1

Controller feedback from the Controller feedback from the CoSpace / NUP II TMA CoSpace / NUP II TMA experimentexperiment

ASAS-TN, 19-21 AprilASAS-TN, 19-21 April 200 2004, Toulouse4, Toulouse

Liz Jordan, NATS, U.K.Liz Jordan, NATS, U.K.Gatwick approach controllerGatwick approach controller

2

ContextContext

Six approach controllers: executive & planner functionsSix approach controllers: executive & planner functions• 2 Orly• 2 Roma• 2 Gatwick

Two sectors based on Orly and CDGTwo sectors based on Orly and CDG• Single runway operation, south-east arrivals only

Runs with & without time based spacingRuns with & without time based spacing Traffic derived from real traffic sampleTraffic derived from real traffic sample

• High level: 34 aircraft/hour – one sample: 38 aircraft/hour Simulation lasted over 4 weeks (10 days of training)Simulation lasted over 4 weeks (10 days of training) ASAS equipped A320 cockpit simulator for early ASAS equipped A320 cockpit simulator for early

assessment of airborne functionsassessment of airborne functions Role of the executive controller: to integrate 2 flows of Role of the executive controller: to integrate 2 flows of

aircraft onto final approachaircraft onto final approach

3

PrinciplesPrinciples

Motivation: to increase controller availabilityMotivation: to increase controller availability No transfer of separation responsibilityNo transfer of separation responsibility

• Neither to transfer problems• Nor to give more freedom to flight crew

Controller remains in charge of analysing situations and Controller remains in charge of analysing situations and defining solutionsdefining solutions

Preserves controller authority and understanding of Preserves controller authority and understanding of situationssituations• Keep mental picture

Controller issues appropriate instructions to guarantee Controller issues appropriate instructions to guarantee spacing and separationspacing and separation• flight crew executes it

4

ApplicabilityApplicability

Use of time based spacingUse of time based spacing• 90 seconds• 120 seconds when lead aircraft is heavy

Spacing at start of sequence must be achievableSpacing at start of sequence must be achievable• Speed compatible• Spacing at converging point not lower than desired

Training and understanding of technique importantTraining and understanding of technique important Standard trajectories defined and adhered toStandard trajectories defined and adhered to

• Final integration of sequence to a point

5

TechniqueTechnique

ControllerController XYZ, select target 1234XYZ, select target 1234

XYZ, merge WPT 90s behind XYZ, merge WPT 90s behind targettarget

PilotPilot

Selecting target 1234, XYZSelecting target 1234, XYZ

XYZ, target 1234 identified, 2 XYZ, target 1234 identified, 2 o’clock, 30 mileso’clock, 30 miles

Merging WPT 90s behind Merging WPT 90s behind target, XYZtarget, XYZ

The controller can then issue the spacing instruction

Targ

et

iden

tific

atio

nSt

art o

f air

born

e sp

acin

g

The flight crew tasked to acquire and then maintain the designated spacing to the preceding aircraft

6

DLH456310 - 433452

AZA123310 - 451234

8

DLH456310 - 433452

AZA123310 - 451234

8

Selecting target

Activating spacing

7

IssuesIssues

Applicability to other airspaceApplicability to other airspace Detection of unexpected eventsDetection of unexpected events

• Change in controller’s monitoring pattern Handling of abnormal situationsHandling of abnormal situations

• Fallback procedures, i.e. stack Too much expectationToo much expectation Risk of de-skillingRisk of de-skilling Risk of disengagementRisk of disengagement

8

LimitsLimits

Detrimental if not properly usedDetrimental if not properly used• Leads to increased workload

Change in working methodsChange in working methods• Resistance to change

Flexibility to fine tune spacing is limitedFlexibility to fine tune spacing is limited• Vortex table must be redefined in time, i.e. 2½ miles• Wind and weather constraints to be accommodated

Spacing monitoring tool required, to alert controller to Spacing monitoring tool required, to alert controller to a degrading situationa degrading situation

9

BenefitsBenefits

Controller can plan aheadController can plan ahead• Anticipate sequence and issue spacing instructions later

when appropriate• Fewer ‘late’ instructions for heading/speed adjustments?

Expected that increased controller availability could Expected that increased controller availability could lead to improved safety?lead to improved safety?

Enable better management of traffic?Enable better management of traffic? More capacity?More capacity? Flight crew gain in awareness and anticipation of their Flight crew gain in awareness and anticipation of their

situation?situation? Reduction in controller training?Reduction in controller training?

10

Aircraft trajectoriesAircraft trajectories

No spacingSession A1N

Time spacingSession A1TNo Time