Automation possibilities in air traffic control

The growing labor intensiveness of the air traffic control system, and concerns over the safety of aircraft operations, are focusing increased attention on the possibilities of increasing the level of automation. Advances in computer technology and communication techniques offer the potential for significant improvements in the operation of the traffic control system. This paper reviews the functions of air traffic control and, based on detailed studies of these functions, outlines an approach which has the potential of achieving a significantly higher level of automation with resulting improvement in safety and operating efficiency.