PJ10 PROSA
Controller Tools and Team Organization for the Provision of Separation in the Air Traffic Management
Provider: SESAR Joint Undertaking, topic: H2020-SESAR-2015-2/H2020-SESAR-2015-2
Duration: 11/2016 – 12/2019
Project Webpage: https://www.sesarju.eu/projects/prosa
Description:
The vision of the Single European Sky was clearly described in the ATM Masterplan. Achieving the goals for European airspace was only possible through focused technical developments at the European level. Air traffic controllers, as the primary actors in tactical-level traffic management, required more automated tools to free up their capacity for critical situations where human decision-making remained essential. This approach ensured a safer service for increasing air traffic volumes while reducing costs, as demanded by airspace users.
This project, part of the SESAR programme, addressed separation management. It not only improved existing conflict detection tools but also developed new tools to support air traffic controllers with resolution advisories and flight trajectory monitoring. The project further explored innovative operational concepts—moving beyond the traditional model of air traffic controllers working in pairs within fixed sectors—to assess possibilities such as multi-planner setups, sector-less airspace, and seamless cross-border operations. Research was advanced to a stage where the results could be adopted in operational air traffic management systems across Europe, aiming to enable safer, faster, and more affordable air travel within the next decade.
A critical element of the project was the integration of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), or drones, into European Air Traffic Management. As a new component of the airspace ecosystem, it was vital to develop concepts and technologies to manage this traffic safely. The companies involved in the project formed a unique collaboration between air navigation service providers and the air and ground industry—an alliance essential to delivering sustainable outcomes. These outcomes were validated through fast-time and real-time simulations, as well as live trials, ensuring the developed prototypes were effective within the context of future traffic and ATM systems.
