Airfield Operations Research Articles

Resilience assessment of airport aircraft area network operations under thunderstorm weather

Thunderstorms can cause a decrease in airports' dynamic capacity, and taxiway runway capacity is a key element of airport airfield operations. In this paper, based on the cell transmission model (CTM), the meteorological operation parameters of thunderstorms are set according to the airport aircraft taxiing rules, and a CTM is proposed for evaluating the resilience of the airport aircraft area operation network under thunderstorm weather. Based on the CTM, the network performance parameters are obtained, and the number of aircraft waiting for the network and the network operation efficiency are used as the basic performance indicators to establish a resilience index that reflects the dynamic change in the resilience of the thunderstorm meteorological interference network. Finally, this paper collects and analyzes the operation data of Tianjin Binhai International Airport in 2019 to build a CTM for aircraft operation in the flight area. The results show that the model's simulated airport departure operation data is almost consistent with the trend of the actual departure operation data, which verifies that the model can be used to simulate traffic for the airport airfield operation network. In addition, based on the resilience index, the sensitivity analysis of different parameters to network performance under thunderstorm weather was also studied. Based on the evaluation results of different parameter scenarios and indicators, we drew the resilience map of the airport ground operation network, and found that the network shows different resilience levels in different thunderstorm level scenarios. This study provides a great method and evaluation index for modeling and resilience evaluation of aircraft operation networks in the airfield, which is expected to improve airport operations, reduce flight delays, and improve service quality.

A data-driven approach to the strength evaluation of airfield rigid pavement using in situ instrumentation data

The pavement strength evaluation plays a vital role in the airfield operation and management. Traditionally, the evaluation has relied on the Heavy Weight Deflectometer (HWD) test. This method encounters challenges, including interruptions in airfield operations, limited coverage of inspection locations, extensive time required for data collection and analysis. This paper introduces a methodology for evaluating the structural strength of airfield rigid pavement using instrumentation data, aiming to enhance both the efficiency and accuracy of such evaluations. Strain responses, collected using the instrumentation system at Chengdu Tianfu International Airport under HWD loading, are extensively analyzed. A three-dimensional numerical simulation model encompassing nine slabs was formulated, leveraging finite element analysis to replicate pavement working conditions that were not covered by the instrumentation samples. The merging of the instrumentation and simulation samples resulted in a comprehensive database for diverse pavement working conditions. This facilitated the establishment of a data-driven framework for the fusion of mechanical models. From this database, a neural network mapping model was developed to correlate the instrumentation data with the pavement slab modulus and subgrade reaction modulus. These correlations were subsequently employed for the calculation of the pavement classification number (PCN). The primary advantages of the proposed method include real-time monitoring and evaluation of airfield rigid pavement strength without interference to airfield operations. The developed method has been deployed at seven hub airports in China, encompassing Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG), Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK), and Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU), etc.

Runway Pavement Structural Analysis Using Remote Laser Doppler Vibrometers

Structural analysis is crucial for airfield pavement evaluation and plays a critical role in ensuring airfield operation safety and efficiency. Traditionally, the evaluation has relied on the Heavy Weight Deflectometer (HWD) test. This method encounters challenges, including interruptions in airfield operations, limited coverage of inspection locations, and extensive time required for data collection and analysis. In the presented research, a remote method for the measurement and analysis of runway pavement structural deflection induced by transiting aircraft was introduced, employing a Remote Laser Doppler Vibrometer (RLDV). First, a test system was developed to acquire deflection measurements of airport pavements using RLDV. To address inaccuracies arising from minor angle measurements and fixed-end beam vibrations, vibration correction methods were developed and validated. Thereafter, a linear regression model was constructed using data from both RLDV and HWD measurements, yielding a correlation coefficient of 0.94. This correlation highlights the reliable utility of RLDV in analyzing pavement structural response. The objective of this research is to present a novel approach for the evaluation of pavement structural performance.

