###### 3D-CDTI USER MANUAL

![](media/image1.png){width="0.9583333333333334in"
height="0.8909722222222223in"}

![](media/image2.jpeg){width="2.69375in" height="2.7055555555555557in"}

Flight Deck Research Group

NASA Ames Research Center

MS 262-2

Moffett Field CA 94035

Last Update: November 3, 2003

**TABLE OF CONTENTS**

**1.0**
Introduction................................................................................................................................
03

1.1 Document Purpose

1.2 Document Updates

1.3 Contact Information

**2.0** Display
Basics............................................................................................................................
04

2.1 Standard Navigation Elements

2.2 Display Panel

2.3 3D-Display Activation

2.4 Tool Bar

**3.0** Aircraft Symbology and
Intent...............................................................................................
09

3.1 Ownship

3.2 Traffic

3.2.1 Altitude \[Color Coding\]

3.2.2 Altitude \[Brightness Coding\]

3.2.3 Altitude \[Relative vs. Absolute\]

3.2.4 Altitude \[Climb VS. Descent\]

3.2.5 Data Tags

3.3 Intent Communication

3.3.1 Predictors

3.3.2 Flight Plans

**4.0** Conflict Detection, Alerting, and
Resolution........................................................................
12

4.1 Conflict Detection

4.2 Conflict Alerting

4.2.1 Alerting Levels

4.3 Automated Conflict Resolution

**5.0** Route Analysis Tool
(RAT).......................................................................................................
16

5.1 RAT Waypoint Table

5.2 Lateral Route Modifications

5.2.1 Moving a Waypoint

5.2.2 Creating a Waypoint

5.2.3 Deleting a Waypoint

5.3 Vertical Route Modifications

**6.0** PDA
Spacing...............................................................................................................................
19

6.1 Spacing Initiation

6.2 Spacing Monitoring

**7.0**
DAG-TM........................................................................................................................................
21

**1.0 INTRODUCTION**

The 3D-Cockpit Display of Traffic Information (3D-CDTI) is a flight deck
tool that presents aircrew with:

• proximal traffic aircraft location, their current status and flight
plan data

• strategic conflict detection and alerting

• automated conflict resolution strategies

• the facility to graphically plan manual route changes

• time-based, in-trail spacing on approach

The CDTI is manipulated via a touchpad on the flight deck, and by mouse
when presented as part of a desktop flight simulator.

## **1.1 DOCUMENT PURPOSE**

This manual is maintained to provide basic information on the CDTI for:

• pilots participating in research activities

• research partners in government and industry

# 

# 1.2 DOCUMENT UPDATES

Document updates are available by visiting the Flight Deck Research
Group at:

• <http://human-factors.arc.nasa.gov/ihh/cdti/index.html>

# 1.3 CONTACT INFORMATION

Flight Deck Research Group

NASA Ames Research Center

MS 262-2

Moffett Field CA 94035

**2.0 DISPLAY BASICS**

This section describes the CDTI's standard navigation elements and
display controls.

**2.1 STANDARD NAVIGATION ELEMENTS**

The CDTI\'s standard navigation elements are referenced below, and
described on the following pages.\
![](media/image3.jpeg){width="6.4527777777777775in"
height="6.4527777777777775in"}

Ground Speed (GS)

Indicated Air Speed (IAS)

Altitude (ALT)

Wind direction / Wind speed in knots

Current heading

Current display range (NM)

Next VOR / waypoint

Time to arrive at next VOR / waypoint (Zulu)

Distance to next VOR / waypoint

**Not defined**

**Not defined**

**Not defined**

Display range mid-point (NM)

Desired heading -- reflects heading changes input via the MCP

Ownship -- Data tag for ownship can be toggled on/off

*Operation -- click chevron to turn ON / OFF*

**2.2 DISPLAY PANEL**

The panel that appears with the CDTI controls a variety of display
options, detailed below. Other display options are located on the tool
bar below the CDTI.![](media/image4.jpeg){width="6.448611111111111in"
height="1.3506944444444444in"}

Weather projection (Wx)

Plan view (Plan)

Profile view (Profile)

*Operation -- press to turn ON*

Mode -- Expanded view (Mode \> Exp)

Mode -- Full view (Mode \> Full)

*Operation -- depress to turn ON*

Projection -- Orthographic view (Projection \> Ortho)

Projection -- Perspective view (Projection \> Persp)

