Comparison of air and ground conflict detection and resolution algorithms and their implications

Decision support tools (DSTs) designed to allow airspace users to maintain separation will become increasingly critical as more direct routes, free maneuvering, self-separation, and distributed air-ground traffic management concepts evolve. One type of DST, conflict detection and resolution (CD&R) tools, will play an important role in air traffic management both on the ground and in the air. A number of aircraft CD&R algorithms have been developed in recent years; however, there is no detailed competitive analysis that clearly demonstrates their effectiveness and efficiency. Kuchar and Yang (1997) surveyed multiple algorithms and documented their strengths, but the impact on the users of these algorithms has not yet been tested in simulated conditions with realistic traffic situations. Most of the studies examining individual algorithm effectiveness use either the fast-time or Monte Carlo process. Therefore, there is a need to examine and compare the effectiveness of these algorithms from a human-centered perspective.