Identification of artificial intelligence applications in air traffic control

Artificial intelligence consists of a broad range of computer science techniques directed at such problems as pattern matching, language processing and solving highly complex, ill-defined problems. The paper briefly reviews the current state of development of the artificial intelligence field and explores how these techniques might be applied to air traffic control. Seven possible control strategies are identified, ranging from visual and electronic collision avoidance, through proposed enhancements of the current U.S. air traffic control system, to strategies in which aircraft follow predetermined, deconflicted flight paths. A large number of possible artificial intelligence applications are grouped into seven functional areas, and ways in which they might be incorporated into the different control strategies are discussed. The paper concludes by considering some of the implementation issues that will arise in the course of applying artificial intelligence techniques to air traffic control.