Simulator Evaluation of the Final Approach Spacing Tool

This paper describes the design and simulator evaluation of an automation tool for assisting terminal radar approach controllers in sequencing and spacing traffic onto the final approach course. The automation tool, referred to as the Final Approach Spacing Tool (FAST), displays speed and heading advisories for arrivals as well as sequencing information on the controller´s radar display. The main functional elements of FAST are a scheduler that schedules and sequences the traffic, a 4D trajectory synthesizer that generates the advisories, and a graphical interface that displays the information to the controller. FAST has been implemented on a high performance workstation. It can be operated standalone in the Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) Facility or as an element of a system integrated with automation tools in the Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC). FAST was evaluated by experienced TRACON controllers in a realtime air traffic control simulaton. Simulation results summarized in the paper show that FAST significantly reduced controller workload and demonstrated a potential for an increase in landing rate.