An Approach to Support Controller Workplace 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 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 in various traffic situations and under changing circumstances (e.g. different assistant systems, divisions of responsibilities, design of controller’s workplace, etc.). Inside the 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 special process of scenario design by fast and real time simulation is reviewed. Therefore, several traffic events (e.g. aircraft entering CTR, landing, taking off, etc.) are determined as significant. These significant events are compared based on their occurrence in fast and real time simulation, resulting in a five step cooperative strategy (cf. Image 1). Within this strategy several conditions and working steps are defined leading to an enhanced accomplishment of simulation campaigns exploiting the advantages of each simulation tool. Furthermore, an optimization cycle is identified for future improvement of the above mentioned fast time simulation controller’s model.