Evaluation of CPDLC and voice communication during approach phase

Abstract

The objective of CPDLC is to improve the safety and efficiency of air traffic management. The safety review reports approach and landing phase of flight as the most critical phase of flight. TMA (Terminal Maneuvering Area) airspace is designated area with high volume of air traffic resulting in higher pilot and controller workload and performance requirements. To address this problem, a research studying means of using CPDLC with ATC procedures in TMA was proposed. This paper provides an analysis of existing procedures in communication between ATCO (Air Traffic Controller) and pilot in approach phase of flight and the impact of using data link communication or their combination. For purposes of this research was developed software application simulating communication between pilots and ATCO in a form of a procedural control. All procedures and simulation application was developed to meet the EUROCONTROL requirements. The research objectives were specified for general use of data link communication for procedural training to reduce number of orders, define common errors, eliminate errors using data link, create user friendly interface of software application for ATCO, create electronic only environment, identify usage of combination of voice and data link communication and compare congestion using voice and data link communication in approach phase of flight. Simulations using Beechcraft B58 flight simulator were included to evaluate pilot workload during approach phase of flight with, without or with combination of voice and data link means of communication. In results, data link communication proves itself as a tool of a significant voice communication congestion decrease to reduce controller's workload. Finally, the results of an experiment dedicated to performance improvements are presented.