ENABLING TECHNOLOGY EVALUATION FOR EFFICIENT CONTINUOUS DESCENT APPROACHES

摘要

This paper describes the development and validation of environmentally efficient Continuous Descent Approach techniques in a future high density operational environment for Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. Efficient CDA operations under such conditions are promoted by the combined use of new and/or available enabling airborne and air traffic management technologies. This includes FMS CDA and RTA functions, cockpit display cues, air-ground data-link and time based arrival management by means of advanced AMAN, RNAV STARS and a traffic flow sequencing and merging controller support tool.Validation was carried out using fast time capacity and safety simulations, as well as realtime human-in-the-loop simulation exercises, the latter involving both air traffic controllers and flight crews. The evaluation showed promising results with respect to the feasibility of the concept to achieve medium to high density CDA traffic flows.The work has been carried out within the OPTIMAL project (Optimised Procedures and Techniques for Improvement of Approach and Landing), a European 6th Framework Program research project (2004-2008) which develops innovative procedures for the approach and landing phases of aircraft and rotorcraft. The project objective is to minimize environmental impact and increase airport capacity while improving operational safety. OPTIMAL is an air-ground cooperative project developing both airborne and ground systems and their interoperability.