Remote AFIS: development and validation of low-cost remote tower concepts for uncontrolled aerodromes

Abstract Remote tower systems are widely established as a means to provide efficient air traffic control (ATC) from remote location. However, even these cost-effective cause procurement, implementation, and maintenance costs, which make them unaffordable for non-ATC aerodromes with low revenues, often only offering an aerodrome flight information service (AFIS) or UNICOM service. In this paper, two more inexpensive concepts enabling at presented. They based on simplified camera set-up comprising pan-tilt-zoom-camera (PTZ-camera) simple panoramic camera. A virtual reality-headset (VR-headset) is used display the video streams PTZ-camera. The results of validation study nine ATC AFIS officers using live Braunschweig-Wolfsburg (BWE) discussed respect perceived usability, reality induced cybersickness, operator acceptance. system’s cost compared that conventional set-up. Furthermore, measured objective data in form angular head rotation velocities presented requirements deduced. conclusion, developed concept utilizing both panorama PTZ-camera was found be sufficiently usable accepted by participants. contrast, suffered jerky delayed movements leading considerable cybersickness making it barely usable.