*Operation -- depress to turn ON*

Ownship position -- Center location (OS Pos \> Center)

Ownship position -- Temporal location (OS Pos \> Temporal)

*Operation -- depress to turn ON*

Display memory settings (1 through 4) -- no label

*Operation -- Click radio button, then number, to set view*

Ownship direction on display (4-way arrows) -- no label

Return to last view (\"enter\" key button) -- no label

*Operation -- press a button to reorient ownship*

Range displayed -- no label

*Operation -- press number to set range*

Vertical scale displayed (VScale=) -- thousand feet above and below
ownship

*Operation -- move slider to set range*

**2.3 3D-DISPLAY ACTIVATION**

To 'rotate' the display into a 3D orientation, first set the \"Mode \>
Full.\" Right-click and hold within the display area, move the mouse to
modify the display's orientation, and release to set.

![](media/image5.jpeg){width="3.2319444444444443in"
height="3.2319444444444443in"}

**2.4 TOOL BAR**

The panel that appears below the CDTI controls various display options
and access to tools, detailed below. Other display options are located
on the \"panel\" that accompanies the CDTI.

![](media/image6.jpeg){width="6.441666666666666in"
height="0.7055555555555556in"}

Automated resolutions (Res.)

*Operation -- press to access options*

Route Analysis Tool (RAT)

*Operation -- press to turn ON / OFF*

Spacing (SPC)

*Operation -- press to access / disengage*

Absolute / Relative altitude tail tags (Abs / Rel)

*Operation -- press to toggle between Abs / Rel*

Flight IDs (IDs)

*Operation -- press to toggle between all ON / OFF*

Waypoints (Wpts)

*Operation -- press to toggle between all ON / OFF*

Clear (Clear)

*Operation -- press to declutter display*

Temporal length of pulse predictors (0.0)

*Operation -- Left click to decrease / right click to increase*

Pulse (Pulse)

*Operation -- press to toggle between ON / OFF*

# 3.0 AIRCRAFT SYMBOLOGY AND INTENT

This section describes the CDTI\'s aircraft symbology and intent
communication.

**3.1 OWNSHIP**![](media/image7.jpeg){width="1.9979166666666666in"
height="1.2215277777777778in"}

Ownship position on the CDTI is indicated by a magenta chevron. Exact
aircraft location lies at the tip of the chevron. If ownship come into
conflict with another aircraft, the chevron turns yellow.

**3.2 TRAFFIC**

Traffic aircraft are represented by chevrons on the display. Exact
aircraft location lies at the tip of each chevron.

**3.2.1 ALTITUDE \[COLOR CODING\]**

Traffic aircraft are displayed in one of three primary altitude-based
colors.

![](media/image8.jpeg){width="1.1111111111111112in"
height="2.196527777777778in"}

Traffic 700 feet or more below ownship altitude are green.

Traffic less than 700 feet above or below ownship altitude are white.

Traffic 700 feet or more above ownship altitude are blue.

Traffic in conflict with ownship are yellow.

**3.2.2 ALTITUDE \[BRIGHTNESS CODING\]**

Traffic aircraft within 10 minutes of reaching ownship are \"brighter\"
than other traffic aircraft on the display.

**3.2.3 ALTITUDE \[RELATIVE VS. ABSOLUTE\]**

Traffic within the vertical altitude band subject to surveillance each
have an altitude tag ( or tail tag). Absolute (Abs) altitude is
represented by a two to three digit number (x 100 feet). When traffic
altitude Relative (Rel) to ownship is indicated, a one or two digit
number (x 100 feet) is presented, preceded by a + or -- indicating
whether above or below ownship's current altitude.

Click the Abs/Rel button on the tool bar to toggle between these two
settings.

*Aircraft within the lateral surveillance range of ownship, but outside
the probed altitude band are shown on the display. Altitude (tail) tags
are **not** appended to these aircraft*.

### **3.2.4 ALTITUDE \[CLIMB VS. DESCENT\]**

Traffic aircraft in a climb or descent of 200 ft/min or greater are
indicated by the presence of an up or down arrow adjacent to the
altitude tail tag.

### **3.2.5 DATA TAGS**

![](media/image9.jpeg){width="1.70625in" height="0.5493055555555556in"}

Data tags can be displayed for traffic. Each tag contains the aircraft
Flight ID (FID), current Flight Level (FL) in feet (x 100), and Ground
Speed in knots.

