Methodology for Optimizing Parameters ofNoise-Abatement Approach Procedures

Abstract

Noise abatement approach procedures reduce the noise impact on communities surrounding airports by enabling aircraft to descend at lower power and along higher vertical path than standard approaches procedures. A design challenge of theses procedure is the selection of the procedure parameters that minimize the adverse impact of delay in the pilot response and uncertainty in the atmospheric condition. In this paper, a methodology developed to determine the optimum design parameters is presented. The methodology involved: 1) conducting a simulator-based, human factors experiment to obtain models of pilot delay in extending flaps/gear in conditions with and without turbulence; 2) formulating the procedure’s parameters as strategic and tactical control variables; 3) using the pilot delay models and the parameter formulation to perform a Monte Carlo Simulation to resolve the conflicting objectives of reducing noise and increasing probability of target achievement. Simulation results showed that the flap schedule has to be designed to get the aircraft to its desired speed at a target altitude that is 50-ft higher than the desired altitude when there is no turbulence, and 200-ft higher than the desired altitude when there is turbulence; 4) determining the feasibility space of the parameters in different wind conditions. Results showed that when the wind uncertainty is large, accounting for the uncertainty in the procedure design significantly reduces the effectiveness of the procedure. A discussion on the implementation of strategic and tactical control variables is also provided.