Simulation Evaluation of Conflict Resolution and Weather Avoidance

The pilot- and controller-in-the-loop simulation described in this paper demonstrates the potential benefits of a near-term trajectory-based operations concept with datalink communications. Near-term operations with datalink are characterized by a fleet of which not all aircraft are equipped with datalink communications (i.e., mixed equipage). The objectives of this simulation were to continue to develop capabilities such as the conflict resolution algorithm, as well as evaluate new capabilities and concepts such as tactical conflict detection and trajectory-based weather avoidance with feedback from experienced pilots and controllers. Conflict resolutions and tactical conflict detections were compared to controller actions. The direction of the conflict resolution maneuver advised by the algorithm agreed with controller actions 79 % of the time when both chose to apply the same type of resolution maneuver to the same aircraft. Comparing controller actions to conflicts detected by the tactical conflict detection function revealed no missed alerts and a false alert rate of 11%. Trajectory-based weather avoidance functions received high ratings from the controllers for usefulness and ease of use. In particular, controllers noted weather avoidance reroutes originating from a simulated traffic management coordinator position alleviated their concerns about potentially disrupting traffic flow management plans, thus expediting the issuance of the reroutes. I