Evaluation of a Transfer of Control Concept for Airborne Self-Separation

Abstract

Airborne self-separation is one of the concepts which is currently under discussion as a key feature in NextGen/SESAR's future air-transport system. Self-separation of aircraft is expected to provide higher capacity and safety levels as well as a better consideration of the different needs of airspace users. However, in order to become operational self-separation requires certain airspace structures and procedures. Compared to earlier studies by FAA and NASA which are based on the concept of shared control by ATC and flight crews, our approach uses a transfer of control concept where the control authority for aircraft separation tasks is shifted from ATC to flight crews and back to ATC. In order to better understand possible roles and role changes of future aviators, we conducted an integrated simulation study with 15 airline pilots and five air-traffic controllers on a low-cost simulation platform called AviaSim. In an experimental design with repeated measurements, the subjects flew three scenarios with and without control shift for self-separation. The findings show that operators' workload and situation awareness scores are better balanced under the shift-of-control condition compared to the traditional ground-control condition. Additionally, effects of transfer of control on preferred separation tactics and safety indicators are examined.