ABSTRACT
Some of the air traffic control decision-support tools currently being developed require controllers to issue complex trajectory information as clearances to pilots. If traditional voice communication, instead of a data link, is to be used, the trajectory information must be presented to the controller in a way that facilitates accurate clearance reading. The trajectory information should also be as compact as possible so the chance of obstructing critical traffic information is minimized. The present study examined the effects of three trajectory-clearance information formats-A) most abbreviated text, B) less-abbreviated text, and C) graphical format--on controllers' clearance-reading performance. The results showed tradeoffs between clearance readability and the amount and type of displayed information. The results also indicated impo1iance of training if more-abbreviated format is to be used.
