Just one element of Enhanced Time-Based Separation…
What does this mean? NATS has developed an intelligent spacing tool for arrival spacing that safely optimises runway capacity to improve operational resilience, deliver better on-time performance, reduce CO2 emissions and increase revenue. The functional modules cater to each airport’s unique needs. It fully integrates into existing ATC systems and can be used in different environments to deliver benefits in all types of operational scenarios.
Firstly, let’s take a look at Pairwise. It provides the capability to separate aircraft using an enhanced wake scheme. Instead of using a wake scheme that categorises aircraft based on weight and wingspan, Pairwise is uses wake vortex separation that is individually tailored for each pair of aircraft, providing typical capacity gains of two landings per hour.
What are the other components of the Intelligent Approach (IA) modules?
Distance Based Separation provides optimised wake spacing rules to provide controllers with a visual indication of the required separation. This improves consistency of delivery of aircraft to the runway, resulting in typical capacity gains of 2-3 landings per hour.
Time Based Separation provides an increase in capacity, enabling the ability to deliver more aircraft, or to better deal with peaks in demand. The dynamic adjustment of spacing for all wind conditions recovers the capacity lost due to headwinds, improving operational and safety performance.
Mixed Mode Operations is a world-first spacing tool that maximises runway arrivals and departures for mixed mode runways, including single runway airports. Mixed Mode safely increasing capacity and resilience gains by 2-3 movements per hour.
What does all this mean for ATC and airports?
Intelligent Approach helps air traffic controllers more efficiently manage the gaps between arriving and departing aircraft. It provides ATC with markers on their radar screens, helping them precisely position each arrival to create the most efficient sequence of traffic, increase capacity and reduce fuel burn and emissions.
The main benefits are:
- enables choice in how to exploit existing runway and airspace infrastructure whilst increasing the available tactical capacity
- reduced fuel burn and emissions through improved predictability and reduced airborne holding
- increased on-time performance meaning reduced delays, reduced costs and happier passengers
- increased revenue by enabling additional capacity
- supports airport growth plans at a fraction of the cost of major capital investment.
In operation at LHR since 2015, this system has delivered improvements. Heathrow is the busiest airport in the world where arriving aircraft are separated using dynamically calculated time intervals, as opposed to set distances. This allows them to be adjusted in real-time to suit the prevailing wind conditions and help maintain the landing-rate.
Where is it used? In the UK its LHR and LGW, no doubt others will follow. Notable non-UK airports are YYZ and AMS. More information can be found here www.nats.aero
And finally….
Emirates – congratulations to Captain James Ward who successfully completed his A350 type rating. He’s also undertaken his first flights, to various Indian airports. Unlike most of his A380 ones, he was home the same day!
Boeing – as expected, China has decided to return its recently delivered B737MAX8 aircraft. As usual, rumours abound as to what will happen to them. Some aviation media sources haven’t thought through their response, suggesting that Ryanair will seize the opportunity for a cut-price deal. These aircraft will need to be repainted and interior signage changed….
YouTube – it’s good to recognise channels that deliver professional and entertaining footage. This week’s callout goes to HorisBox, a Japanese guy called Hori. He covers MIA and FLL. A recent holiday provided excellent footage from NRT although some of his start times tested even the hardiest spotter!
Information courtesy of NATS, YouTube
Images courtesy of CNN, HorisBox (via YouTube)
©TPSC, LadyJet2 and photo/diagram suppliers