Book Description

A dynamic simulation of instrument flight rule (IFR) air traffic operations in the Denver, Colorado, terminal area was conducted at the National Aviation Facilities Experimental Center (NAFEC) to investigate aircraft fuel conservation procedures and the compatibilities of these procedures with air traffic control (ATC) and with the expeditious flow of air traffic. The laboratory environment of the NAFEC Air Traffic Control Simulation Facility (ATCSF) was utilized along with two Ames Research Center (ARC) piloted flight simulators. The ARC simulators were interfaced with the ATCSF via a landline system and were flown within the simulated environment together with the NAFEC computer-generated flights. Fuel conservative procedures tested were the profile descent and two high-speed approaches, the delayed flap approach and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) approach. The Denver terminal radar approach control (TRACON) was simulated, and traffic was representative of Stapleton Airport IFR operations. Results showed that, by comparison with conventional procedures, fuel was saved when only the the profile descent procedure was used. Fuel saving with the high-speed approach procedures, as simulated, was questionable. There was an indication of a fuel saving when departure flights were not restricted to maintaining 250 knots at 10,000 feet and below. Additionally, a graphic study showed that, at landing gross weight conditions, the most desirable holding altitudes were between 20,000 and 30,000 feet. A more in-depth study of the ramifications of computer-aided flight scheduling and latest technology in fuel saving flight procedures is recommended. (Author).