Abstract

The increase in air traffic volume within the National Airspace System has prompted the Federal Aviation Administration to explore more efficient methods of conducting Air Traffic Control. Toward this end, a project to develop Simultaneous Non-Interfering (SNI) Routes for rotary wing aircraft has been undertaken. In order to develop these routes with an appropriate level of safety, the ability of a rotary wing pilot to fly an assigned path with the aid of Global Positioning System navigational equipment must be evaluated. This evaluation must be conducted initially in a simulated environment. So as to record the most accurate human performance data possible, the simulated airspace must be as close to reality as possible. The goal of this thesis is to accurately simulate the airspace for use in the development of SNI routes. In order to create a realistic simulated flying environment the performance and visual presentation of other air traffic was made to perform as they do in the real world. In addition, the radio transmissions heard by the simulator pilot were designed with both timeliness and accuracy with regard to the air traffic scenario. Through the use of these visual and aural cues, a realistic airspace simulation was created. http://archive.org/details/realisticirspace109455831 Major, United States Marine Corps Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.