DataComm Segment 2 - ATC Tower HITL

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Document Number:
DOT/FAA/TC-10/05
Publication Date:
07-2010
Authors: Robert Muldoon
Todd Truitt, PhD.

Truitt, T. & Muldoon, R. (2010). Data Communications Segment 2 Airport Traffic Control Tower Human-in-the-Loop Simulation (DOT/FAA/TC-10/05). Atlantic City International Airport, NJ: Federal Aviation Administration William J. Hughes Technical Center.

Abstract

This technical report provides a brief literature review of previous research on air traffic control concepts relevant to the Data Communications (Data Comm) program and examines the use of digital-taxi (D-Taxi) clearances for departure aircraft under three levels of data link equipage (Voice Only vs. 40% Data Comm vs. 75% Data Comm). Sixteen current controllers participated in a high-fidelity, human-in-the-loop simulation to assess the potential effects of D-Taxi on controller communications, workload, and performance. We collected measures of airport system efficiency and usability measures for the Tower Operations Digital Data System that enabled the D-Taxi functions and taxiway conformance monitoring. We examined the specific effects of taxi conformance monitoring and a complete data link system failure in an additional exploratory scenario. This report provides a detailed set of results and recommendations for future research and requirements generation that the Federal Aviation Administration should consider when implementing the Data Comm Segment 2 concepts.