Modeling of an interactive scheduling system in a complex environment

This paper describes an interactive scheduling system for planning the activities of the French National Geographic Institute. The Institute has a fleet of aircraft ranging from helicopter to jet. The activity consists of commercial missions requiring cameras and measure instruments, which most often depend upon good visibility. Given the relevant data about aircraft, flight personnel, equipments available, airports, the missions to be flown (location, height, speed, urgency,...) and the daily meteorological satellite map, the system suggests efficient assignments of aircraft, personnel and equipments for the day’s activities and allows for on-line modification of parameters and fast reassignments.