Air Traffic Control Using a Microwave Landing System

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Abstract
Two experiments investigated the performance of air traffic controllers using a simulated Microwave Landing System to control the landing of short takeoff and landing aircraft. In Experiment 1, the task involved the separation of simulated aircraft targets by use of airspeed control. The goal was to ensure that the targets crossed the Missed Approach Point with a specified time interval between them. Experiment 2 employed the same experimental format and task, but the work load was increased by the addition of more targets. Controllers used speed control, radar vectoring, and holding patterns to separate targets. In both experiments, performance was evaluated under no-wind and wind conditions. Significant effects were found due to the configuration of the Microwave Landing System courses and as a result of wind conditions. Performance was generally inaccurate and exhibited high variability. Implications for future development of the Microwave Landing System in the air traffic control system are discussed.

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