Alternatives for Air Traffic Control Displays

The United States air traffic control (ATC) system is designed to provide for the safe and efficient flow of air traffic from origin to destination. Traffic levels are projected to continue increasing over the foreseeable future. Because of the potential consequences of errors, it is important to identify and reduce the factors that increase ATC complexity. This research examined the application of color and text enhancements to ATC displays as methods of reducing complexity in the en route environment. The enhancements tested in this study were color coding of (a) aircraft destination airport, (b) overflights, and (c) special use airspace. Eight Certified Professional Controllers participated in the high fidelity, human-in-the-loop simulation. The results suggest that the enhancements were effective in helping controllers maintain safety, efficiency, attention, and situational awareness. The controllers issued fewer altitude changes overall when the overflight enhancement was used. Similarly, they issued fewer altitude changes for arrival aircraft when the destination airport enhancement was used. Over-the-shoulder observers rated the controllers as more effective in maintaining safe and efficient traffic flow, tailoring control actions to the situation, and prioritizing, with the use of the SUA enhancement. The controllers also reported that the enhancements helped in prioritizing control actions and planning ahead.