The impact of multi sector planning and new working procedures on controller tasks

A workload reduction can only be achieved if the underlying operational concept ensures the best use of provided tools. In various ATM research projects multi sector planning has been identified as a key enabler to increase en-route productivity and capacity for the European ATM system. This paper describes the development of three multi sector planning concept configurations including an associated controller task matrix that provides an overview of changing task responsibilities and thus potential areas of workload decrease for the controller. The paper conclude that the introduction of multi sector planning is possible under all simulated traffic situations if a clear distribution of tasks and responsibilities between the controller team is introduced and the required redundancy for supervision of traffic is maintained.