Automation in Air Traffic Control

The proper use of the nation's airspace involves a large complex system which must function as an integrated unit. This paper deals with future automation of the air traffic control subsystem of this larger airspace utilization system. A detailed description of the data processing and display equipment and functions is given. The equipment which will be installed in air traffic control facilities permits the separation of advance planning and active control of aircraft. Reliability is enhanced by the use of several independent channels between data acquisition elements and the controller's display. This approach results in a system which will “fail softly.”