Using a touchpad or mouse, place the cursor over the apex of the traffic
symbol and dwell, highlighting the chevron. Left mouse click to display
the data tag. Repeat this action to turn the data tag off.

To move the data tag, use the mouse to left-click-and-hold within the
border of the tag and drag to the desired location. Release the mouse to
'drop' the data tag at its new location.

To turn on ***all*** data tags, click the IDs button on the tool bar to
toggle data tags ON and OFF.

**3.3 INTENT COMMUNICATION**

Traffic intent is communicated to the CDTI operator via aircraft
predictors and flight plans, described below. Other elements such as
chevron heading and altitude tail tags provide secondary information as
to intent.

**3.3.1 PREDICTORS**

For traffic aircraft broadcasting a flight plan, predictors indicate
future position over time, along the planned path of travel. Click the
Pulse button on the tool bar to toggle between predictors ON and OFF.

The pulse traveling the length of the predictor line correlates to the
speed of the aircraft. All other elements (for example, winds) being
equal, the pulse of an aircraft at 180 knots would be half as fast an
aircraft traveling at 360 knots.

To alter the temporal value of pulse predictors, move the cursor over
the time and left click to reduce the value. Right click to increase the
value.

**3.3.2 FLIGHT
PLANS**![](media/image10.jpeg){width="2.3333333333333335in"
height="3.1777777777777776in"}

Flight plans can be viewed for traffic within the broadcast range and
altitude surveillance band of the CDTI. Using a touchpad or mouse, place
the cursor over the apex of the traffic symbol and dwell, highlighting
the chevron. Right mouse click to display the route. Repeat this action
to turn the route off.

The flight plan will include waypoints and altitude changes. Altitude
change segments are indicated by a Start of Climb (S/C) and Bottom of
Climb (B/C), Top of Descent (T/D) and Bottom of Descent (B/D), with a
dotted line between.

**Note:** Intent information is color coded relative to the position and
altitude of ownship.

# 4.0 Conflict detection, alerting AND RESOLUTION

The CDTI provides strategic conflict detection. ***It is not designed
for tactical conflict detection or resolution.***

**4.1 CONFLICT DETECTION**

Embedded within the CDTI is logic that detects conflicts, assigns an
alert level, and communicates this to the flight crew. The logic takes
advantage of intent information in the form of flight plans, when
available. In the absence of flight plan data the conflict detection
logic operates based on aircraft state information -- current heading,
altitude and speed.

**4.2 CONFLICT ALERTING**

When a conflict is detected, the ownship symbol turns yellow. The
aircraft in conflict with ownship also turns yellow, and its data block
appears. The traffic aircraft data block can not be disabled (turned
off) until the conflict is resolved.

**4.2.1 ALERTING LEVELS**

A **LEVEL 1** conflict alert is best characterized as being either:

  ----------------------------------- -----------------------------------
  1A. Conflict Probability:           Temporal Proximity: **Far Term**
  **Moderate**                        

  1B. Conflict Probability: **Low**   Temporal Proximity: **Near Term**
  ----------------------------------- -----------------------------------

A level 1 conflict results in the ownship and traffic chevrons turning
yellow.

A **LEVEL 2** conflict alert is best characterized as being either:

  ----------------------------------- -----------------------------------
  2A. Conflict Probability:           Temporal Proximity: **Middle Term**
  **Moderate**                        

  2B. Conflict Probability: **High**  Temporal Proximity: **Far Term**
  ----------------------------------- -----------------------------------

A level 2 conflict results in the ownship and traffic chevrons turning
yellow, with a \"halo\" appearing around the traffic chevron.

A **LEVEL 3** conflict alert is best characterized as being:

  ----------------------------------- -----------------------------------
  3A. Conflict Probability: **High**  Temporal Proximity: **Near Term**

  3B. Conflict Probability: **High**  Temporal Proximity: **Middle Term**
  ----------------------------------- -----------------------------------

A level 3 conflict results in the ownship and traffic chevrons turning
yellow, with a \"halo\" appearing around the traffic chevron.
Intersecting conflict predictor lines and over-lapping LOS \'rings\'
appear during a level 3 conflict.

