Getting the Timing Right on CAs

Conflict alerts research with a “cast of thousands” aims to improve safety for millions

The Human-Systems Integration (HSI) Branch at the William J. Hughes Technical Center (WJHTC) recently completed an eight-week human-in-the-loop (HITL) simulation that studied the effects of shortening the conflict alert (CA) look-ahead time parameter for controllers using Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System (STARS) displays. The tests and data analysis efforts involved a cross-organizational consortium of Technical Center teams sponsored by the Air Traffic Organization (ATO).

Nuisance alert reduction, especially in terminal airspace, has long been an FAA priority. But no hard data had been collected on which to base decisions about modifying CA timing parameters; only a preliminary 2018 field study suggested reducing the look-ahead time parameter to 30 or 35 seconds from 40 seconds could possibly reduce nuisance alerts without compromising safety.

Conducted in the WJHTC’s Enterprise Capability Laboratory with air traffic control participants from multiple field sites, the consortium’s study sought to collect hard data to determine just that. Participants knew the project dealt with CAs, but otherwise were not apprised of a scenario’s specific time parameter to avoid possible reaction bias. Consequently, to complement the objective data collected, the team administered post-simulation questionnaires to participants to gain their perspective about the various simulations.

The collaborative will publish the study’s findings in the first half of 2024. The report will inform Air Traffic Systems Terminal Automation Modernization and Replacement (TAMR) program office and ATO decisions regarding possible changes to the STARS CA lookahead time parameters.

Read more about this Office of NextGen (ANG) research effort in FocusFAA.

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From Flying the F-4 to the FAA

The fastest plane Paul Kriner ever flew was the F-4 Phantom, the same plane flown by his father. He still remembers the advice his group commander gave him when he first reported to the Marine Corps Air Station in Beaufort, SC: “What we do is fun, and if it ever stops being fun, go look in the mirror to see who can change that.” As a supervisory senior technical advisor in Aviation Safety's Flight Standards Office of Air Carrier Safety Assurance, he finds joy in the FAA’s mission and his colleagues. “The FAA’s aviation safety role appealed to me because of my extensive aviation safety experience in the Marine Corps... My greatest joy is having the opportunity to lead a top-notch group of senior technical advisors. Each of them is talented and self-driven. I rarely have to go hands-on and largely have a role supporting them. It’s a pleasure to watch them work and accomplish things.”

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Today's Headlines

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Alaska plane whose door panel blew off midair was scheduled for maintenance – NBC News
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Japan’s Space One rocket explodes during launch – NBC News
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FAA Grounds the MAX

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