Influence of Spring Stiffness on the Loading Speed of the Falling Weight Deflectometer (FWD) in Bearing Capacity Evaluation of Cement Concrete Pavement

Introduction: The bearing capacity evaluation of cement concrete runway pavement is one of the most important contents in the airfield operation. Among the methods for estimating bearing capacity, the Falling Weight Deflectometer (FWD) is the most widely used method because it does not damage the pavement structure and spends so much time. The equipment for evaluation should have suitable parameters, such as. magnitude and loading speed, to the actual operating loads. Aims and Objectives: Currently, the equipment to assess the bearing capacity of cement concrete pavements of highways and airports by falling weight has been widely used in the world and is being applied in Vietnam. The loading system consists of a falling block through a spring system acting on the pressure plate under the pavement with a certain falling height. In particular, the spring system plays an important role in controlling the speed of the load on the pavement. In Vietnam, the test standards (Industry Standard 22TCN335-06, Vietnamese Standard TCVN 11365-2016) for assessing the pavement bearing capacity by FWD equipment do not specify the selection of spring stiffness corresponding to different operating speeds of the vehicle. Therefore, it is difficult to use the equipment for pavements with operating speeds different from the standard. In this paper, we study the effect of spring stiffness on the loading speed when considering different loading speeds corresponding to different speeds of vehicles moving in reality. This research is only limited to laboratory experiments. This study aims to determine the dependence of the loading magnitude and loading time on the damping spring stiffness of the dynamic loading equipment, that is, used as a basis for choosing the appropriate damping stiffness of FWD corresponding to actual vehicles. Methods: Among the methods for estimating the bearing capacity, the Falling Weight Deflectometer (FWD) is the most widely used method as it does not cause any damage to the pavement structure and spends much time. The equipment for evaluation should have suitable parameters, such as magnitude and loading speed, to the actual operating loads. Results: This paper presents the results of experimental research that determines the influence of the damping spring stiffness on the loading speed of the dynamic loading equipment on the model of the concrete slab in the laboratory. Conclusion: Based on the comparison of the FWD loading speed when using 02 damping springs with different stiffness, we propose the basis for choosing the damping system that conforms to the evaluation needs of different types of vehicles.

Aircraft taxiing conflict avoidance approach based on Gaussian spatial–temporal prediction

To detect and avoid taxiing conflict on the airport surface and ensure the safety of airfield operation, constructing a Gaussian spatial–temporal prediction is very important. This paper summarizes the types of taxiing conflicts on the airport surface and the dynamic process of aircraft conflicts, and defines the taxiing conflict area based on the characteristics of aircraft types. Based on Gaussian spatial–temporal regression prediction and real-time taxiing speed, the taxiing conflict risk is quantified, and a dynamic interval taxiing speed feedback adjustment method is established. The proposed quantization method and feedback adjustment method are verified by simulation calculation and historical taxi data, respectively. Results show that the proposed method can quantitatively evaluate the aircraft conflict risk of cross-taxiing and dynamically adjust the taxiing speed of the aircraft through the conflict risk quantification value to control the aircraft conflict risk within a safe range and avoid taxiing conflicts.

HISTORICAL CIRCLE OF THE FACULTY OF GROUND STRUCTURES AND AIRFIELDS OF THE NATIONAL AVIATION UNIVERSITY

The article is devoted to the genesis of the scientific and educational school for training specialists in the design, construction and operation of airfields at the National Aviation University. The historical periods of formation and development of educational technologies and educational management are revealed. It is noted that the training of specialists in the design, construction and operation of airfields and ground facilities, including airports, was started at the National Aviation University in 1933. The rapid development of civil aviation in the post-war period led to the establishment of the Faculty of Airports in 1968 as part of the university. During this period, the educational and scientific activity of the faculty is characterized by the formation of a holistic model of educational training of specialists in ground maintenance of civil aviation and operation of airfields. Under the influence of the market conditions of the socio-economic development of the state, a period of transformations and searches for a model of educational activity began in 2002, which culminated in the creation of the Faculty of Architecture, Construction and Design in 2018, a significant decline in the interest of entrants to educational training under the airfield operation program. From 2021, the search for a balance between the specialties of the faculty and a change in the priorities of educational training will take place in favor of restoring the role of the National Aviation University in the development of airfield construction and airfield operation.

Hareport hazard: Identifying hare activity patterns and increased mammal–aircraft strike risk at an International Airport

AbstractReported strike events between wildlife and aircraft are hazardous to aircraft and airfield operations and are increasing globally. To develop effective mitigation strategies, the relative hazard a species poses to aircraft, as well as information relating to its life history, are key to the development of effective mitigation strategies in Wildlife Hazard Management Plans. However, given the complex nature of airfield environments with access restrictions and the presence of sensitive equipment, the collection of high‐quality ecological data can be difficult. Here we use motion‐activated camera traps to collect activity data on a population of Irish hares (Lepus timidus hibernicus) inhabiting the airfield at Dublin International Airport, to investigate the link between hare activity and aircraft activity in relation to hare strikes. Camera traps revealed that the hare population at the airfield largely displayed a bimodal crepuscular activity pattern, with activity peaking at sunrise and at sunset. Recorded hare strike times at the airfield were closely associated with hare activity times with a high temporal overlap between these datasets. In comparison, hare activity and aircraft movement activity had a moderate overlap across all seasons, with strikes peaking at times with low aircraft movements. We demonstrate the importance of understanding the circadian and seasonal activity patterns of hazardous species at airfields for targeted strike mitigation.

