Flight Crew Conduct of a Relative Spacing Task During Parallel Runway Operations

The Interval Management Paired Approach (IM PA) operation is intended to maximize arrival throughput to closely spaced parallel runways with centerlines less than 2,500 feet apart during weather conditions where aircraft-to-aircraft visual separation cannot be applied. A Human in the loop (HITL) evaluation was conducted to assess flight crew acceptability of IM PA operations, procedures, and display elements within the recently updated defined roles and responsibilities, during nominal and off-nominal operations. It consisted of eight training and ten data collection scenarios simulating approaches into San Francisco International Airport. Eighteen pilots, working as flight crews, used IM information and flew flight deck-generated IM speeds to maintain an Assigned Spacing Goal relative to a Lead aircraft using one of two alternative Cockpit Display of Traffic Information implementations (comparing a minimum display implementation or a minimum implementation plus enhancements). Overall, results indicate that pilots found the IM PA operation to be acceptable and desirable. No significant differences in acceptability, workload, or performance were found based on the different display implementations or scenario nominality. Pilots were comfortable with the roles and responsibilities for the IM PA operation, where ATC monitored for separation and flight crews followed IM speeds. Pilots expressed a desire for a more salient notification of new IM Speeds. No new display features were found to be necessary for IM PA above and beyond those recommended for other IM operations. The results and recommendations were intended to be used by the Federal Aviation Administration and RTCA Special Committee 186.