Tactical Conflict Resolution using Vertical Maneuvers in Enroute Airspace(ALTERNATE PAPER)

This paper discusses an algorithm for computing vertical resolution maneuvers to resolve imminent air traffic conflicts in which loss of separation could occur in less than two minutes. Several procedures are used, including rejection of altitude amendments that could cause a conflict, temporary altitudes, step altitudes, and critical leveloff confirmation. These methods were tested on archived data from 100 actual operational errors, which tend to be more difficult to detect and resolve than routine conflicts. Successful resolution was achieved in simulation for 84 of them using vertical maneuvers only. Augmented altitude amendments were then added to the input files to simulate altitude amendments that should have been entered by the controller but were not, or to correct amendments to make them consistent with the pilot’s understanding. The number of successful resolutions increased to 94 of the 100 cases.