Benefits Analysis

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Document Number:
DOT/FAA/TC-07/24
Publication Date:
01-2007
Authors: Bart Brickman
Tanya Yuditsky, PhD.

Yuditsky, T., & Brickman, B. (2007). Benefits analysis for the National Traffic Management Log (DOT/FAA/TC-07/24). Atlantic City International Airport, NJ: Federal Aviation Administration William J. Hughes Technical Center.

Abstract

Traffic Management Specialists within the Air Traffic Control (ATC) system strategically manage the flow of air traffic to minimize delays and congestion due to system stressors such as heavy volume, weather, and equipment outages. ATC facilities are required to log all Traffic Management Initiatives (TMIs), coordinate the implementation of some initiatives with the Air Traffic Control System Command Center, and communicate TMIs to Traffic Management Specialists at all affected facilities and to the controllers within their facility. The Federal Aviation Administration developed the National Traffic Management Log (NTML) to provide a single system for automated coordination, logging, and communication of TMIs throughout the National Airspace System. This report describes the results of an empirical comparison of TMI processing with and without the NTML. Researchers observed benefits in completion times, potential for user error, and workload. Furthermore, the completion time and potential for error remained relatively unaffected by TMI complexity. These results suggest that the NTML will continue to provide benefits as ATC complexity increases in the future.