Avoidance of Adverse Weather Areas in Amsterdam Airport Schiphol Operations using Advanced Controller Support Tools

Abstract

The Air Traffic Control - Trajectory Based Operations (ATC-TBO) project, a Single European Sky ATM Research (SESAR) initiative, aims to validate operational solutions for Trajectory Based Operations. As part of this project, the Royal Netherlands Aerospace Centre (NLR) developed a Conflict Detection and Resolution (CD&R) tool to indicate potential conflicts between aircraft and Adverse Weather Areas (AWA) to Air Traffic Controllers (ATCOs) working at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (EHAM). The tool was validated through human-in-the-loop real-time simulations on the NLR ATM Research Simulator platform (NARSIM) together with assessment specialists from Deep Blue, showing promising results with potential benefits for operational safety. However, further development and refinement are needed to also address sequencing and separation issues. The CD&R tool is considered a solid basis for further research, aiming to enhance air traffic control operations and safety during adverse weather conditions.