Combining Sequencing Tool and Spacing Instructions to Enhance the Management of Arrival Flows of Aircraft

Abstract

This paper reports on an experiment conducted with air traffic controllers to investigate the joint use of a sequencing tool and spacing instructions to enhance the management of arrival flows. The experiment simulated two en-route and one approach sectors (total of seven positions). It was shown that sequencing tool and spacing instructions can be jointly used in en-route and in the terminal area, with high benefits particularly in the terminal area. Main benefits are: a positive impact on controller activity (earlier flow integration and relief from late vectoring) and on control effectiveness (more regular inter-aircraft spacing on final approach, a slight increase of throughput and straighter trajectories with no dispersion below 4000ft).