Training pilots for collision avoidance within a realistic operating context

The traffic alert and collision avoidance system has been implemented to reduce the number of midair collisions. Pilot compliance to traffic alert and collision avoidance system resolution advisories is mandated unless the pilot feels it would conflict with safety. Thus, pilots' responses hinge on their assessment of the situation during the time period leading up to and spanning a traffic alert and collision avoidance system resolution advisory, including assessment of cues that conflict with traffic alert and collision avoidance system guidance. However, current training programs generally do not incorporate a realistic operating context and represent traffic alert and collision avoidance system advisories as isolated events. Furthermore, in the presence of conflicting traffic alert and collision avoidance system guidance and traffic information, pilots have reported confusion about what traffic alert and collision avoidance system advised, as well as disagreement with and noncompliance to resolution advisories. This paper discusses a traffic alert and collision avoidance system training program within a realistic operating context; in this case, the training used an integrated flight-deck/air-traffic-control simulator to create contexts where pilots receive conflicting information from the traffic alert and collision avoidance system and air traffic control. This training significantly impacted pilot responses to resolution advisories, including an increase in compliance when presented conflicting information.