Problem Analysis, Resolution and Ranking (PARR) Development and Assessment

This paper provides an overview of problem resolution capabilities being developed to assist en route air traffic controllers. This function is termed Problem Analysis, Resolution and Ranking (PARR). PARR is envisioned as an enhancement to the User Request Evaluation Tool (URET) Free Flight Phase 1 (FFP1) capability, and has been designated as Priority Research for the follow-on Free Flight Phase 2 (FFP2) effort. PARR is being developed as a series of incremental enhancements to URET, with the Initial PARR capabilities focusing on providing additional support to the Radar Associate (D) controller for the resolution of aircraft-to-aircraft and aircraft-to-airspace problems. Subsequent PARR enhancements address the avoidance of severe weather areas, the implementation of Traffic Flow Management (TFM) flow initiatives, and the integration into a common en route Sector Team Computer-Human Interface (CHI). This paper provides an overview of the Initial PARR capabilities and a summary of results from ongoing evaluations with active field controllers. An overview of the techniques being developed for the PARR functional performance and benefits assessment is given, along with initial results. Finally, concepts are described for the enhancement of URET and PARR to assist in the avoidance of severe weather areas and implementation of TFM flow initiatives.