A FRAMEWORK FOR THE ESTIMATION OF EUROPEAN AIRSPACE CAPACITY USING A MODEL OF CONTROLLER WORKLOAD

摘要: This paper describes how air traffic controllers play a vital role in ensuring that all aircraft under their jurisdiction maintain safe separation the airspace through which they pass. is divided into control (ATC) sectors, are geographical volumes of airspace. Controllers assisted by technology and international regulations. The becoming more critical as growth Europe rapidly increases, e.g. period between 1985-1990, increased 7.1% annually. Furthermore, this unevenly distributed throughout Europe, with existence "core area", consisting essentially London-Brussels-Frankfurt-Milan (including Paris) area, where density greatest. Forecast indicates for 1990 2010 110%, leading to over 11 million flights per year Western 2010. Demand area" forecast increase Hence, already very busy will have future. major problem lack single, integrated ATC system Europe. Each nation controls manages its infrastructure within airspace, incompatibilities duplication tasks information. Amongst implications these two factors are: (1) rise flight delays Europe; (2) non-optimal profiles; (3) extra route lengths; (4) possible safety implications. economic impact delays, well other inefficiencies (e.g. profiles), was calculated cost 1989, US $5 billion (in 1988 $). European Commission also confirmed figure December 1999. In late 1980s, Organization Safety Air Navigation (EUROCONTROL) developed Traffic Control Harmonization Integration Program (EATCHIP) (EUROCONTROL, 1991) tackle capacity problems. EATCHIP aims progressively harmonize integrate diverse systems using: new both room air, mandatory area navigation (RNAV) equipment on enable greater position precision than at present; innovative procedures, flexible use civil military ATC. Many objectives been achieved it has had some success reducing problem, 40% since cope 35% during same period. However, not disappeared. provide method determining using simulation model controller's workload, vest authors' knowledge s first such rigorous analysis problem.