Abstract

This report presents design principles and algorithms for building a fast-time scheduler of arrival aircraft based on a FCFS (first-come-first-served) scheduling protocol and non FCFS. The algorithms provide the conceptual and computational foundation for the Traffic Management Advisor (TMA) of the Centre/terminal radar approach control facilities (TRACON) automation system, that's it an arrival manager (AMAN concept). The primary objective of the scheduler is to assign arrival aircraft to a favourable landing runway and schedule then to land at times that minimize delays. In order to solve the problem a fast time simulator platform was selected by Eurocontrol (the European Organisation for the Safety of Air Navigation) named AirTOp. Many problems in that module, as for example the lack of information about the code, the fact that for changing one small parameter, the process involved takes more than 2 or 4 months or the fact that EUROCONTROL is paying a special license only to use this specific module has brought to think in a better solution. This solutions entails the creation of a separate module from zero, a plugin, due to AirTOp is providing and API (Application Programming Interface) where the user can create, retrieve or modify the data during the simulations. The creation of this module was made in Java due to AirTOp is programmed in Java and allows easily the creation of a plugin. A plugin is an external module that can use some information from the main software, and allows the user to model and create some new information, such as a new AMAN. In the creation of the AMAN plugin two solution has been tested, in order of complexity to continue programming, an FCFS time schedule algorithm (First Come First Served) and a non-FCFS time schedule algorithm. By the end of this project a full AMAN was created in Java with Eclipse, helping the Air Traffic Controllers to manage the situation with better solutions, it can reduce the average delays up to 20% (depending of the case) and it improves the time constraint feasibility in a 17%. A full deployment and distribution of this plugin has been made for the ATM/RDS/ATS unit in Eurocontrol, unit in charge of the research and development for the Air Traffic Management and Air Traffic Services improvements and innovations. In addition a user guide for the creation of a plugin has been created, explaining all required steps to develop a generic plugin.

Abstract

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).