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	+ Home		+ Home > ATM Research > Foundations > Direct-To Contents The Problem The Solution is the Direct-To Tool Direct-To Features Direct-To Success The Problem Rather than being able to fly the most efficient route to a destination, aircraft operators in today's air traffic control system are usually constrained to follow established airways that are often comprised of inefficient route segments. Current air traffic control user interface inefficiencies inhibit controllers from issuing user preferred routes, even under light traffic conditions. + Back to Top The Solution is the Direct-To Tool D (Click image to enlarge.) Direct-To identifies aircraft that can save at least one minute by flying direct to a down-stream fix on their route of flight. A Direct-To list on the controller's display shows eligible aircraft, time savings, direct-to fixes, and conflict status. The point-and-click Trial Planner allows controllers to easily display, modify, or accept Direct-To flight plan amendments. Acceptance of the Direct-To advisory automatically sends a "6-7-10" flight plan amendment to the Host computer. + Back to Top Direct-To Features Time and fuel saving direct routes are displayed as advisories to controllers in real time. Direct-To advisories are probed for conflicts with expanded separation criteria. The point-and-click interface keeps the controller's eyes on the traffic display and eliminates keyboard entries for route amendments. + Back to Top Direct-To Success Potential savings in flying time for Fort Worth Center airspace is approximately 1,800 minutes per day or about 2.5 minutes per aircraft. Over 35 controllers from 9 different Air Route Control Centers participated in the development, simulation, and field testing of the CTAS Trial Planner which forms the basis for the Direct-To interface. Controllers pointed out a preferred use of the Trial Planner: Searching for and evaluating conflict free direct routes. Direct-To Tool at Fort Worth Center Direct-To on Radar Controller Display, FAA Technical Center + Back to Top Direct-To Publications Link to a list of Direct-To papers available for download. + View List
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