NUMBER OF CONFLICTS AT THE ROUTE INTERSECTION – MINIMUM DISTANCE MODEL

Andrej Novak,Peter Adamko,Karel Havel

doi:10.3846/aviation.2019.9746

Abstract

A conflict is an infringement of minimum separation between at least two aircraft. The model is based on these assumptions: aircraft fly on level straight line routes, only an infringement of the lateral separation is considered, deviations are excluded, aircraft at the same flight level fly the same average speed, and aircraft fly towards an intersection and may change direction after intersection. Hence, conflicts mainly occur owing to a loss of minimum separation between aircraft flying at the same flight level. Calculation of average number of potential conflicts is designated for long time interval; hence, aircraft velocity deviations are negligible. The mathematical model in this paper is intended to compare different alternatives of intersection configuration of air traffic services routes. The comparison is based on the results: an average number of potential conflicts per hour on intersection of routes, index of conflicts intensity, and intersection capacity.

Highlights

Air transport significantly contributes to the world economy development
The evaluation and comparison is based on the average number of potential conflicts per hour, index of conflict intensity, capacity of intersection
Calculation of average number of potential conflicts is designated for a long time-interval; aircraft velocity deviations are negligible

Summary

Introduction

Air transport significantly contributes to the world economy development. it is very important to sustain its further resilience, ensure effective, ecological activities and mainly ensure safety. A conflict occurs when the distance between aircraft in flight violates a prescribed minimum, usually considered as 5 nautical miles (9 km) of horizontal or 1000 feet of vertical separation in radar environment (ICAO, 2007). These distances define a volume of airspace surrounding the aircraft, which should not be infringed upon by any other aircraft. The model is based on these assumptions: aircraft fly on level straight line routes, only an infringement of the lateral separation is considered, deviations are excluded, aircraft at the same flight level fly the same average speed, and aircraft fly towards an intersection and may change direction after intersection. The mathematical model is intended to compare different alternatives of an intersection configuration

Deriving the model

Discusion of the changes in route structures

Conclusions