CoSpace 2003 Controller Model-based Study Assessment of Airborne Spacing Tasks in the Extended TMA

This report presents the results from the CoSpace 2003 Controller Model-based Study. 

This study complemented a series of CoSpace ground and air validation exercises which investigated the use of spacing instructions (airborne spacing) to sequence arrival flows from cruise to initial approach (Extended-TMA) and more recently down to final approach (TMA). The Controller Model-based Study focussed on the impact of airborne spacing on controller workload; it was based on the E-TMA Real-time Controller Simulation undertaken in November, 2002.The controllers who took part gave positive feedback, including the perception of reduced workload. This study built on the subjective real-time workload results and provides quantitative workload measurements under varied traffic conditions. The simulated airspace was derived from the Paris Southeast area and consisted of two measured E-TMA sectors and surrounding feed sectors. The traffic had to be sequenced as today (8nm) prior to being transferred to the TMA. The real-time simulation traffic samples and two 24 hour traffic samples were simulated. Results were produced for the executive and planning controllers in the measured sectors. The sensitivity of the traffic samples and the task weightings was investigated; neither was found to significantly affect the results. From the real-time simulation traffic samples, the introduction of airborne spacing noticeably reduced executive controller workload although planning controller workload did not change significantly. Most of the traffic flows in the 24 hour traffic samples produced noticeable workload reductions for the executive controllers. These workload reductions could be expected to positively impact sector capacity and, based solely on executive controller workload, capacity increases were recorded. However, it must be noted that TMA and runway constraints are currently the main limiting factors of E-TMA capacity. No safety or human factors issues were considered in the evaluation of the capacity values as there was no possibility to factor them into the model.

The next phase of the controller Model-based Study will assess the feasibility of a TMA study.

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CoSpace 2003 Controller Model-based Study Assessment of Airborne Spacing Tasks in the Extended TMA