Trevor KistanRMIT University | RMIT · School of Aerospace, Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering
Trevor Kistan
MSc, MBA, BSc Hons
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46
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Publications
Publications (46)
Collision risk modelling has a long history in the aviation industry, with mature models currently utilised for the strategic planning of airspace sectors and air routes. However, the progressive introduction of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and other forms of air mobility poses new challenges, compounded by a growing need to address both offline...
Emerging Air Traffic Management (ATM) and avionics human-machine system concepts require a real-time monitoring of the human operator performance to support the introduction of new task assessment and system adaptation features. To realise these advanced concepts, it is essential to resort to a suite of sensors recording neurophysiological data rel...
Avionics and Air Traffic Management (ATM) systems are featuring progressively higher levels of automation in order to assist human operators in increasingly more complex operational tasks. This is evident in the context of emerging UAS Traffic Management (UTM) and Urban Air Mobility (UAM) operational paradigms, where a transition from “Human-in-the...
![Figure 1. Detailed framework of the CHMS. Adapted from [7,62].](profile/Roberto-Sabatini-3/publication/352478683/figure/fig1/AS:1035609275658240@1623919900536/Detailed-framework-of-the-CHMS-Adapted-from-7-62_Q320.jpg)
With increasingly higher levels of automation in aerospace decision support systems, it is imperative that the human operator maintains the required level of situational awareness in different operational conditions and a central role in the decision-making process. While current aerospace systems and interfaces are limited in their adaptability, a...
Advances in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) have paved the way for progressively higher levels of intelligence and autonomy, supporting new modes of operation, such as the one-to-many (OTM) concept, where a single human operator is responsible for monitoring and coordinating the tasks of multiple unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). This paper presents...
Recent evolutions of the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Traffic Management (UTM) concept are driving the introduction of new airspace structures and classifications, which must be suitable for low-altitude airspace and provide the required level of safety and flexibility, particularly in dense urban and suburban areas. Therefore, airspace classifi...
With the proliferation of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) in low-altitude airspace and a growing interest in new Urban Air Mobility (UAM) solutions, the Air Traffic Controller (ATCo)'s responsibility to ensure safety and efficiency of operations can no longer be fulfilled with the conventional air traffic control paradigm. Hence, a new increasingly...
The emergence of the UAS Traffic Management (UTM) framework has led to the potential to designate new airspace structures and classifications that are suitable for low altitude airspace and particularly in denser urban and suburban areas. This paper presents a novel airspace management approach for Urban Air Mobility (UAM) below the skyline in part...
The continuing development of avionics for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UASs) is introducing higher levels of intelligence and autonomy both in the flight vehicle and in the ground mission control, allowing new promising operational concepts to emerge. One-to-Many (OTM) UAS operations is one such concept and its implementation will require significan...
Growing air traffic and an increasing demand for Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) services elicit the need for new systems assisting air traffic controllers and UAS operators in performing their tasks in order to manage more aircraft without compromising operational safety. A key challenge is to support One-To-Many (OTM) operations where a single hum...
![Figure 4. HFE Lab architecture [4].](profile/Roberto-Sabatini-3/publication/335061704/figure/fig4/AS:789906716635136@1565339845164/HFE-Lab-architecture-4_Q320.jpg)
Intelligent automation and trusted autonomy are being introduced in aerospace cyber-physical systems to support diverse tasks including data processing, decision-making, information sharing and mission execution. Due to the increasing level of integration/collaboration between humans and automation in these tasks, the operational performance of clo...
Adaptive Human-Machine Interfaces and Interactions (HMI²) are closed-loop cyber-physical systems comprising a network of sensors measuring human, environmental and mission parameters, in conjunction with suitable software for adapting the HMI² (command, control and display functions) in response to these real-time measurements. Cognitive HMI² are a...
This paper presents new efficient guidance algorithms allowing Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) to avoid a variety of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) continuity and integrity performance threats detected by an Aircraft Based Augmentation System (ABAS). In particular, the UAS guidance problem is formulated as an optimal control-based Multi-...
Automation support is essential in Air Traffic Management (ATM) to increase traffic capacity and support human operators in their duties. With the steady growth in air traffic and an increased market share for low cost airlines, an efficient management of Terminal Manoeuvring Area (TMA) airspace is becoming more and more challenging as it involves...
