Simulating Terminal RNAV: Assessing Time and Distance Benefits

摘要

The simulation provided a platform to validate the methodology for computing a variety of metrics associated with a system of arrival RNAV routes that contains some pre-final merges and merging on final. With the introduction of pre-planned routes, the aircraft automation will execute a more predictable flight path. However, for systems of routes that are all converging to the Runway, ATC must still manage the arrival stream to maintain proper spacing. In this simulation, we developed a methodology for comparing a vectored operation to an RNAV operation based upon overlays of the vectored traffic patterns. In the RNAV operation, aircraft were flown in an "expedite mode" (staying high and fast as long as possible) and time-based separation was resolved externally, the flows propagated forward, and conflicts on final resolved using distributions of I ATs gleaned from the operational data. This effort has identified techniques and methods which can be automated as part of the TARGETS simulation capability to reduce the workload for analysts. The methodology can now be applied to other busy airports in the NAS as a means to develop a general quantitative benefits story for RNAV overlays.