Testing the Surface Management System (SMS) Through Operational Trials with Air Traffic Control and Airline Participants

Abstract

The Surface Management System (SMS) aims to increase airport capacity and decrease surface gridlock, which are goals consistent with the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) National Airspace System Operational Evolution Plan (FAA, 2002). An operational trial was conducted to evaluate the initial design of the SMS traffic management tools. Although the dataset was small, participant responses were positive on four dimensions (usefulness, frequency of use, perceived accuracy, and ease of use) for nearly all of the six traffic management tools. Participant debriefs highlighted additional issues including the effects of SMS on coordination between Air Traffic Management facilities. This paper outlines the conduct of the operational trials and explores two of the major issues raised by the observations made during the trials.

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