Dynamic planning and time-conflict resolution in air traffic control

Abstract

The described computer-based planning system has been developed in all its elements at the DFVLR-Institute for Flight Guidance. It has been tested and evaluated at the institute's air traffic simulation facility, using traffic scenarios of Frankfurt Airport in real-time simulations, with up to 52 aircraft movements simultaneously.

The dynamic planning algorithm as well as the operational concept for computer assistance and the man-machine interface not only proved to be feasible, but were also readily accepted by more than 30 air traffic controllers from the Frankfurt Air Traffic Control Center, who took part in the tests and evaluations.

Thus a first step towards the introduction of intelligent computer assistance for the controllers has been successfully achieved. It is however quite obvious, that this step of transferring human planning and decision making functions to a computer is still limited, with respect to the operational requirements of the user. A next step, which has been started in cooperation with Prof. Wahlster's institute at the University of Saarbrücken, is to implement some human controller heuristics in a rule-based system, which will then be coupled with the described algorithm. Essential for any operational application however are not only appropiate models and suitable computer capabilities, but in particular the careful design of elements and procedures for the man-machine interface.