Feasibility study on efficient arrival operations via the integration of fixed-flight path angle descent and GBAS landing system

Abstract

Ever increasing demands and challenges in the aviation industry provoke the global attention to seek for innovative solutions. Fixed-Flight Path Angle (FPA) descent and Ground-Based Augmentation System (GBAS) Landing System (GLS) are considered to be two potential approaches for efficient arrival operations in a Continuous Descent Operations (CDO) implemented future air traffic management system. Integrating these two procedures can provide substantial benefits for operators with reduced operating cost while supporting controllers and regulators with increased trajectory predictability and throughput. This paper provides a conceptual framework to develop an integrated system of FPA descent and GLS as an augmentation to the implementation of CDO. Key components of FPA and GLS are introduced and the integration process is discussed from the viewpoints of operators and air traffic controllers. Necessary procedure design suggestions and challenges / solutions in implementing such a concept are also revealed. Preliminary results from full-flight simulator experiments and fast-time simulator show that FPA is feasible for large passenger aircraft with the existing avionics and can be generated according to current standard arrival routes (STAR) and altitude / speed restrictions. Future activities of this research are dedicated for system validation in various traffic and operational environment including the consideration of atmospheric deviations and feasibility in multi-aircraft environment.