Human Factors Implications of Continuous Descent Approach Procedures for Noise Abatement

Continuous Descent Approach (CDA) procedures can be effective at reducing aircraft noise in the vicinity of airports. The air traffic control human factors implications of transitioning from conventional to CDA procedures are addressed in this paper. A cognitive difference analysis revealed the impacts on intent, controllability and structure-based abstractions in the lateral, vertical and speed domains. An experiment is presented that probes the cognitive implications of changing speed profiles during the approach, which was one of the key differences between the procedures identified in the cognitive difference analysis. Based on the results, recommendations were made for CDA procedure designers to standardize deceleration profiles, design procedures to be non-interacting and to consider allocating separation authority to the pilot with a view to easing transition and controller acceptance.