The Use of Predictive Displays for Aiding Controller Situation Awareness

Abstract

This study provides an empirical evaluation of the effects of an enhanced predictive display concept for air traffic control. The predictive display informed the controller of the targeted altitude or heading of aircraft in a transitionary state The information provided simulated that which could be produced by a datalink from the aircraft's flight management system in a future air traffic system operation. The pilots in the simulation operated under self-separation rules and did not request clearances for altered flight plans. Use of the predictive display resulted in improvements in some air traffic control performance and situation awareness measures. Based on the results of the study, we recommend making improvements to the predictive display to better integrate it with the controller's radar display.