A Two-Step Approach for Airborne Delay Minimization Using Pretactical Conflict Resolution in Free-Route Airspace

This study proposes a two-step solution approach for aircraft conflict resolution and fuel consumption due to resolution maneuver occurring in free-route airspace. This model aims to provide a mathematical basis for a decision-support system that is used during the pretactical conflict resolution in air traffic management. Mathematical model of the first step presents alternative entry points on both sides of existing sector entry points to minimize delays by directing aircraft to the most convenient entry points. The second step suggests a vector deflection maneuver to minimize extra fuel consumption caused by conflict resolution. GAMS/CPLEX solver is used to solve the first step of the model but the solution is not produced in a reasonable time. To obtain feasible solutions, genetic algorithm and tabu search algorithms are implemented in the first step. Small size test problems are generated to evaluate the metaheuristic algorithms, and results are compared with GAMS/CPLEX solver solutions. According to this comparison, both metaheuristics algorithms produce near optimal solutions in a reasonably short time. The proposed approach has made significant improvements for airborne delays and extra fuel consumption caused by aircraft conflicts resolution in large-scaled airspaces

New directions for air traffic control simulators: A discussion to guide the selection and renovation of simulators

WOS: 000317869800003 The authors have recent experience of the specification, procurement, customisation and operation of advanced air traffic control simulator systems. This paper summarises the specification of the software and hardware components of air traffic control simulators within a framework of user needs and advances in simulation technology. Both the required conventional characteristics and the desired innovative features which can accommodate future requirements are defined using taxonomy within this framework. Considering the high investments and challenges involved in the acquisition and operation of modem simulators, the proposed classifications and approaches will provide important benefits to users when selecting or renovating their systems

Capacity and delay analysis for airport manoeuvring areas using simulation

WOS: 000330151300007 Purpose - The aim of this study is to identify the nodes where congestion occurs in the manoeuvring area of a large-scale airport and to provide appropriate suggestions for improvement. Design/methodology/approach - To investigate the air traffic flow in a highly complex system such as an airport manoeuvring area, a two-stage method based on fast- and real-time simulation techniques is applied. The first stage involves the analysis with fast- and real-time simulations of a baseline model created to determine the congestion points. Based on the analysis, improvements to be performed in the layout of the manoeuvring area are proposed. In the second stage, alternative scenarios implementing these improvements are generated and evaluated in a fast-time simulation environment. Based on the results of simulations of different runway configurations, the main areas of congestion in the baseline airport model are determined. Congestion nodes are identified in the departure queue points and in the taxiway system. To mitigate congestion at these points, three alternative models comprising taxiway and fast-exit taxiway reconfigurations are tested using the fast-time simulation technique. The alternative solution found to be the best in these tests is selected for further testing in real-time simulations. Findings - It is shown that the solution would result in an increase in the number of hourly operations and a significant decrease in total ground delays. When conducting the studies needed to identify congestion and design improvements, simulation techniques save both expense and time. Although fast-time simulations are usually adequate for identifying solutions, when critical configurations for the airport are considered, it is shown that it is necessary to also test the results of the fast-time simulations in real-time simulations. Research limitations/implications - The effects of meteorological events, such as rain, fog and snow, etc. are ignored in the simulations. Ground movements in manoeuvring areas are significantly affected by the runways used. Consequently, to enable a comprehensive evaluation in the study, three alternative runway use scenarios are examined. Originality/value - This study utilizes a combination of fast- and real-time simulation techniques to identify the points where congestion occurs in the manoeuvring areas of large-scale airports and to find solutions to minimize the congestion. This approach attempts to combine advantages of both techniques while reducing their shortcomings. No study is found in the literature using both of these techniques together for the capacity analysis of airport manoeuvring areas. Anadolu University Scientific Research Projects Committee [BAP-1001F37] This study is supported by Anadolu University Scientific Research Projects Committee (BAP-1001F37)