Multi-disciplinary Leadership to Mitigate COVID-19 in an Austere West African Military Environment.

The COVID-19 pandemic created challenges for forward-deployed military units to Western Africa. Austere military environments afford multiple avenues to transmit COVID-19 amongst service members. A COVID-19 outbreak on a military base in Western Africa spanning over 100 days is statistically analyzed using a Pearson's correlation coefficient. Furthermore, a COVID-19 reproductive number (R0) is evaluated to examine the relationship between specific command-directed policies to mitigate COVID-19 transmission. The multidisciplinary partnership of military command, medical, and public health leadership implemented evidence-based and epidemiologically informed COVID-19 preventive base-wide policies, including appropriate isolation/quarantine policies. The R0 for the outbreak was 0.03 and remained <1 for the outbreak duration. This base remained COVID-19 free for multiple weeks after policy implementation. The implementation of practical mitigating base-wide policies through seamless communication between military command/medical/public health leadership resolved the COVID-19 outbreak while maintaining mission readiness. Weekly COVID-19 testing epidemiological data may be utilized by commanders to direct further decision-making on tightening/loosening base-wide policy restrictions for continued mission-essential operations, e.g., security, food service, or airfield operations.

Long-Term Population Fluctuations of a Burrowing Owl Population on Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, USA

Western Burrowing Owls (Athene cunicularia hypugaea; hereafter, Burrowing Owls) were once widespread residents of grasslands throughout western North America, but their range has contracted, and abundance has declined in some regions. The causes of declines and geographic variation in population trends of Burrowing Owls are unclear but may be linked to changing land use and urbanization. Burrowing Owls are often found in association with airfields and airports, and their presence at such facilities is sometimes considered to be in conflict with those operations. Documenting the long-term persistence of Burrowing Owls at active airfields can help airfield managers who face decisions regarding compatibility of owls and airfield operations. We report the results of a long-term effort to monitor Burrowing Owls on Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico, USA, including the rapid recovery of Burrowing Owl numbers from near-extirpation and the relationships between abundance and other demographic traits. The number of breeding pairs of Burrowing Owls increased from one pair in 2013 to 28 pairs in 2019 and 2020, and the number of fledglings produced increased from one in 2013 to 84 in 2019 and 61 in 2020. The recovery was not uniform across all areas of Kirtland Air Force Base, and some formerly occupied areas remained unoccupied. We documented dispersal outside the Air Force base boundary and that the number of breeding pairs was more strongly influenced by the number of offspring produced in the prior year than the number of owls returning from prior years, which indicated that the population is part of a larger meta-population. Our results demonstrate that the maintenance of Burrowing Owl populations is not necessarily at odds with safe airfield operations, that Burrowing Owls exhibit complex population dynamics, and can rapidly recolonize previously occupied areas if habitat and nest sites remain suitable.

Long-Term Population Fluctuations of A Burrowing Owl Population On Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, USA

Abstract Western Burrowing Owls (Athene cunicularia hypugaea; hereafter, Burrowing Owls) were once widespread residents of grasslands throughout western North America, but their range has contracted, and abundance has declined in some regions. The causes of declines and geographic variation in population trends of Burrowing Owls are unclear but may be linked to changing land use and urbanization. Burrowing Owls are often found in association with airfields and airports, and their presence at such facilities is sometimes considered to be in conflict with those operations. Documenting the long-term persistence of Burrowing Owls at active airfields can help airfield managers who face decisions regarding compatibility of owls and airfield operations. We report the results of a long-term effort to monitor Burrowing Owls on Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico, USA, including the rapid recovery of Burrowing Owl numbers from near-extirpation and the relationships between abundance and other demographic traits. The number of breeding pairs of Burrowing Owls increased from one pair in 2013 to 28 pairs in 2019 and 2020, and the number of fledglings produced increased from one in 2013 to 84 in 2019 and 61 in 2020. The recovery was not uniform across all areas of Kirtland Air Force Base, and some formerly occupied areas remained unoccupied. We documented dispersal outside the Air Force base boundary and that the number of breeding pairs was more strongly influenced by the number of offspring produced in the prior year than the number of owls returning from prior years, which indicated that the population is part of a larger meta-population. Our results demonstrate that the maintenance of Burrowing Owl populations is not necessarily at odds with safe airfield operations, that Burrowing Owls exhibit complex population dynamics, and can rapidly recolonize previously occupied areas if habitat and nest sites remain suitable.

