Change of controller tasks in a sectorless ATM concept - first results

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Abstract

In a sectorless air traffic management concept the airspace is not divided into sectors but seen as one piece. An air traffic controller is no longer in charge of a sector but is responsible for individual flights which he or she controls from the entry into the airspace to the exit. This means that the controller has to keep track of several flights and traffic situations which might not be in the same geographic region. Naturally, such a considerable change of concept influences the tasks and way of working for the controller. This paper gives first results about how a sectorless concept might change controller tasks. It is debated which tools might best support such a concept and help the controller to maintain situational awareness. We review different models for task analysis and use them for a comparison of tasks in a sectored and a sectorless concept. Especially the role of a conflict detection tool and other automatic support systems is discussed. Real time simulations conducted at DLR provided first indications regarding changes in controller tasks, which are presented and analyzed. In a sectorless concept coordination with adjoining sectors is no longer necessary. The presented findings show that in addition the introduction of conflict detection tools could relieve the controller of planning tasks, thus shifting the main tasks more towards tactic control and monitoring. The discussion suggests a work environment and procedures which help the controller to exploit the benefits of sectorless control while retaining situational awareness and focus on the task of conflict avoidance.

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