The Free Flight Evaluation System at Kansas City Air Route Traffic Control Center: an overview

The Free Flight Evaluation System (FFES) is part of a larger ongoing effort at CAASD (MITRE Corporation's Center for Advanced Aviation System Development) to investigate Free Flight concepts and capabilities. This project includes studies designed to answer key questions associated with the changing roles envisioned for system operators and users: pilots, controllers, flight planners, and traffic managers. In conducting this research program, CAASD's main strength lies in the conceptual framework and collaborative approach it brings to ATM system problems and in its unique institutional expertise in dealing with complex problems posed for research in operational environments. The CAASD is tying together various facilities and FAA, industry, and academic partners to research Free Flight issues.