A knowledge-based conflict resolution algorithm for terminal area air traffic control advisory generation

Abstract

NASA researchers, working under the Aviation System Capacity Program and in conjunction with the FAA Free Flight Program Office, have developed a set of decision support tools to assist terminal area air traffic controllers with control of arrival and departure traffic. Two of these tools, the Final Approach Spacing Tool (FAST) and the Expedite Departure Path (EDP) tool, provide air traffic controllers with heading, speed and altitude advisories to assist in spacing aircraft. This paper describes the conflict prediction and resolution algorithm shared by aFAST and EDP to produce conflict-free aircraft trajectories with realistic conflict resolution maneuvers. The process is accomplished in three stages: prediction, classification and resolution. A conflict prediction scheme is documented which incorporates all applicable FAA separation requirements, including automatic detection of separation during transition from staggered to simultaneous parallel approach operations. A method of classifying predicted conflicts with a limited set of criteria is detailed. Finally, a knowledge-based conflict resolution process is presented which allows for resolution of predicted conflicts in a manner consistent with controller practice: including prioritization of resolution tactics and mixture of multiple degrees of freedom to achieve separation. The scheme has been employed in both closed-loop simulations to determine solution stability and controller-in-the-loop simulations to begin development of the resolution tactics knowledge base.