The validation data repository: a central source of validation information for managers and practitioners [air traffic management]

The process of developing air traffic management (ATM) concepts through to operational implementation has proved to be a difficult one. Validation is the key to success in this area, but until recently no clear strategy for performing such validation was available. The VDR (validation data repository) system has been developed at Eurocontrol to meet this requirement for EATMP (European Air Traffic Management Program). This tool will contribute directly to the success of the EATMP by enabling the integration of results from the different projects/programmes into an overall picture, and providing reliable and conclusive inputs to the decision-making processes. However it is hoped that the use of the VDR will extend beyond EATMP, resulting in a central source of validation information for all the ATM research community. This paper describes the progress made in the development of the VDR system and the expected impact on the potential users of the system.