Change of controller tasks in a sectorless ATM concept - first results

In a sectorless air traffic management concept the airspace is not divided into sectors but seen as one piece. An air traffic controller is no longer in charge of a sector but is responsible for individual flights which he or she controls from the entry into the airspace to the exit. This means that the controller has to keep track of several flights and traffic situations which might not be in the same geographic region. Of course, such a considerable change of concept influences the tasks and way of working for the controller. This paper gives first results about how a sectorless concept might change controller tasks. Real time simulations conducted at DLR provided first indications regarding changes in controller tasks, which are presented and analyzed. A preliminary task analysis is provided and discussed. We review different task models for a sectored concept and use them for a comparison of tasks in a sectored and a sectorless concept. Coordination with adjoining sectors is no longer necessary in a sectorless concept. In addition, the introduction of conflict detection tools and other automatic support systems could relieve the controller of planning tasks, thus shifting the main tasks more towards tactic control and monitoring. The discussion suggests a work environment and procedures which help the controller to exploit the benefits of sectorless control while retaining situational awareness.