Area Navigation in the ATC Environment

Aircraft equipped with computerized Area Navigation Systems have created the need for an entirely new air traffic control environment. This paper will highlight problems encountered as the ATC system begins its evolution toward area navigation, and will suggest operational techniques favorable to a total area navigation ATC environment.

Conventional interfaces are no longer useful. Independent systems (computer, controller, pilot, route structure, and aircraft) meet in the cockpit, but satisfactory communications have not been established. Pilot reaction indicates that the information is not now properly presented in the cockpit.

Attempts to solve these interface problems have indicated that the solution lies in comprehensive software programs and clear situation displays for the pilot.