Evaluation of controller tools for conducting MLS curved approaches to New York's JFK Airport

Abstract

The authors describe the simulation and evaluation of an automation aid for helping air traffic controllers deal with aircraft that might fly MLS (microwave landing system) curved approaches to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York. In the scenario studied, aircraft with appropriate MLS equipment would fly a curved approach to JFK's runway 13R, while other aircraft would fly the currently used straight-in ILS (instrument landing system) approach to parallel runway 13L. To deal with the possible case of an MLS aircraft that blunders toward the ILS path, this scenario requires controllers to maintain an appropriate stagger between aircraft on the two approaches. The automation aid investigated is a projected image of the controller's display. Controllers from the New York Terminal Radar Approach Control Facility have participated in simulated traffic scenarios to evaluate this aid. Initial observations are given.<>