Indices for Evaluating ATC Terminal Area Operations and Their Role in Cost/Benefit Analyses.

The feasibility was studied of devising indices which could be used to assess the performance of an ATC terminal area. These indices are to be based on easily available data and designed to reflect system degradation, safety and system workload. The report presents a prototype analysis of data relating to the Boston Terminal Area. It is concluded that indices can be devised and their relationship established with environmental variables such as congestion, weather, equipment outrages, etc. These relations show which of these variables are the most significant and their relative magnitudes in influencing performance. The report also discusses the role of simulation in terminal area improvement evaluation. An unambiguous definition of operational delay is proposed. Finally, a cost/benefit paradigm is presented for the Boston Terminal Area. Portions of this document are not fully legible.