systems which better support air traffic management.…”