![Table 5 . Metrics of explanation quality [26].](publication/328034973/figure/tbl1/AS:677484831985665@1538536379387/Metrics-of-explanation-quality-26_Q320.jpg)
Resurgent interest in artificial intelligence (AI) techniques focused research attention on their application in aviation systems including air traffic management (ATM), air traffic flow management (ATFM), and unmanned aerial systems traffic management (UTM). By considering a novel cognitive human–machine interface (HMI), configured via machine lea...
This paper presents the concept of Cognitive Human-Machine Interfaces and Interactions (CHMI²) for Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Ground Control Stations (GCS). CHMI² represents a new approach to aviation human factors engineering that introduces adaptive functionalities in the design of operators’ command, control and display functions. A CHMI² sy...
Air traffic is doubling every 15 years and aviation systems must modernize to address sustainability challenges. The need to balance capacity, efficiency, safety and environmental requirements is reflected by the several Air Traffic Management (ATM) and avionics modernization initiatives currently underway. The major collaborative research programs...
Avionics and Air Traffic Management (ATM) systems are evolving with the introduction of progressively higher levels of automation, towards attaining the ambitious operational, technical and safety enhancements required to sustain the present growth of global air traffic. This article presents novel 4-Dimensional Trajectory (4DT) functionalities tha...
Whereas current aerospace Human-Machine Interfaces and Interactions (HMI2) are mostly static in their behaviour/appearance and require direct input from human operators, innovative HMI2 concepts are being proposed which allow for multimodal interactions or sense the functional state of human operators and dynamically adapt the level of automation....
The simulation environment used in cognitive Human Factors Engineering (HFE) research at RMIT University HFE-Lab is presented in this article. The simulation environment consists of Air Traffic Management (ATM) workstations including Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Traffic Management (UTM) features as well as pilot/remote pilot stations, including a...
1. Theoretical framework, solution methods and transport aircraft models; 2. MOTO-4D – optimal control and steady state formulations; 3. Strategies for multi-objective articulation of preferences; 4. Aircraft dynamics; 5. Fuel, time, gaseous emissions (COX, NOX, VOC) and contrails; 6. Airspace and ATM constraint modelling; 7. Convective weather cel...
Part 1 - Evolutionary Outlook of Air Traffic Flow Management Techniques and Ongoing Developments (2D+T, 3D and 4D).
Part 2 - Dynamic Airspace Management: Rationale and Pathway to Implementation.
In recent years Air Traffic Flow Management (ATFM) has become pertinent even in regions without sustained overload conditions caused by dense traffic operations. Increasing traffic volumes in the face of constrained resources has created peak congestion at specific locations and times in many areas of the world. Increased environmental awareness an...
This paper presents Multi Objective Trajectory Optimization (MOTO) algorithms that were developed for integration in state-of-the-art Air Traffic Management (ATM) and Air Traffic Flow Management (ATFM) systems. The MOTO algorithms are conceived for the automation-assisted replanning of 4-Dimensional Trajectories (4DT) when unforeseen perturbations...
Significant evolutions of aircraft, airspace and airport systems design and operations are driven by the continuous increase of air transport demand worldwide and by the concurrent push for a more economically viable and environmentally sustainable aviation. In the operational context, novel avionics and air traffic management (ATM) systems are bei...
This chapter discusses the challenges and opportunities associated with the introduction of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) in terminal areas and other airspace regions characterised by high air traffic densities and high levels of Air Traffic Services (ATS). The specificities in terms of jurisdiction and prevalent traffic characteristics are analy...
In this paper, the system requirements for the integration of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) in controlled airspace regions are discussed. The specificities in terms of Air Traffic Management (ATM) level of service, jurisdiction for deconfliction duties and prevalent traffic characteristics are analysed to support the identification of op...
This report provides a detailed description of the activities performed by RMIT University in collaboration with THALES Australia as part of project No. 0200312837. This is the third and last report of a series, addressing the final results of the research and development activities accomplished on Next Generation Air Traffic Management (ATM) Syste...
As part of the current initiatives aimed at enhancing safety, efficiency and environmental sustainability of air transport, a significant improvement in aircraft operations is deemed necessary. Innovative Communication, Navigation, Surveillance and Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) technologies and operational concepts are being developed to achieve...
This paper gives the concepts and mathematical models required for the development of Multi Objective Trajectory Optimization (MOTO) functionalities to be implemented into the next generation of ATM systems. MOTO algorithms are introduced whereby data from various sources are utilized to optimize flight paths for various user defined objectives. Th...
