Human-in-the-Loop Investigation of Variable Separation Standards in the En Route Air Traffic Control Environment

Abstract

Human factors researchers from the FAA William J. Hughes Technical Center conducted a human-in-the-loop simulation to investigate variable lateral separation standards in the en route air traffic control environment. Twelve Certified Professional Controllers participated in the study. In addition to the typical 5-mile separation standard for the en route environment, we used reduced and increased separation requirements in the study. We simulated reduced separation requirements (i.e., 3 miles) using a Single Sensor Radar Site Adaptation as well as for aircraft with either Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast or Performance-Based Navigation equipment. We simulated increased separation (i.e., 10 miles) for Unmanned Aircraft Systems. In addition, we simulated variable wake turbulence separation requirements for Airbus 380s and Very Light Jets. We also developed a set of support tools to assist the controllers in using the variable separation procedures. We identified several human factors issues that may affect air traffic controllers when using variable separation standards in the en route environment.