Development, Design and Flight Test Evaluation of Continuous Descent Approach Procedure in FIR Zagreb

As part of Local Conversion and Implementation Plan which is based on the EUROCONTROL Revised Convention the Republic of Croatia has undertaken to make a plan of implementing the Basic Continuous Descent Approach procedures. This paper addresses the issue of navigational path optimization for the A-319/320 commercial aircraft within the fleet of Croatia Airlines, during the approach part of flight, which has a positive effect on fuel consumption, greenhouse gas emission and area of surface affected by noise. The experiments were carried out in real conditions, using internal sensors onboard (Flight Data Recorder) and independent GPS system. Two types of approach were tested: Continuous Descent Approach (CDA) and Step Down Approach. The implementation of CDA procedures, just for the fleet of Airbus 320/319 aircraft of the Croatia Airlines results in approximate calculation in fuel saving which amounts to 1.5 x 106 kg annually (only on Zagreb airport). In this way, the productiveness of an air carrier, which is an integral part of the traffic process along with the airports and air traffic control, is directly increased, thus fulfilling the purpose of air traffic technology research. KEY WORDS: navigational procedures, continuous descent approach, air traffic, ecolog

Evaluation of Eco-Driving Using Smart Mobile Devices

The methods of measuring driving behaviour and the quality of drive in road transport are important factors in data acquisition and subsequent analysis of driving. The prevalence of smart terminal devices and cost effectiveness of On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) sensor devices provide great potential and the availability of the aforementioned technologies. This study shows the possibility of using information and communication technologies (ICT) and sensor devices for measuring the effectiveness of eco-driving. The ease of implementation of ICT elements, the accuracy of collected data and their storage for later data analysis offer a number of possibilities to use. This study shows the technical solution of the system and analysis of collected data on actual driving samples. By comparing normal and eco-driving modes, the advantage of using eco-driving modes is demonstrated through reduced fuel consumption and CO2 emissions amounting to almost 23% and 31%, respectively

Helicopter Main Rotor Conceptual Design - Application to a Westland Lynx Helicopter

Helicopter design requires from the designers to make a lot of compromises and choices, sometimes affecting on positive parameters in order to improve global capabilities and performance. If these choices are made well, based on detail calculations and reliable input data, flight performances should be good and helicopter should be able to satisfactory sustain all the missions and tasks for which it is designed for. The following paper describes a shorter version of the initial design philosophy with an application to the Westland Lynx helicopter. This philosophy, of course with some specifics, could be applied in Croatia, in terms of determination of basics requirements and assumptions for making the right decision in selecting a specific type of an aircraft – both for the military and for civilian sector

Assessment Methodology of Interior Aircraft Noise Influence on Pilot Performance and Temporary Threshold Shift

Previous studies have shown that the impact of interior aircraft noise on pilot performance was not unambiguous, neither there was any unanimous methodology used for measuring it. Furthermore, the cumulative character of noise was never taken into account. This research proposes a methodology that aims to determine the impact of accumulated general aviation aircraft interior noise on pilot performance in laboratory conditions. The assessment of the aircraft interior noise influence on Temporary Threshold Shift is integrated as well, enabling extended research of all aspects of the physiological noise impact on pilots. Methodology defines measurable noise and pilot performance parameters in general aviation, equipment requirements, necessary laboratory conditions and subject selection criteria. The analysis of the deviation from the specified flight parameters along with Temporary Threshold Shift values at different accumulated noise doses is carried out. Data is analyzed using descriptive statistics, visualization methods and linear mixed effects models with False Discovery Rate as the method for correction for multiple testing which allows the determination of the potential population effect

Static Sensitivity of the Aerial Load Transport by Two Rotocopter Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

Aerial load transport by Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) can be performed either using a single UAV or using a group of cooperative UAVs. The latter option is assumed more reliable, yet more demanding regarding the control and required power, than the former one. This article theoretically evaluates power consumption for aerial load transport by the use of two UAVs and compares it with the power consumption in case of a single UAV. In all treated cases, we assume a stationary level flight. For the stated comparison the theoretical model for aerial load transport by two identical UAVs is formulated. Generic flight characteristics and UAVs characteristics are prescribed, and corresponding solutions of the model evaluated. Independent parameters of the model are masses of the UAVs and the load, as well as flight velocity. Variables in the model are vertical and horizontal distances between the UAVs. The emphasis is put on the available instantaneous power and sensitivity to occasional wind gusts. We extract intervals of the model parameters for which each of the two UAVs is less loaded than a UAV which solitary carries a load. The sensitivity to wind gusts is lesser in configurations in which one UAV carries most of the load while the other provides the additionally needed instantaneous power

Automatic Dependent Surveillance (ADS)

The function, working principle, the principles of usage andthe advantages of modern Automatic Dependent Surveillancesystem (ADS). The functions of the mentioned system aremanifold and its primary function is to enable the automaticexchange of various data between air traffic control units withthe aim of maintaining the safe separation of aircraft. Datasuch as call sign, aircraft position, time, altitude, vector information,speed, meteo information etc. can be fonvarded periodicallyor on request, and are received automatically in theaircraft via flight management computer (FMC). Also, theoverview of the possible communication systems which enablethe usage of ADS is given, with special emphasis on ADS aspart of further global development of navigation and air trafficsafety system, which was approved by the International CivilAviation Organisation (JCAO). Finally, a new, improved versionof Automatic Dependent Swveillance, ADS- B (Broadcast)is briefly outlined, a version which enables omni-directionalemission of addressed infonnation

Ground Proximity Warning System- GPWS

In this article the technical description of the Ground ProximityWaming System (GPWS) is presented in order to considersome of the flying safety factors in commercial aviation,as well as the aspects of interaction between the pilot and thesystem itself during the flight. Since it has been confirmed inpractice that the installation and utilisation of GPWS in aircraftsignificantly reduces the hazards caused by the ControlledFlight Into Ten·ain (CFIT) further development of GPWSequipment presents one of the most important steps in preventingthe ultimate consequences of such aircraft disasters

HUMS - Health And Usage Monitoring System

The article presents a principle layout of a modem HUMSalong with the basic system operating procedures. The articlealso deals with the impact of HUMS Oil aircraft maintenanceprocedures and economy, the impact on maintenance systemarchitecture and the implementation of cost-saving measures.The improvement of flight-safety as a consequence of HUMSapplication is also discussed