DEVELOPMENT AND APPLICATION OF A TERMINAL SPACING SYSTEM.
Abstract
This report describes the results of laboratory and field tests of a NAFEC-developed computer system which provided aircraft rate control and spacing assistance to the air traffic controllers in a terminal area. A general purpose digital computer was used to provide heading, speed and turn information, in symbolic and numeric form, on an ASR-4 radar display used by the final approach controller. Additionally, an input/output device at the flight data location indicated which aircraft should depart which outer fix at a given time, in order to establish and maintain a consistent 'first-come, first-served' traffic flow in the final spacing area (metering). Initial testing was conducted at NAFEC. The system was subsequently relocated to the J. F. Kennedy Terminal Radar Control (TRACON) for further evaluation in an operational environment. In a comparison with the manual control system, use of the final spacing function of the computer system resulted in more consistent and accurate landing intervals which would proportionately increase the arrival rate. Other expected benefits could not be properly assessed during the field appraisal due to operational, environmental and other constraints resulting from the heavy J. F. Kennedy traffic. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1968
- Accession Number
- AD0673262
Entities
People
- Donald A. Martin
- Francis M. Willett Jr.