Air traffic control automation concepts to optimize flight management system utilization

The author defines the requirements and design philosophy for developing ground-based automation planning and control advisory concepts to best serve the aircraft with FMS (flight management system) capabilities. Analytical results are presented, based on comparison of operational data with the user-preferred trajectories to identify flying-time variabilities in various segments of arriving flights. En route descents, terminal maneuvering areas, and the final approaches are considered to determine the impact of aircraft and environmental factors on flying times essential for traffic planning. Simple time-estimation algorithms based on FMS-defined speed schedules and prevailing winds are presented for estimating flying times during en route descents. Automation planning and control concepts are developed which utilize flexible route structures and a speed-control strategy to permit the aircraft maximum use of FMS and onboard avionics in all operating conditions.<
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