The combined requirements of Air Traffic Management (ATM) research initiatives (SESAR and NextGen) and environmentally sustainable aviation programmes (Clean Sky and Environmentally Responsible Aviation) aim at lowering operating costs and reducing noise and gaseous emissions. Aircraft noise modelling in airports around the globe is essential in or...
This paper presents algorithms for multi-objective 4-Dimensional Flight Trajectory (4DT) operations in next generation Communications, Navigation, Surveillance/Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) systems. In particular, the algorithms are developed for 4DT Planning, Negotiation and Validation (4-PNV) in online strategic and tactical operational scenar...
Large-scale global and regional air transport modernisation initiatives aim to improve the operational efficiency, safety and environmental sustainability of aviation. Scientific advances in Air Traffic Management (ATM) and avionic system are required to achieve the ambitious goals set by national and international aviation organisations. This pape...
Scientific advances in Communication, Navigation, Surveillance/Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) and Avionic (CNS+A) systems are essential to achieve the ambitious goals set by national and international organisations for a more sustainable aviation industry. Novel CNS+A technologies have been conceived to increase operational efficiency and to impr...
This chapter reviews the key areas of research focus in the Australian aviation sector, as well as the associated needs, challenges and opportunities. The main topics include improved efficiency and capacity of airports, integrated Air Traffic Management (ATM) systems and technologies, cost-effective through-life support of new and ageing aircraft,...
The research presented in this paper focuses on the conceptual design of an innovative Air Traffic Management (ATM) system featuring automated 4-Dimensional Trajectory (4DT) Planning, Negotiation and Validation (4-PNV) functionalities to enable Intent Based Operations (IBO). In order to meet the demanding requirements set by national and internatio...
❖ Development of 4-PNV and NG-FMS providing multi-objective 4DT optimisation and air-to-ground negotiation/validation to enable TBO/IBO ❖ Implementation of gaseous emissions, condensation trails, operational costs, runway capacity and weather/non-standard atmosphere models ❖ Development of a multi-objective 4DT optimisation algorithm for strategic...
Trajectory Based Operations (TBO) has been identified by ICAO as a key aviation evolution with significant developments in Next Gen Flight Management Systems (FMS) to communicate with ground based 4DT Air Traffic Management (ATM) system of the future. The Next generation ATM and FMS systems will include the capability of generating 4D trajectories...
This report introduces the concepts and mathematical models required for the development and implementation of Multi Objective Trajectory Optimization (MOTO) and Dynamic Airspace Resources Allocation (DARA) / Dynamic Airspace Management (DAM) functionalities into the THALES TopSky Air Traffic Flow Management (ATFM) system. The key MOTO algorithms a...
Large-scale air transport modernisation initiatives including the Single European Sky Air Traffic Management Research (SESAR), Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) and Clean Sky Joint Technological Initiative (JTI) for Aeronautics and Air Transport aim to improve the operational efficiency, safety and environmental sustainability of...
This paper presents the concept of operations, architecture and trajectory optimisation algorithms of a Next Generation Flight Management System (NG-FMS). The NG-FMS is developed for Four Dimensional (4D) Intent Based Operations (IBO) in the next generation Communications, Navigation, Surveillance/Air Traffic Management and Avionics (CNS+A) context...
This paper presents models and algorithms for real-time 4-Dimensional Flight Trajectory (4DT) operations in next generation Communications, Navigation, Surveillance/Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) systems. In particular, the models are employed for multi-objective optimisation of 4DT intents in ground-based 4DT Planning, Negotiation and Validation...
Research on airspace complexity metrics with the aim of characterizing traffic with respect to air traffic controllers’ cognitive workload has been ongoing for the last 40 years (complexity factors, dynamic density). Nevertheless, simple sector load based on aircraft count remains the key planning figure in ATM & ATFM. The proposed complexity facto...
Building on a deployed Air Traffic Flow Management system we focus on published routes as key resources in airspace capacity management, exploring their role in concepts such as linear dynamic density, airside-groundside resource dependencies, exit separation management, CDM, flows, interactive HMI representations of load and system-proposed flow m...