**4.3 AUTOMATED CONFLICT RESOLUTION**

In the event of a traffic conflict, the resolution (Res.) button in the
tool bar turns yellow. This indicates ownship is the 'burdened' aircraft
-- that is, it is required to resolve the conflict. Clicking on the
button will produce a list of resolution alternatives. The details of
each resolution, in terms of heading, speed, or altitude change are
indicated. Clicking on a resolution alternative will display the change
on the CDTI proper. The list of resolution strategies remain valid and
executable for 1 minute from when first presented.

The first (uppermost) resolution strategy in the list is the most
efficient in terms of minimizing any course change, fuel usage, or
deviation from an existing RTA (Required Time of Arrival). \"Executing\"
a resolution strategy will update ownship's flight plan.

The interface elements of an automated conflict resolution are detailed
on the following page.

![](media/image11.jpeg){width="5.623611111111111in"
height="5.863888888888889in"}

#  Time to loss of separation (ALERT 00:00)

# 

List of resolution strategies. Green background indicates currently
displayed route

# 

**Not defined**

*Operation -- press to...*

Datalink -- Transmits the route to ATC for approval

*Operation -- press to transmit*

Execute -- Executes the route on the CDTI

*Operation -- press to transmit*

**Not defined**

**Not defined**

Current resolution strategy route

#  

# 5.0 route AnalysiS tool (RAT)

The Route Analysis Tool facilitates 1) in-flight, flight crew
modification of flight plans, 2) submission of proposed flight plan
changes to Air Traffic Control (ATC), 3) receipt of flight plan
modifications from ATC, and 4) execution of flight plan changes in the
following circumstances:

> • without "approval" when in free flight,
>
> • when first approved by ATC in limited free flight operations, or
>
> • upon receipt (uplink) from ATC, with the concurrence of the flight
> deck.

Appropriate uses for the RAT include the planning and implementation of
flight plan changes to 1) resolve strategic conflicts with other
aircraft, 2) avoid weather, 3) take advantage of winds, 4) make use of
more direct routing options when available, and 5) to avoid dynamic
Special Use Airspace (SUA).

**5.1 RAT WAYPOINT TABLE** ![](media/image12.jpeg){width="3.0in"
height="1.5027777777777778in"}

Upon activation of the RAT, a table appears on the CDTI. The interface
elements are detailed below.

Left / Right arrows -- Waypoint access

*Operation -- Press to cycle ID*

Up / Down arrow -- Expand and collapse table

*Operation -- Press to activate*

Required Time of Arrival (RTA) -- RTA at a VOR / waypoint

*Operation -- Click on numbers to highlight. Use up and down arrows to
change*

Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA) -- ETA at the VOR / waypoint

Distance (Dist) -- **Not defined**

*Operation -- Use up and down arrows to change*

Altitude (Alt) -- To make an altitude change at the designated waypoint

*Operation -- Use up and down arrows to change*

**5.2 LATERAL ROUTE MODIFICATIONS**

The lateral path of ownship can be modified in three ways. An existing
waypoint in the flight plan can be moved, a new waypoint created (and
moved), or a waypoint deleted from the flight plan.

**5.2.1 MOVING A WAYPOINT**

![](media/image13.jpeg){width="4.200694444444444in"
height="4.372916666666667in"}

Waypoints along a route can be selected and moved, creating a new path.

Step 1 -- Turn the RAT on and move the cursor over an existing waypoint.

Step 2 -- Click and hold on the highlighted waypoint. Drag the waypoint
to a new location and 'drop' it.

Step 3 -- Press Enter, then Execute on the tool bar.

**Note:** When a proposed route is datalinked to ATC for review, it
remains on the CDTI, in gray, until a reply has been received from the
ground or the route passes the execution threshold -- the small dot on
the lubber line forward of ownship.

**5.2.2 CREATING A WAYPOINT**

![](media/image14.jpeg){width="3.9604166666666667in"
height="4.122222222222222in"}

Step 1 -- Turn the RAT on, dwell over the route, and click when the
arrow is over the desired location. A waypoint will be inserted.

Step 2 -- Review the location of the waypoint. It can be dragged along
the route path, or off to either side of the existing route.

Step 3 -- Press Enter, then Execute when all route modifications are
complete.

**5.2.3 DELETING A WAYPOINT**

Step 1 -- Turn the RAT on and dwell over the waypoint on the route.

Step 2 -- With the waypoint highlighted, right click once.

Step 3 -- Press Enter, then Execute when all route modifications are
complete.

**5.3 VERTICAL ROUTE MODIFICATIONS**

Step 1 -- Create a waypoint along the route (see above), or select an
existing waypoint.

