Time-Synchronized Approach Control

Abstract

Time-synchronized approach control is a concept that takes advantage of available aircraft precision navigation and guidance capabilities. It combines these with advanced ATC equipment to provide an improved method of air traffic control. The basic concept is for ATC to assign each aircraft a three-dimensional approach path and schedule that the aircraft must then maintain with an error that is small compared to the allowable longitudinal spacing between approaches. The advantages of reduced control workload and increased control precision are used as a basis for computing potential benefits in terms of increasing peak-hour operations without increasing delay. This paper describes the concept, the airborne and ground-based equipment capabilities, the expected performance, and the potential benefits.