Improving TMA sequencing process: Innovative integration of AMAN constraints in controllers environment

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to present the design process of a visual tool aiming at enhancing the integration of an advanced AMAN in an innovative working environment designed for Terminal sectors, i.e. sectors mainly dealing with traffic inbound or outbound from a major or several major airports. The paper notably emphasizes the way HMI techniques can address a rather complex issue such as the integration of a sequencing tool and the way human being can take into account new information in an ecological way, thanks to adapted design process. The paper firstly introduces the controlling activity in terminal sectors. Then, the article presents the sequencing tool current functionalities and the results of a survey that highlights tool's potential improvements that could be foreseen especially in response to difficulties met by some controllers to translate AMAN information in meaningful and operative notions. In the last part, the paper proposes to describe the user centered design process methodology and the way it has been applied in order to improve AMAN operators' efficiency. The result of the design process proposes a more direct (based on direct perception) and intuitive approach than the current one based on time constraints. The design takes indeed advantages of man's powerful perceptive skills to recognize patterns and evaluate shapes. Observations of trials with the resulting electronic prototype enable to highlight operators' strategies in the use of the tool and to give a first qualitative assessment of the design.