Projects
Projects (5)
Aviation Human Factors Engineering is one of the core research areas for the ITMS Group (RMIT University) as evolutions in this domain are essential to introduce higher levels of automation support for flight crews and ground operators. Additionally, the Australian industry and civil/military aviation organizations are increasingly investing in this area, both in terms of personnel and research infrastructure. RMIT University is performing Research, Development, Test and Evaluation (RDT&E) activities on a variety of Avionics and Air Traffic Management (ATM) systems, including Human-Machine Interfaces and Interactions (HMI2), Radar, Airborne Lasers Systems, Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR), GNSS/Integrated Navigation Systems, Airborne Computers, Displays, Night Vision Imaging Systems, Aeronautical Communication Systems, Data Links and Satellite Communication Systems. Research on avionics and ATM has also extended to innovative forms of cognitive HMI2, which implement a variety of offline/online machine learning techniques to provide adaptive automation support for aircraft pilots/remote pilots, air traffic controllers and military C2. All these RDT&E programs included several Verification and Validation (V&V) efforts, including extensive laboratory, ground and flight test activities (constantly supported by modelling and simulation for performance prediction, safety analysis, mission planning and post-mission data analysis).
Core research activities being undertaken in the area of Cognitive Human-Machine Interfaces and Interactions (CHMI2) include:
- Defining an analytical framework for system adaptation based on human operator’s biometric measurements as well as mission/environmental data, system status observations, and associated cognitive state estimations;
- Adopting neuro-fuzzy systems, deep learning and adaptive Boolean decision logics;
- Implementing systems driven by adaptive human-machine interfaces and interactions, including specific scenario events, transitions between the events, and cognitive driven event-based scenario generation;
- Implementing adaptive human-machine interfaces for manned and unmanned aircraft piloting, ATM and C2 operations;
- Performing simulation case studies to evaluate the effectiveness of the systems in representative scenarios;
- Performing experimental investigation in a simulation environment for a variety of training scenarios.
Relevant Publications
- Y. Lim, A. Gardi, S. Ramasamy, T. Kistan and R. Sabatini, “Cognitive UAS Human-Machine Interfaces and Interactions”, Journal of Intelligent & Robotic Systems, 2017
- Y. Lim, V. Bassien-Capsa, S. Ramasamy, J. Liu and R. Sabatini, "Commercial Airline Single Pilot Operations: System Design and Pathways to Certification", IEEE Aerospace and Electronic Systems Magazine, 2017.
- Y. Lim, A. Gardi, S. Ramasamy, T. Kistan and R. Sabatini, “A Novel Simulation Environment for Cognitive Human Factors Engineering Research”, 36th Digital Avionics Systems Conference, St. Petersburg, FL (USA), 2017.
- Y. Lim, A. Gardi, S. Ramasamy R. Sabatini, “A Virtual Pilot Assistant System for Single Pilot Operations of Commercial Transport Aircraft.” 17th Australian International Aerospace Congress (AIAC17). Melbourne (Australia), 2017.
- J. Liu, R. Sabatini, A. Gardi and S. Ramasamy, “Cognitive Pilot-Aircraft Interface for Single-Pilot Operations”, Knowledge-Based Systems, 2016.
- Y. Lim, J. Liu, S. Ramasamy and R. Sabatini, “Cognitive Remote Pilot-Aircraft Interface for UAS Operations.” 2016 International Conference on Intelligent Unmanned Systems (ICIUS 2016). Xi'an (China), 2016.
Developing innovative single-sensor and multisensor Navigation and Guidance Systems (NGS) for manned and unmanned vehicle applications. A key goal is to improve navigation performance (accuracy, continuity, availability and integrity), while reducing weight, volume and cost. Some of the proposed NGS solutions are evolving as incremental enhancements of existing technology and others introduce radically new concepts including elements of bio-inspiration and bio-mimetics.
The aim of this project is to develop novel technologies and operational concepts to allow a sustainable growth of the aviation sector over the next 20-30 years. Both short-term and long-term initiatives are essential to increase the economic and environmental sustainability of the sector and are therefore targeted in this project. The focus is on reducing aviation environmental impacts, while addressing the challenges of a global increase in air transport demand and the need for more time efficient and safer operations. Research topics include: improved efficiency and capacity of airports, integrated Air Traffic Management (ATM) systems and technologies, cost-effective through-life support of new and ageing aircraft, alternative fuels and low emission technologies. Additionally, advancements in aviation safety and security (both cyber and physical) are identified as strategic focus areas for a sustainable growth of the aviation sector.
