Conflict resolution automation and pilot situation awareness

Abstract

This study compared pilot situation awareness across three traffic management concepts that varied traffic separation responsibility between the pilots, air-traffic controllers, and an automation system. In Concept 1, the flight deck was equipped with conflict resolution tools that enable them to perform the tasks of weather avoidance and self-separation from surrounding traffic. In Concept 2, air-traffic controllers were responsible for traffic separation, but pilots were provided tools for weather and traffic avoidance. In Concept 3, a ground based automation was used for conflict detection and resolution, and the flight deck tools allowed pilots to deviate for weather, but not detect conflicts. Results showed that pilot situation awareness was highest in Concept 1, where the pilots were most engaged, and lowest in Concept 3, where automation was heavily used. These findings suggest that pilot situation awareness on conflict resolution tasks can be improved by keeping them in the decision-making loop. © 2011 Springer-Verlag.