System analysis using automatic dependent surveillance broadcast (ABS-B) for closely spaced parallel approaches

Abstract

Thesis (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, System Design and Management Program, 1999.Includes bibliographical references (leaves 70-72).The United States National Airspace System (NAS) is undergoing evolutionary changes in response to growing air traffic demands and aging equipment. In 1981 the Federal Aviation Administration initiated a modernization program to modernize, automate, and consolidate the existing ATC system by the year 2000. This effort is ongoing and will continue well into the 21st century. Improving capacity is one goal of the modernization program. Closely spaced parallel approaches are used at many of the busiest airports to increase capacity. During visual flight conditions parallel runways operate independently at maximum capacity. During non-visual meteorological conditions operating procedures are modified to assure safe operations. Capacity reductions of 50% may occur depending on the runway spacing. New communication, navigation, and surveillance technologies are being developed that offer the potential of improved capacity by enabling closely spaced parallel approaches during non-visual conditions. An analysis was conducted starting with the financial cost of delays resulting from operational procedures required during closely spaced parallel approaches in instrument meteorological conditions. Existing systems were analyzed focussing on capability and the architectural changes enabled by new technologies. System requirements for a new airborne system for lateral spacing were developed with a focus on human factors and automation. Risk analysis indicates that the probability of collision given pilot non­conformance to alerts in airborne systems is 6 times greater than the probability of collision when pilot's conform to system alerts. The per-approach collision rate requirement can be met using a climb-turn escape maneuver given 90% pilot conformance and pilot response times less than 5 seconds.by Bruce A. Solomon.S.M