Step 2 -- Use the up and down arrows next to \"Alt\" in the waypoint
table, to enter the desired altitude. A second (climb or descent
transition) waypoint is automatically created.

Step 3 -- Review the altitude change segment on the CDTI. Press Enter,
then Execute when all route modifications are complete.

# Note: The altitude change segment can be moved along the ownship route. Left click and hold, drop to re-locate. 

**6.0 PDA SPACING**

Paired Dependent Approach (PDA) Spacing is the initiation and execution
of in-trail following during approach to landing. The goal of PDA
spacing is to safely maximize the number of aircraft that can land
within a given time. To achieve this, inter-aircraft spacing is
optimized, such that aircraft cross the runway threshold with minimal
'lost\' time between touch-downs.

**6.1 SPACING INITIATION**

Initiating spacing requires ATC first issue ownship a \"lead\" aircraft
to follow, along with a time-in-trail. Flight crew begins PDA Spacing
by:

-   Clicking the "SPC" button on the tool bar

-   Selecting (clicking on) the lead aircraft on the CDTI

-   Modifying the spacing interval (time value) assigned by ATC

Left mouse click to decrease

Right mouse click to increase

-   Clicking "Start" on the tool bar

![](media/image15.jpeg){width="6.452083333333333in"
height="0.25833333333333336in"}

The CDTI then calculates the required ownship speed for maintenance of
the correct time interval ("PDA Processing" appears on the CDTI top left
during data collection), and manipulates the auto-throttles
appropriately ("CMD A/T" appears top left of CDTI). If a \'gap\' exists
the CDTI will increase ownship speed. If ownship is too close, the CDTI
will slow ownship.

**6.2 SPACING MONITORING**

As there are instances when it is appropriate and/or necessary that
flight crew intervene in a PDA operation, feedback on the CDTI is
designed to facilitate this, and is described below.

![](media/image16.jpeg){width="6.0in" height="4.5in"}

If ownship is \> 10 seconds ahead of the required temporal spacing
value, the spacing box turns yellow.

> When ownship is ≤ 10 seconds ahead of the required temporal spacing
> value, or ≤ 20 seconds behind the required temporal spacing value, the
> spacing box turns green.

If ownship is \> 20 seconds behind the required temporal spacing value,
the spacing box turns white.

**7.0 DAG-TM**

Distributed Air/Ground -- Traffic Management (DAG-TM) is a NAS concept
in which flight crews, ATC, and AOCs employ distributed decision-making
to safely facilitate user preferences and increase system capacity. The
goal of DAG-TM is to enhance user flexibility/efficiency and increase
system capacity, without adversely affecting system safety or
restricting user accessibility to the NAS.

**Known DAG-related issues relevant to CDTI use are outlined below:**

######## CDTI/MACS COMPONENTS

Starting a simulation trial, the following component panels should be
present on-screen for all MACS/CDTI pilots:

MACS: PFD CDTI: CDTI Display

MCP Display Tool Panel

CDU Radio

Flaps/Gear

Datalink Controls

Datalink Display

Controlled Aircraft Panel

######## ROUTE EXECUTION

Should ATC uplink to ownship, approval to load and execute an amended
route, DAG pilots should always ensure that \"Exec(ute)\" on the FMS is
pressed. The exception to this is when an RTA is entered and executed
via the CDTI. This input ***does not*** require a final \"Exec(ute)\" on
the FMS.

**RTA COMPLIANCE - I**

If an ownship route modification is required to meet an RTA, DAG pilots
should plan the change using the CDTI, datalink the modification request
to ATC, and upon approval, \"Exec(ute)\" the new routing.

**RTA COMPLIANCE - II**

A Required Time of Arrival (RTA) clearance, once entered and executed in
the CDTI, is indicated lower right on the CDTI. Ownship compliance with
the RTA is indicated by\... **Not defined**

####### TOP OF DESCENT

For information purposes only, Top of Descent (ToD) is indicated along
ownship route on the CDTI, and appears in the waypoint table. DAG pilots
***should not modify*** ToD on the CDTI or in the attendant waypoint
table.

######## WEATHER

Weather information is available on the CDTI by pressing the Wx button
on the display panel. Updates to the weather data are... **Not defined**

######## WINDS

A wind file is used in DAG studies, to simulate this weather element.
Winds aloft are best described as being... **Not defined**