Airspace Complexity for Pilots Operating in High-Density Terminal Airspace: New York Case Study

Performance-based navigation (PBN) has been implemented in the redesign of terminal airspace across the National Airspace System (NAS). However, some locations, such as the New York metro area (NY), have not adopted PBN widely. Modernizing flight operations at high-density terminal airspace like NY is challenging, but also has the potential for significant operational benefits if successful. This research aims to understand the flight deck perspective on flying in high-density terminal airspace. We analyzed 73 events from the Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS) to assess flight operations at four major NY airports before COVID-19. We defined and explored the concept of airspace complexity for pilots operating in the terminal airspace. Our concept is comprised of four types of external threats related to flight path management: air traffic control interactions, autoflight systems on the flight deck, airspace and flight procedures, and environment. Our findings paint a picture of flight operations in NY.