An innovative and flexible simulation model for an efficient and safe sectorization in an air traffic area control center

The air traffic control system gives guidance to prevent collisions and manage efficient traffic flow. Enroute air traffic controllers are persons in charge to expedite and maintain a safe and orderly aircraft flow over a given geographic area through the use of long-range radar. The day-to-day problems faced by the air traffic control system are primarily related to the volume of air traffic demand placed on the system, and weather. Controllers work in facilities called Area Control Centers (ACCs). The area controlled by each ACC is subdivided into vertical and horizontal sectors. Today technologies allow a flexible “sectorization” of an ACC depending on the traffic demand. Controller workload is a function of the number of aircraft flying in the same sector and on safety constraints; this implies that there is an upper limit on the number of planes that can be simultaneously controlled. Different sectorizations may affect this limit. We propose an innovative and flexible simulation model (implemented on a PC by means of a low cost package) based on expected traffic data that may help decision makers in determining the ACC sectorization in order to properly address traffic demand. Experiences on the Padova ACC in Italy are reported.