ABSTRACT
The continuing research, development, and introduction of new technologies into the United States (U.S.) ATC environment creates an impression of rapid change in the job of the ATCO. For example, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is replacing the communications, navigation, surveillance, computer, controller workstation, and display infrastructure of the U.S. National Airspace System (NAS). In addition, the FAA is developing new software-based applications and processes to improve the efficiency and safety of aviation operations. Some infrastructure technologies such as the Display System Replacement (DSR) are largely incremental in nature and appear unlikely to fundamentally change the nature, structure, or activities of the controller's job. However, software-based applications, such as the User Request Evaluation Tool (URET) and passive Final Approach Spacing Tool (pFAST) may substantially change the nature, structure, and activities of the controller's job.
