Abstract :
Near-term improvements in the air traffic control system are examined, and concerns over whether these changes will be comprehensive and made quickly enough to keep up with traffic growth are addressed. The abilities of the new host computers installed in the 20 US en route centers are discussed. The problem of too many pilots communicating with a controller on one radio frequency, which is nowhere close to being solved, is considered. New digital radar equipment and its capabilities are described. The need to increase human controller productivity is explored.<>
Keywords :
air traffic computer control; digital communication systems; maintenance engineering; radar applications; radionavigation; USA; air traffic control system; digital radar equipment; host computers; human controller productivity; maintenance; radio frequency; upgrading; Air traffic control; Communication system traffic control; Humans; Productivity; Radar equipment; Radio control; Radio frequency;