Publications

An evaluation of Airbus 320 (A320) performance during ATC-directed breakouts was conducted in a two-part study during 1995. Phase 1 tested the combined effect of proposed ATC phraseology, pilot situational awareness training, and an A320-specific breakout procedure on performance. Pilot training included a briefing and viewing a videotape, but no simulator practice. Turn performance statistics from the Precision Runway Monitor Demonstration Program were used as the test criteria. Pilot preferences regarding procedures and the training material were also elicited. Three conclusions were: (1) breakout performance given the tested combination of pilot training and proposed ATC phraseology did meet the test criteria; (2) breakout performance given existing procedures did not meet the test criteria; and (3) the tested breakout procedure should be refined because it conflicted with other cockpit procedures and increased the transition time to a positive climb rate. Based on the results of this study, it is recommended that a combination of pilot situational awareness training, A320 breakout procedure, and modified ATC breakout phraseology equivalent to that tested in Phase 2 be employed for simultaneous parallel approach operations in instrument meteorological conditions.

The effects of three different levels of pilot training on the breakout response of pilots and the Boeing 747-400 aircraft were studied. The study examined response during ATC-directed breakouts on final approach and was conducted in three phases. Phase 1 tested performance during manual and autopilot-coupled approaches given current procedures and pilot training. Phase 2 tested the effect of increased pilot situational awareness and proposed ATC breakout phraseology on breakouts during manual and autopilot-coupled approaches. Phase 3 tested the effect of two B747-400-specific breakout procedures on breakouts during autopilot-coupled approaches. Pilot preferences regarding procedures and the tested training materials were also solicited.

This report demonstrates, through data and analysis, how the airport environment can affect ATCRBS surveillance. The Lincoln Laboratory ATCRBS Monopulse Processing Subsystem was used to collect reply data at Memphis International Airport during March 1991. These data show a correlation between aircraft density, potential reflectors, and ATCRBS reply integrity. The number of replies has been shown to be directly related to multipath from reflecting surface, including taxiing aircraft. Additionally, it is shown that conditions can exist during which not all of the replies from ATCRBS equipped aircraft can be processed when forming target report measurements. Finally, it is shown that the bunching of replies in both time and space can introduce reply decoder overloading.