NASA Langley Engineer's FAA Training: A Deep Dive into Digital Clearance and Beyond
NASA Langley engineer Will Cummings-Grande is pushing the boundaries of aviation technology, focusing on the next layer of digital clearance. His journey began with a unique training experience at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Academy, where he immersed himself in the world of air traffic control and digital communication systems.
A Hands-On Approach
Cummings-Grande's goal was to gain practical knowledge about digital clearance delivery, and he found it in the Tower Data Link Services (TDLS) Application Specialist training. This two-day course, required for working controllers at airports equipped with digital clearance delivery, offered a rare opportunity for him to shadow a working controller and test his ideas in a real-world setting.
Eye-Opening Discoveries
One of the most significant revelations came from the air-gapped nature of the TDLS software. By interacting with the system, Cummings-Grande gained a deeper understanding of its unique characteristics, which cannot be fully captured in research papers. This hands-on experience highlighted the differences between these specialized systems and the everyday computers we commonly use.
Another crucial finding was the link between the TDLS and the Terminal Flight Data Manager (TFDM), which was not immediately apparent. This connection became a central focus of his research questions, as he realized its potential impact on the system's architecture.
Building on NASA's Legacy
Cummings-Grande's work builds upon a long-standing NASA initiative focused on surface safety and digital communications. Projects like the Terminal Area Productivity program, Surface Operation Automation Research (SOAR), Low Visibility Landing and Surface Operations (LVLASO), and Surface Trajectory Based Operations (STBO) studies have laid the groundwork for digital taxi clearances. These efforts, which began in the mid-90s, demonstrated meaningful workload reductions in simulations and flight tests at the Atlanta Airport.
However, the cost-benefit case for widespread implementation was not yet clear, and the technology needed further development. Cummings-Grande believes that recent infrastructure investments, including systems derived from Airspace Technology Demonstration (ATD-2) technologies, have renewed industry interest. This convergence of new technologies and renewed interest from partners in the aircraft industry presents an opportunity to enhance safety and streamline processes.
A Partnership for Progress
Cummings-Grande advocates for a partnership between NASA researchers and the FAA Academy, especially in areas like terminal procedures design (TERPS). He believes that such collaborations can provide researchers with valuable insights into the current state of practice and enable them to better understand the systems they are working with. This partnership model, as demonstrated by the FAA Academy's willingness to accommodate Cummings-Grande, can facilitate knowledge exchange and accelerate technological advancements.
Looking Ahead
Cummings-Grande estimates that a fully implemented digital clearance system could take anywhere from five to ten years. The payoff, however, will be significant. By integrating digital taxi clearances, the system will ensure that pilots are focused on the right tasks during taxi, reducing the reliance on human memory and familiarity with airport procedures. This will ultimately lead to safer flights and more efficient operations.
In conclusion, NASA Langley engineer Will Cummings-Grande's FAA training experience has opened new avenues for research and collaboration. His insights into digital clearance and the potential for partnerships highlight the importance of practical knowledge and industry cooperation in advancing aviation technology.
