New and Envisioned Communication Technologies: How Well can They Support Future Air Traffic Management Operations?

Abstract

In the future air traffic management (ATM) system, flight crews will most likely have the option to dynamically adjust their flight path without prior approval from the ground. As a result, knowledge of intent may no longer be shared by pilots and controllers, and the potential for unforeseen conflicts as well as the need for immediate yet coordinated interventions can be expected to increase. To support such a short-term reactive approach to traffic management and separation, highly effective means of communication will be required that allow for a rapid creation and update of shared frames of reference. It is not clear that recently developed and envisioned communication media and technologies are designed with these goals in mind. A recent line of research explored the ability of two communication systems - DataLink and the Voice Control and Switching System (VSCS)—to handle communication not only in the current air traffic control system but to also support the highly flexible operations and new coordination and knowledge demands that are likely going to be part of the future ATM system. System reviews, conceptual simulations, and a pilot survey served to gather information on current and potential future experiences with these systems. The results of our research suggest that neither system is tailored to future ATM operations, and that they create new challenges even in the context of the current system.