AIR TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT

FREE FLIGHT CONCEPT

PRESENTING BY: AMNA HAFEEZ

FREE FLIGHT CONCEPT

Free flight is a new concept being developed to take the place of the current air traffic management methods through the use of technology. True free flight eliminates the need for Air Traffic Control (ATC) operators by giving the responsibility to the pilot in command.

What is free flight?

Air Traffic Management conceptMore freedom in selecting rulesNo longer restricted to airwaysDirect route but airborne separationFree flight concept under IFR conditions

HISTORYFree flight began as an effort to become less dependent on the human factor and more dependent on the growing technology of its day.

Free flight were identified in 1971 by United Airlines systems manager William Cotton

In the 1970's the GPS satellite navigation system

In 1991 the International Civil Aviation Organization created the Future Air Navigation System Panel

In 1995 David Hinson plans to implement free flight

HUMAN FACTORS OF FREE FLIGHT

Free flight would represent moreTechnologicalEvolutionoperational

REGIONS

UnrestrictedRestrictedTransition

UNRESTRICTED

Little guidance from ATCFlexibility to fly for pilotsComplicated in bad weatherATC will have to assist the pilots and guide

RESTRICTEDThe freedom of the pilot has been restricted

significantly.TRANSITIONSlightly restricted however pilots retain some

flexibility to exercise free flight.

APPROACHES OF FREE FLIGHT

AirborneGroundMixed focusSeparation

EXAMPLES

Free flight is operational in Alaska and Hawaii, and part of the Pacific Ocean

Using about 2,000 aircraftFull implementation is projected to take 20

years

 NEXT GENERATION AIR TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM

The Next Generation Air Transportation System (Next Gen) proposes to transform air traffic control system from an aging ground-based system to a satellite-based system. GPS technology will be used to shorten routes, save time and fuel, reduce traffic delays, increase capacity.

QUESTIONS ARISES

What on-board equipment is needed to avoid traffic?

Will the pilots be able to cope with the extra task?

Is it safe? Will pilots feel safe? What happens in extremely busy traffic

situations?

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, many new technologies and operational concepts are being examined for the future air traffic control system. Making intelligent choices will depend on finding systems and concepts that allow both pilots and controllers to maintain situation awareness.