Influence of the new way of Pilot - Controller Communication "DATA LINK" for Air Traffic Controller Performance in Europe

This article was based on the research results obtained during the LINK2000+FRANCE Real-time simulation of Controller Pilot Data Link Communication conducted at EUROCONTROL Research Centre. Controller Pilot Data Link Communication will provide controllers with a second communication channel that can be managed by either the Tactical or Planning controller. The anticipated progressive fitting of data link capability made it necessary to consider a mixed-mode traffic environment, with controllers managing varying levels of traffic and equipped aircraft. Also evaluated was the effect these changes had on sector workload management and controller situation awareness. The experiment results have to validate first to bring reliable conclusions for future development of ATC services.