Validation of Complex CPDLC Clearances & Automation

The validation exercise, which is the last step of Solution 56, Exercise 01, took place at the EUROCONTROL Innovation Hub and involved a lot of actors, from ops, tech & validation teams on EUROCONTROL side, to air traffic controllers (ATCOs) from PANSA and COOPANS Alliance, pilots from Novair, and experts from Airbus and Thales. 12 ATCOs performed 18 runs using EUROCONTROL's ESCAPE ground simulation platform, with Airbus' cockpit simulator remotely connected during some dedicated runs.

From the technical perspective, the exercise validated several new features system advisories for Descend-When-Ready clearances free of conflict, a new extended planner position, downlinked EPP management and very powerful HMI, as well as a live connection with a remote Airbus A330 cockpit simulator, exchanging clearances and EPP.

From the operational perspective, we were able to collect vital qualitative operational feedback on human performance aspects (new roles/tasks, working method and HMI features), as well as a number of quantitative measurements on the benefits of the solution compared to the baseline scenario. All concept features have reached V2 level, and some have already been declared to be partially V3 level.

Next steps? We're looking forward to further developing the concept and continuing validation exercises in upcoming SESAR 3 TBO activities, taking into account these very positive initial results and recommendations!
The real-time simulation was conducted as part of the SESAR 3 Joint Undertaking 4DSkyways PJ18W2 Solution 56 ("Air/ground Trajectory Synchronisation via lateral and vertical complex CPDLC clearances to support TBO").