European medium-term conflict detection field trials [ATC]

The medium-term conflict detection (MTCD) field trials are an important part of EUROCONTROL's performance enhancement programme for European ATM (EATMP), which consists of 22 (sub)-programmes. One of them, automated support to air traffic services (ASA) programme 2, develops, prototypes, simulates and finally tests in live ATC environment new ATC decision support tools. The ASA programme is developing solutions for ATC challenges, such as complexity detection and management, sequencing and metering, and conflict detection and resolution. The main principle is layered planning; where complex traffic situations are detected and solved by re-routing or metering, and the remaining conflicts are detected and resolved with automation assistance. Use of air-ground integration is considered, as appropriate.