A traffic movement monitoring computer for pre-emptive runway conflict detection

Abstract

Runway conflict is a significant hazard in commercial aviation. Despite the stringent procedures and ATC ground systems, runway incursions continue to occur regularly making up 25% of worldwide registered accident and incidents during the period 1991-2004. The increasing density of close proximity traffic manoeuvres dictates the need of airborne equipment to provide autonomous situational awareness and collision avoidance capability to the crew. This paper describes the fundamental concepts for the design of preventive and reactive runway collision avoidance functions. The preventive function is intended to provide the crew with clearance awareness while the reactive function is intended to improve the crew’s situational awareness - in particular during adverse weather conditions.