The Air Traffic Kludge

The current Air traffic system is a 'Kludge' - an unplanned accumulation of expedients. Tools and equipment have been adopted and adapted from other systems with no strategic oversight. It works, and is safe, but no one really knows how safe it is, where it is weak or how it can be improved. This book describes the current system, showing some of its weak points. It sketches the process of defining a revised system. It begins by looking at the system, considering its history, current state and possible future development, considering what it should or should not do. It then considers different types of large systems, from anarchy to total automation, before suggesting that a digitally based integrated system is required. It looks at the human contribution to the existing system, looks at traditional and modern equipment. It looks at the general principles of human-machine systems, examines the data involved, and the actions required of the system, defining the human contribution. It then examines how the human controller should interface with the system, using dynamic direct interactions, and specific displays for possible emergencies. It describes initial evaluations of a revised interface and suggests others. It sketches how individual operators should form teams and how centres should be organised. It ends with conclusions and recommendations for a deeper analysis and implementation of a revised system. The product of 32 years of practical study of Air traffic Control and a further ten years of deeper analysis, this book points the way to a cheaper, safer and more humane system. The views expressed in this book are the author's own and are not necessarily endorsed by EUROCONTROL or its management.