Traffic management considerations from shadow testing of the Surface Management System

When provided with predictive information of future traffic demand at an airport, air traffic managers can benefit through effective strategic planning, reductions in controller workload through information integration, and the provision of a shared view of the traffic situation. The objectives of the Surface Management System (SMS) Shadow Testing included: 1) demonstration of SMS features in support of specific traffic management tasks to FAA Air Traffic participants using live traffic data feeds, 2) gathering feedback from FAA traffic managers on SMS traffic management features, and 3) the collection of additional feedback from shadow testing to further refine SMS algorithms and displays in preparation for future operational demonstrations. Five air traffic managers from Memphis area ATC facilities participated in the SMS shadow testing. All traffic managers were asked to provide feedback regarding the usefulness and effectiveness of SMS to support traffic management tasks. Positive feedback was reported with respect to information and decision support for air traffic managers and recommendations were provided on how to improve the usability of information display.