Grounded aircraft: An airfield operations perspective of the challenges of resuming flights post COVID

The global COVID pandemic, national lockdowns and unprecedented decline in passenger demand worldwide has led to airlines cancelling services, furloughing staff, applying for financial support and placing aircraft into temporary storage. However, with finite space available, and up to two-thirds of the world's total passenger fleet grounded for an indeterminate period of time, airlines have been forced to park their aircraft in unusual places, sometimes at airports they do not normally serve and in volumes never normally experienced. The aim of this paper is to investigate the extent of grounded aircraft at UK airports and explore the challenges, from an airfield operations perspective, of resuming flights post-COVID.

The effects of use agreements on airport efficiency

Bilateral contracting is integral to the working relationship between airports and airlines. In the U.S., the three common types of airport use agreements are the residual method, the compensatory method, and the hybrid method. Under a residual agreement, the financial risk of the host airport is borne by the signatory airlines, and in return, the signatory airlines pay reduced user fees. Under a compensatory agreement, however, airports bear their own financial risks in the absence of a signatory airline. A hybrid agreement combines the features of residual and compensatory agreements. For example, under a hybrid agreement, airports usually bear their own financial risks in terminal operations while the signatory airlines take over the financial risks in airfield operations. The aim of this paper is to determine whether these three types of business agreements affect airport operational efficiency. Using 2009 to 2016 yearly data of 59 U.S. hub airports, we find that airports with residual-type agreements tend to have lower operational efficiency. This implies that, although under a residual agreement, the signatory airlines pay favorable airport fees and charges, increased airport inefficiency may undercut any potential benefits of the agreement.

A magyarországi volt szovjet katonai repülőterek természetre gyakorolt hatásai és jelenlegi állapotuk

Magyarországon a második világháborútól a varsói szerződés felbomlásáig állomásoztak szovjet katonai alakulatok, amelyek létszámáról, tevekénységéről pontos információk ma sem állnak a kutatók rendelkezésére. Hazánkban 1991-ig több szovjet katonai repülőtér működött. A szerző ebben a cikkben részletesen ismerteti ezek működésének történetét, bemutatja jelenlegi funkciójukat, műszaki állapotukat. Vizsgálja, hogy működésük során, valamint mostani állapotukban milyen káros hatást gyakoroltak és gyakorolnak ma is a környezetükre, továbbá milyen lehetséges következményekkel kell számolni. A fentieken túl a szerző átfogó képet ad a repülés és a repülőterek működésének környezetterhelő hatásairól, valamint ismerteti a károk felszámolásának lehetséges formáit és módszereit. Végezetül javaslatot tesz a hazai szovjet repülőterek okozta környezeti károk felszámolásának folyamatára és a létesítmények további hasznosításának lehetőségeire.

Integrating unmanned aircraft systems into airport operations: From buy-in to public safety

Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) is in the middle of its project to integrate unmanned aircraft system (UAS) technologies into its regular airport and airfield operations. The integration includes applications for inspection, maintenance, monitoring and facility management, including support for its Part 139 inspection protocols. As the project moves from Phase I to Phase II, lead members of the implementation team from Woolpert discuss the year of consultation that led into the first phase, lessons learned so far, how those lessons are being carried into the next phase, and how additional phases will be added as the project progresses, adapting and expanding to the changing needs of the airport, the technology, the rules and trajectory of the industry. The paper also evaluates’ how the industry is evolving, how the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is attempting to safeguard the private and commercial proliferation of UASs, and how recent drone sightings near airports play a role in developing standards for implementations such as this one at SAV.

Timetable management to enhance airline schedule reliability and airfield operation performance at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport

Timetable management to enhance airline schedule reliability and airfield operation performance at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport

Timetable management to enhance airline schedule reliability and airfield operation performance at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport

To enable the efficient operation of an airfield and the efficiency of timetable management it is necessary to develop a model that can measure and check the current timetable whether they meet the airfield operation performance. This study develops an optimisation mathematic planning model to formulate objective function of the taxi fuel cost and arrangement of arrival/departure time points for flights timetable within one peak hour. Results show the average taxiing cost and taxiing time for per flight will be 351.25 US dollars and 8.7–19.15 minutes. If pilots control the speed at 15-35 kilometre/hour, the total minimum taxiing time of 20 flights can be decreased to 161–186 minutes. If the pilots use runway 5L to take off/land, it can save 1,299 US dollars in one hour. The interval length of time points at timetable is suggested to be five minutes for easy management and control.

