The Self Spacing Panel (SSP) is used to achieve proper spacing behind a lead aircraft.  Upon receiving a self spacing clearance from the Air Traffic Controller, the SSP is used to follow a lead aircraft by a specified time interval.  Consistent with the other Flight Deck Controls, the fields in the SSP use the same color scheme.

To self space behind another aircraft, first select the lead aircraft to follow.  Clicking the "LEAD A/C >>" button will display a list of possible lead, (target), aircraft.  When you select an aircraft from the list, it will display in white.  This action will also display in yellow the current spacing interval (in seconds of time) between your aircraft and the lead aircraft.  You can also use your keyboard to directly type in this field if a desired aircraft is not in the list.

To select a target spacing interval, click the "INTERVAL >>" button to display a list of typical spacing intervals.  When you select a target spacing interval, it will display in white.  At this point, everything is ready for your aircraft to self space behind the lead aircraft, but the process is not yet engaged. 

To engage self-spacing, you must check the radio button labeled "SPACING" in the speed field of your aircraft's MCP.  In the SSP, this will change the color of the lead aircraft and the target spacing interval to magenta. 

Self spacing also provides visual feedback on your aircraft's map display.  On the map display, the lead aircraft's ID turns to a bold font.  Also, the lead aircraft's flight level (altitude in hundreds of feet) and indicated air speed (in knots) are also displayed in a bold font.  To aid conformance monitoring, a color-coded box is shown on the map display, conveying how close to the target spacing interval your aircraft is.  The lead aircraft's ID, flight level, and air speed are also color-coded in the same way as the box.  The color white indicates your aircraft is too far behind the target spacing interval (notice the difference between the current spacing interval and the target spacing interval in your aircraft's SSP).

The color green indicates your aircraft is successfully meeting the target spacing interval (notice the difference between the current spacing interval and the target spacing interval in your aircraft's SSP).

The color yellow indicates your aircraft is too far ahead of the target spacing interval (notice the difference between the current spacing interval and the target spacing interval in your aircraft's SSP).

The color red indicates your aircraft is too close to the lead aircraft, and a collision will soon occur if no action is taken (notice the difference between the current spacing interval and the target spacing interval in your aircraft's SSP).