An Assessment of a Controller Aid for Merging and Sequencing Traffic on Performance-Based Arrival Routes
Abstract
Controllers managing merges on are a navigation (RNAV) arrival routes with high traffic density deal with unpredictable wind and complex speed differentials because of the altitude change along the arrival paths. The topology of a merge(the number of turns and the length of each route prior to the merge) requires more effort and creates a higher workload to identify a potential merge problem early enough to prevent vectoring an aircraft off the RNAV procedure. Furthermore, merges may occur just within the boundary of a control position and may require prior sequencing coordinated by other controllers. To assist in sequencing and merging aircraft on RNAV routes, MITRE has devised an automation aid which takes an aircrafts position on an RNAV route and estimates its position along another RNAV route. This aid allows for an aircrafts position on an RNAV route to be displayed on another route based on defined merge points. The routes can be complex multi-segmented routes defined by noncollinear waypoints and circular arcs defined by Radius-to-Fix (RF) legs.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2007
- Accession Number
- AD1107343
Entities
People
- Donald Porter
- Paul Macwilliams
Organizations
- MITRE Corporation