TRACON Aircraft Arrival Planning and Optimization through Spatial Constraint Satisfaction

Abstract

A new aircraft arrival planning and optimization algorithm has been incorporated into the final approach spacing tool (FAST) in the center–terminal radar approach control (TRACON) automation system (CTAS) developed at NASA–Ames Research Center. FAST simulations were conducted over 2 years involving full-proficiency, level five air traffic controllers from the Dallas–Fort Worth (DFW) TRACON. From these simulations an algorithm, called spatial constraint satisfaction, was designed and coded, underwent testing, and soon will begin field evaluation at the DFW and Denver International airport facilities. The new design was motivated by the realization that the generation of efficient and conflict free aircraft arrival plans at the run-way does not guarantee an operationally acceptable arrival plan upstream from the runway, and that information encompassing the entire arrival airspace must be used to create an acceptable aircraft arrival plan. The new design includes functions available previously, but additionally includes necessary representations of controller preferences, operationally required amounts of extra separation, and integrates procedures for aircraft conflict resolution. As a result, the spatial constraint satisfaction algorithm produces an aircraft arrival plan that is more acceptable in terms of TRACON procedures and air traffic controller work load. This article discusses the current air traffic control arrival planning procedures, previous relevant work in FAST, the design of the spatial constraint satisfaction algorithm, and a description of recent evaluations of the algorithm. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.