Initial Evaluation of CDTI/ADS-B for Commercial Carriers: CAA's Ohio Valley Operational Evaluation

Flight activities during the Cargo Airline Association's Ohio Valley Operations Evaluation (OpEval) were focused on near-term Cockpit Display of Traffic Information (CDTI) applications. Seven CDTI applications were ranked from highest to lowest priority, and the first two, Enhanced Visual Acquisition for “See & Avoid”, and Enhanced Visual Approaches, were evaluated during OpEval. Five other applications were demonstrated. For the Enhanced Visual Acquisition and Enhanced Visual Approach applications, a detailed, comprehensive operational concept document was prepared. The operational concept and the associated CDTI requirements were tested during OpEval. Both pilots and controllers reported that the CDTI augmented the visual acquisition and visual approach tasks and improved pilot awareness of surrounding traffic. Additionally, the results suggest operational performance benefits in the form of enhanced spacing awareness and a potential reduction in the misidentification of aircraft called out by ATC. No overriding human factors issues were revealed that would negatively impact operational approval of these two applications for traffic environments similar to OpEval. Flight crews identified three issues, display integration, clutter, and head down time, which need to be considered as we proceed with the design and use of CDTI. One potential issue raised by the controllers that needs to be addressed, is that of flight crews initiating unwarranted requests from ATC.