NTL Record

Title Loss of controller-pilot voice communications in domestic en route airspace
Record ID 60877
Personal Name
Creator
Cardosi, Kim; Lennertz, Tracy
Source 22p. in various pagings
Corporate Creator John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (U.S.)
Corporate
Contributor
United States. Department of Transportation. Federal Aviation Administration. Human Factors Research and Engineering Division
Publisher United States. Department of Transportation. Federal Aviation Administration. Human Factors Research and Engineering Division
Publication Date 20170210
Language English
Abstract With the planned implementation of Controller‐Pilot Data Link Communications (CPDLC) in en route airspace, information on voice communication performance in this airspace can help to predict specific benefits associated with CPDLC, identify adjustments in equipment or procedures in early implementation, and demonstrate that planned benefits have been achieved. This paper examines existing data on losses of communication between controllers and pilots in the en route environment in anticipation of the implementation of CPDLC. Of particular interest was communication performance with air carrier aircraft, since they are most likely to be equipped with CPDLC for en route ATC communications. One thousand, three hundred and fifteen relevant Mandatory Occurrence Reports (MORs) in domestic airspace at Air Route Traffic Control Centers between March 1, 2014 and October 1, 2014 were examined The times reported for loss of communication ranged from 1 to 235 minutes (Mean = 21 minutes, SD = 19 min, Median = 15 minutes). There were also three losses of standard separation with terrain and seven losses of standard separation between aircraft associated with the controllers’ inability to contact an aircraft. Additional refined measures of communication parameters should be examined to further establish baseline performance and assess the benefits of CPDLC.
Rosap ID dot:12418
Rosap URL https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/12418
TRT Terms Voice communication; Air traffic controllers; Air pilots; Errors; Performance measurement; Data analysis
General Subjects Data Comm; Controller pilot data link communications
Classification NTL - AVIATION - Air Traffic Control;
NTL - AVIATION - AVIATION;
NTL - AVIATION - Aviation Human Factors
Geographical
Coverage
United States
TRIS Online
Accession No
1632232
Contract Number FA16C9
Report Number DOT-VNTSC-FAA-17-04; DOT/FAA/TC-17/10
Availability Volpe National Transportation Systems Center, Technical Reference Center
Resource type Tech Report
URL https://ntlrepository.blob.core.windows.net/lib/60000/60800/60877/DOT-VNTSC-FAA-17-04.pdf
Format PDF
Database NTL Digital Repository