Potential Information Integration of a Surface Management System Concept with Other Air Traffic Systems

Abstract

NASA and FAA have identified the need for future air traffic control (ATC) automation tools to integrate with other existing or planned automation tools. Issues such as complementary decision support features (i.e. combining departure and arrival planning tools), limited display space in the FAA facilities, and the potential for performance benefits of integrating systems have driven the need to examine integration. NASA is currently leading the research and development of the Surface Management System (SMS). SMS is an information and decision support tool designed to aid ATC controllers and traffic managers in managing surface operations. This document provides an initial examination of the potential integration of the SMS concept to integrate with the Airport Surface Detection Equipment X-band (ASDE-X) and the Traffic Management Advisor (TMA).