A vertical image as a means to improve air traffic control in extended TMA

This paper describes a new working environment that has been designed for terminal sectors (E-TMA). An initial description of the characteristics of such sectors is given. An analysis of the tasks of controllers and their corresponding bottlenecks is made. The new environment proposes solutions to address these difficulties. The first result is an interface, called VertiDigi, dedicated to arrival sectors. It consists of a vertical representation of traffic on a touch sensitive screen, which serves as a visualization and input device in lieu of the paper strips board. Discussion of the underlying concepts and the potential advantages of the new interface follows. Several advantages are given, but moreover, the proposed environment can be used as a framework for the implementation of both new methods for control in these sectors (sequencing, work sharing and work load management through preparation), but also the capturing of concepts such as data-link or ASAS spacing.