Pilot use of voice and datalink communications for interval management

A Human-In-The-loop (HITL) simulation was conducted to investigate the integration of two advanced aviation capabilities across both the air and ground domains. Interval Management (IM) and Controller Pilot Data Link Communications (CPDLC) were the two capabilities. The IM concept was examined in different communication environments. Of particular interest was the communication of the IM clearance since it is expected to be a complex communication. The simulation focused on three levels of IM clearance complexity and two different modes of communication (voice only versus voice with CPDLC). Pilot CPDLC communications were further examined by allowing for the CPDLC message to either be manually or directly loaded into the flight deck IM equipment. In the HITL, pilots and controllers conducted IM and had communication exchanges that were supported by automation. Pilot results from the HITL are provided in this paper. The majority of pilots found the integration of the IM and CPDLC capabilities acceptable. Pilots had difficulty with the “Higher” complexity IM clearances, especially over voice communications. They preferred CPDLC over voice communications and the results revealed using CPDLC improved the acceptability of Higher complexity clearances. The results of the HITL are expected to be used by the Federal Aviation Administration to further scope the spectrum of IM operations and communications.