En Route Generic Airspace Evaluation

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Document Number:
DOT/FAA/CT-TN97/7
Publication Date:
01-1998
Authors: Joseph A. Guttman
Earl S. Stein

Guttman, J.A. & Stein, E.S. (1997). En route generic airspace evaluation (DOT/FAA/CT-TN97/7). Atlantic City International Airport: Federal Aviation Administration William J. Hughes Technical Center.

Abstract

This En Route Generic Airspace Evaluation is one of a series of air traffic control (ATC) simulation experiments. It is directed toward development and validation of the use of generic airspace for use in ATC research and development. For this project, generic refers to a sector that embodies the important elements of an en route sector including airways, en route radar performance, restricted areas, and radar procedures. In a generic sector, conditions are standardized. This is a significant advantage over using each controller's home sector where many factors vary such as familiarity and sector complexity. Experienced Federal Aviation Administration personnel developed and tested this en route generic airspace. The design was based on a typical high-altitude sector used in many en route centers. In addition, the sector was designed to facilitate rapid learning. In this experiment, experienced controllers performed their normal functions working with realistic traffic scenarios presented by a high fidelity ATC simulator. Voice communication equipment enabled controllers to issue commands to remote simulation pilots. The results showed that three performance-measurement categories (Air Traffic Workload Input Technique (ATWIT) ratings, system effectiveness measures, and controller self ratings of performance) showed high correlations between the generic and home sectors.

Updated: May 04, 2012 11:21 AM