New Feature to the Radar System to Enhance ATCO Performance and Situation Awareness on Radar Display

An experiment was conducted using a simulation software similar to the radar system with a new feature that makes the aircraft flight number blink on the radar display each time a pilot presses the radio button to talk. Eighteen participants volunteered. In the first scenario, the flashing feature was turned “OFF.” In the second scenario, the flashing feature was turned “ON.” Each participant was tested on three occasions. The first occasion was the “stuck-microphone” situation, the second was similarity in call-sign situation, the third was simultaneous transmission of voice communication from two or more flights on the radio that distorted the modulation. Participants identified significantly more aircraft when the flashing feature was active compared to when it was inactive. Consequently, it is anticipated that this flashing feature will likely reduce verbal communication between pilots and controllers, thereby improving overall controller performance and maintaining safe airspace operation.