Visual search in complex displays: factors affecting conflict detection by air traffic controllers

Area of Science:

• Aviation Human Factors
• Air Traffic Management
• Cognitive Psychology

Background:

• Free flight concepts propose reduced airspace constraints, increasing aircraft autonomy.
• This may decrease traffic regularity, potentially impairing air traffic controller situation awareness.
• The impact on controller performance requires empirical investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of removing fixed routes and altitude restrictions on air traffic controller conflict detection.
• To assess the influence of traffic load and conflict geometry on controller performance under varying airspace constraints.

Main Methods:

• Four visual search experiments were conducted, manipulating the presence or absence of fixed routes and altitude restrictions.
• Controllers' detection of traffic conflicts was measured under different traffic loads and conflict geometries.
• Color coding of altitude was also evaluated as a potential aid.

Main Results:

• Traffic load and conflict geometry consistently and significantly impacted conflict detection.
• Color coding altitude substantially improved conflict detection times.
• Removing altitude restrictions had a minor negative effect, while removing route restrictions had negligible negative impact on detection.

Conclusions:

• Free flight's impact on controller performance may be less detrimental than anticipated, particularly regarding route restrictions.
• Operational concepts for free flight should consider the significant effects of traffic load and conflict geometry.
• Further research is needed to fully understand the implications for air traffic control system design.