Effects of Traffic Structure and Strategic Conflict Probe on Controller Performance and Flight Efficiency

Abstract

Controllers currently rely on structured routes and traffic organization for managing separation problems. The unstructured, tree routing environment that will gradually evolve under the Free Flight concept may place additional demands on controllers. An experiment was conducted to assess the effects of the unstructured traffic environment and a strategic conflict probe, the User Request Evaluation Tool (URET), on controller performance and flight efficiency. Results indicated that URET improves operational acceptability and may enhance safety in the unstructured environment. Limited evidence on flight efficiency indicated that controllers issued fewer, more strategic maneuvers with URET. Future research should focus on quantifying the effect of strategic conflict resolution on flight efficiency and assessing the interaction of procedures with URET.