A queueing performance comparison of extended proportional controller in TCP traffic control

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present a detailed performance comparison of recent and state-of-the-art population-based optimization algorithms for the air traffic control problem. Design/methodology/approach Landing sequence and corresponding landing times for the aircrafts were determined by using population-based optimization algorithms such as artificial bee colony, particle swarm, differential evolution, biogeography-based optimization, simulated annealing, firefly and teaching–learning-based optimization. To obtain a fair comparison, all simulations were repeated 30 times for each of the seven algorithms, two different problems and two different population sizes, and many different criteria were used. Findings Compared to conventional methods that depend on a single solution at the same time, population-based algorithms have simultaneously produced many alternate possible solutions that can be used recursively to achieve better results. Research limitations/implications In some cases, it may take slightly longer to obtain the optimum landing sequence and times compared to the methods that give a direct result; however, the processing times can be reduced using powerful computers or GPU computations. Practical implications The simulation results showed that using population-based optimization algorithms were useful to obtain optimal landing sequence and corresponding landing times. Thus, the proposed air traffic control method can also be used effectively in real airport applications. Social implications By using population-based algorithms, air traffic control can be performed more effectively. In this way, there will be more efficient planning of passengers’ travel schedules and efficient airport operations. Originality/value The study compares the performances of recent and state-of-the-art optimization algorithms in terms of effective air traffic control and provides a useful approach.

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Workload Perception of Air Traffic Control Officers and Pilots During Continuous Descent Operations Approach Procedures

Aviation Psychology and Applied Human Factors ◽

10.1027/2192-0923/a000154 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (1) ◽

pp. 2-11

Author(s):

Marina Efthymiou ◽

Frank Fichert ◽

Olaf Lantzsch

Keyword(s):

Fuel Consumption ◽

Traffic Control ◽

Air Traffic Control ◽

Negative Impact ◽

Air Traffic ◽

Reduce Fuel Consumption ◽

Total Load ◽

Open Path

Abstract. The paper examines the workload perceived by air traffic control officers (ATCOs) and pilots during continuous descent operations (CDOs), applying closed- and open-path procedures. CDOs reduce fuel consumption and noise emissions. Therefore, they are supported by airports as well as airlines. However, their use often depends on pilots asking for CDOs and controllers giving approval and directions. An adapted NASA Total Load Index (TLX) was used to measure the workload perception of ATCOs and pilots when applying CDOs at selected European airports. The main finding is that ATCOs’ workload increased when giving both closed- and open-path CDOs, which may have a negative impact on their willingness to apply CDOs. The main problem reported by pilots was insufficient distance-to-go information provided by ATCOs. The workload change is important when considering the use of CDOs.

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How to Evaluate Remote Tower Metrics in Connection With Weather Observations

Aviation Psychology and Applied Human Factors ◽

10.1027/2192-0923/a000142 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 8 (2) ◽

pp. 100-111 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Maik Friedrich ◽

Christoph Möhlenbrink

Keyword(s):

Traffic Control ◽

Air Traffic Control ◽

Influential Factors ◽

Air Traffic ◽

Weather Event ◽

Evaluation Of Performance ◽

Weather Events ◽

Weather Observations ◽

Validation Experiment ◽

Remote Controller

Abstract. Owing to the different approaches for remote tower operation, a standardized set of indicators is needed to evaluate the technical implementations at a task performance level. One of the most influential factors for air traffic control is weather. This article describes the influence of weather metrics on remote tower operations and how to validate them against each other. Weather metrics are essential to the evaluation of different remote controller working positions. Therefore, weather metrics were identified as part of a validation at the Erfurt-Weimar Airport. Air traffic control officers observed weather events at the tower control working position and the remote control working position. The eight participating air traffic control officers answered time-synchronized questionnaires at both workplaces. The questionnaires addressed operationally relevant weather events in the aerodrome. The validation experiment targeted the air traffic control officer’s ability to categorize and judge the same weather event at different workplaces. The results show the potential of standardized indicators for the evaluation of performance and the importance of weather metrics in relation to other evaluation metrics.

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