Controller Support for Time-Based Surface Management - First results from a feasibility workshop

Abstract

This paper reports first results from a workshop to assess the feasibility of a new method of tool-supported time-based surface management. Using high-fidelity human-in-the-loop simulations, ground controllers had to manage traffic in adherence to time-based surface trajectories while being supported by a surface management system prototype and a departure management system prototype. Controller feedback was gathered and compared to a baseline with standard operational procedures and without any decision support system. It was found that a considerable amount of comments were favorable to the presented concept of time-based surface management and the surface management system´s prototype HMI. However, a higher stability and reliability of optimized surface management plans, higher safety margins and less replanning at short notice were requested. Furthermore, possibilities to set additional remarks at the aircraft´s label and a more intuitive display of advisories were desired.