Performance-Based Navigation Flight Path Analysis Using Fast-Time Simulation

Daniel A Pamplona,Alexandre G De De Barros,Claudio J P Alves

doi:10.3390/en14227800

Abstract

The growing demand for air transportation has led to an increase in worldwide air traffic inefficiency due to capacity constraints. The impacts associated with this situation can be reduced through operational changes. To better handle the problem, the Single European Sky ATM Research (SESAR) and the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) program suggest Performance-Based Navigation (PBN) as a solution. The Area Navigation (RNAV) and Required Navigation Performance (RNP) approaches belong to the group of PBN procedures. These procedures allow for a more efficient use of airspace by reducing route distances, fuel consumption and perceived aircraft noise. This article quantifies the benefits of PBN systems for two indicator parameters—fuel burn and flight time—and compares PBN systems to conventional instrument navigation procedures. The case studies use five airports in Brazil. The results of this analysis show that the benefits of the PBN approach vary with aircraft type and individual route characteristics.

Highlights

Performance-Based Navigation (PBN) is a type of air navigation procedure that includes avionics, crew qualification and air traffic management system requirements regarding precision, integrity, availability, continuity, and functionality
Required Navigation Performance (RNP) outline the procedures for PBN, and RNP requires the inclusion of warning and monitoring capabilities [3]
The results showed that the increasing number of RNAV-equipped planes reduced flying distances by 1.8 nautical miles on average, and reduced communication traffic, fuel consumption and variations in arrival times between aircraft

Summary

Introduction

PBN is an improvement to older technology and a set of operational specifications with which an aircraft must comply It is based on the installed navigational equipment and not a unique navigational sensor. RNAV and RNP outline the procedures for PBN, and RNP requires the inclusion of warning and monitoring capabilities [3]. By employing this new approach, an airspace system is made more reliable and efficient, resulting in greater flexibility when planning flight routes as well as during takeoffs and landings, in addition to optimizing vertical profiles through the use of continuous climb and descent procedures [8]

Methods

Results

Conclusion