An Operation Evaluation of ADS-B and CDTI during Airport Surface and Final Approach Operations

Abstract

The availability of new technologies for both the flight deck and air traffic control facilities is creating new capabilities for enhanced aircraft operations. With the introduction of these new technologies comes a need to evaluate their effectiveness in both laboratory and operational settings. Two such technologies, Automatic Dependent Surveillance - Broadcast (ADS-B), and Cockpit Display of Traffic Information (CDTI) with and without a surface map, were demonstrated during an Operational Evaluation in the Ohio Valley. The main focus of the study was a comparison of flight crew navigational performance, traffic, and runway occupancy awareness, with and without a surface map on their CDTI displays during airport surface and final approach operations. Sixteen commercial, government, corporate, and general aviation crews participated in the evaluation, flying a variety of aircraft ranging from Boeing 727s to the Piper Aztecs. Aircraft GPS track position data, in flight observer reports, post-flight structured interviews, and post-flight questionnaires were used to support data collection. Flight crews reported that the CDTI enhanced their situational and traffic awareness. They also reported that when the CDTI included a surface map, surface navigational and traffic awareness were further enhanced. Pilots also reported that utilizing the CDTI did not interfere with other cockpit tasks. Finally, the addition of a surface map enhanced flight crews' awareness of runway status. These findings suggest that system efficiency and safety will be enhanced with the introduction of a CDTI which includes airport surface maps.