PROBLEM SETTING AND SOLUTION OF THE RESPONSE CORRECTION OF ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE AIR TRAFFIC FLOW IN THE VICINITY OF THE FIELD BY MEANS OF THE GENETIC ALGORITHM

The improvement in the effectiveness of airfield operation largely depends on the problem solving quality on the interaction boundaries of different technological sections. One of such hotspots is the use of the same runway by inbound and outbound aircraft. At certain intensity of outbound and inbound air traffic flow the conflict of aircraft interests appears, where it may be quite difficult to sort out priorities even for experienced controllers, in consequence of which mistakes in decision-making unavoidably appear. In this work the task of response correction of landing and takeoff time of the aircraft using the same RW, in condition of the conflict of interests “arrival – departure” at the increased operating intensity is formulated. The choice of optimal solution is made taking into account mutual interests without the complete sorting and the evaluation of all solutions. Accordingly, the genetic algorithm, which offers a simple and effective approach to optimal control problem solution by providing flight safety at an acceptably high level, is proposed. The estimation of additional aviation fuel consumption is used as optimal choice evaluation criterion. The advantages of the genetic algorithm application at decision-making in comparison with today’s “team” solution of the conflict “departure – arrival” in the airfield area are shown.

수도권 공용 헬기장 발전 방안에 관한 연구

본 논문은 수도권 공용 잠실헬기장에 대한 효율적 활용 운영관리방안에 관한 연구이다. 우선 잠실 헬기장에 대한 일반 운영 및 시설을 파악하고 이에 대한 문제점을 제기 하였다. 그리고, 잠실 헬기장과 같은 도심형 해외 헬기장 사례로 뉴욕과 텍사스(미국), 런던(영국) 에 대하여 예를 제시하여 잠실 헬기장과 비교 분석 하였다. 운영, 시설 설치 및 관리에 대하여 본 연구는 비행장 운영주체에 기준을 두어 그 대안을 제시하여, 그 주체로 하여금 운영시설, 기반 시설 물론이며, 안전시설까지도 보강하는 기준 방안을 제시한다. 위치특성상 다른 국가와 달리 잠실헬기장은 인근에 군 공항 시설이 공존하고 있어 이에 대한 운영 관계와 비행로 안전 측면에 연구에서 제외했다. In this paper are This paper is about the efficient use operational management plan for the metropolitan public Jamsil heliport. First, understand the general operations and facilities to Jamsil heliport and raised the issue for them. And, in cases such as urban offshore heliport Jamsil heliport in New York and Texas (USA), for example, which was presented for comparative analysis and Jamsil heliport in London (UK). Operations, research is seen against a facility to install and manage a couple of airfield operations based on the subject by presenting the alternatives, thereby causing the principal operating facilities, infrastructure and security facilities even suggest ways to enhance the standards. Unlike other countries, Jamsil heliport location characteristics were excluded from the study on the safety aspects related to flight operations and for this I'm a military airport facilities coexist in the neighborhood.

Framework of a Time-Based Simulation Model for the Analysis of Airfield Operations

This paper presents the framework of a new microscopic simulation model called Virginia Tech airfield simulation model (VTASIM) developed to study aircraft operations at airports. The model presented is designed and built under the concept of the time-based simulation model in which aircraft states are updated at fixed time intervals. By employing a vehicle-following model, VTASIM can portray aircraft movements on taxiways in great detail and with more accuracy than traditional discrete-event based airport simulation models. In order to find efficient taxiing routes between gates and runways, the model employs a time-dependent shortest path algorithm. Another unique feature of the model is its ability to capture the communication activities between pilots and controllers, which may cause delays in airfield operations especially at busy airports. This paper describes the methods and the structure of the model. The model is applied to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport to illustrate its functionality.

Rapid improvement of stochastic networks using two-moment approximations

This paper investigates a method for rapidly improving the performance of stochastic networks. The method uses queueing network techniques based on parametric decomposition and two-moment approximations. It employs some recently devised developments to the approximations, especially in the context of closed queueing networks with synchronization stations. We describe these developments and explain how the method uses them. It appears to offer a substantial advantage in speed, and reduces the dependence on repetitive simulation runs for identifying opportunities to improve network performance. We present an example from airfield operations, in which the method evaluates the tradeoffs with respect to several strategies for enhancing airfield performance, such as the introduction of concurrent operations, the reduction of service variability, and the increase in airfield capacity.