Defining Terminal Airspace Air Traffic Complexity Indicators Based on Air Traffic Controller Tasks

Abstract

This paper focuses on terminal air traffic complexity indicators. By thorough analysis of previous research, the benefits and limitations of the existing terminal complexity models are identified. According to these findings, a new approach for determining terminal air traffic complexity indicators is proposed which assumes that terminal complexity could be determined based on approach air traffic controller (ATCO) tasks. The comprehensive list of general approach ATCO tasks was defined using a literature review and observation of training exercises, forming the basis for subsequent expert group workshops which enabled the acquisition of ATCOs’ knowledge data. Through these workshops, new approach ATCO tasks were additionally identified, and terminal complexity indicators were defined with airspace and traffic parameters. These new tasks and indicators present a novelty in this field of research since they incorporate ATCOs’ knowledge as the data input and consider various traffic scenarios, all types of traffic, weather conditions, and off-nominal situations.