Decision Support Tool for Planner Controllers Operating in Multi-Airport Regions

Abstract

Currently, a high workload is experienced by executive controllers operating in Area Control Center (ACC) Sector 3 of Dutch airspace. Due to a lack of predictive information prior to departure, the planner controller is unable to manipulate regional outbound traffic with the aim of reducing the experienced workload of the executive controller. The main contribution of this paper is the introduction of a decision support tool (DST), that supports the planner controller in manipulating regional outbound flights. The DST incorporates an adapted version of the Luchtverkeersleiding Nederland (LVNL) Workload Model (WLM), which is currently used by ACC supervisors for long-term workload management for executive controllers, to compute workload scores that support the planner controller’s decisions on the timing of take-off clearances for regional outbound flights. Within this research, only the postponement of take-off clearances was considered, as departures can be delayed when necessary, whereas advancing a departure time is often operationally infeasible. An experiment was conducted involving one planner controller and five executive controllers to explore the effect of DST use by the planner controller on the workload experienced by the executive controllers. Overall, the use of the DST demonstrates potential to reduce the workload experienced by executive controllers; however, further adaptations to the WLM, such as incorporating aircraft performance characteristics into the workload calculation, may enhance the effectiveness of the DST for medium-term planning in multi-airport environments.