Published Report (DOT/FAA/CT-94-36)

TECHNICAL OBSERVERS REPORT
DIA SIMULATION, FDADS
The following is a consensus opinion of the technical observers
concerning the new Denver Airport simulation which began on
November 16, 1992.
The simulation began, as planned, using the Full Digital ARTS
I11 Display System (FDADS). From the initial run, it was quite
evident that the controllers were experiencing difficulty
recognizing and subsequently resolving aircraft blunders.
Although the clarity of the indicators and the definition of the
targets were satisfactory, determining movement around the
localizer course was extremely difficult. The spacing between
Runways 17L and 17R (5280 feet) and the radar update rate (4.8
seconds), appeared to be the two most prominent factors
responsible for the controller difficulty. The slightly
increased speeds, due to the density altitude, may also have
given the controllers some problems. The spacing between
runways 17R and 16 (7600 feet), did allow the controllers extra
time in which to recognize and take action to resolve blunders.
Although the controllers continued to be extremely vigilant,
many blundering aircraft penetrated the No Transgression Zone
(NTZ) before control instructions were issued by the monitor
controllers. The controllers appeared to be anxious and
somewhat frustrated in their efforts to monitor these runs.
We unanimously agreed with the decision that terminated this
phase of the simulation and restarted using the Final Monitor
Aid (FMA) in place of the FDADS.
SATCS, IAH Herschmann
ATCT
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Chester W. Anderson
Special Projects officer
AGL-507
SATCS, ATL ATCT
ATM, HSV ATCT
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