Collaborative Routing Rationing Algorithm

Collaborative Decision Making (CDM) embodies a new philosophy for managing air traffic. The initial implementation of CDM has been aimed at airport Ground Delay Programs (GDPs). However, it has become increasingly evident that very significant delays and throughput degradations have arisen from en-route airspace problems and limitations, particularly from convective weather activity. This effort focused on the application of CDM technology and concepts to the management of en-route traffic (Collaborative Routing). In this phase II effort, we will implement, demonstrate and evaluate a number of different collaborative routing rationing algorithms (CRRAs) to assign use of en route resources to individual flights. We have found that such algorithms are both feasible and can be made consistent with traffic management goals and with the CDM paradigm. The CRRA algorithms will be implemented in NASA?s System-Wide Evaluation Planning Tool (SWEPT) and a major Human-In-The-Loop simulation experiment will be conducted with participants from the FAA Air Traffic Control System Command Center (ATCSCC), Air Route Traffic Control Centers (ARTCCs) and Airlines Operation Center (AOC) facilities. This simulation will allow the air transportation community to discuss and refine the CRRA concept toward eventual deployment in the National Airspace System (NAS).