Comparison of Pilots’ and Controllers’ Conflict Resolution Maneuver Preferences

The role of the air traffic controller in future air traffic management systems is that of a passive monitor, who intervenes in potential conflict situations only if pilots, aided by onboard traffic displays, fail to implement safe and timely conflict resolutions. Yet, such scenarios are entirely plausible and even likely, particularly in busy airspaces. However, it is also likely that an a controller will seek to implement a resolution that is different from what the pilots had planned, resulting in confusion, delays, and safety risks. This paper examines pilots’ and controllers’ maneuver preferences and potential sources for dissonance in conflict resolution situations. Data on pilots’ maneuver tendencies were gathered from an extensive review of past literature; controllers’ preferences were obtained from an experiment that systematically manipulated simulated ATC scenario difficulty and conflict geometries. Results indicate largely similar maneuver choices between controllers and pilots, but suggest a need for further research.