Building an arrival sequence in medium- and high-density environments calls on controller resources from an early phase in the approach procedure. The process is predominantly ground-based and can result in late vectoring and unnecessary holding rather than fuel-efficient strategies based on en-route speed management for efficient delay absorption. By combining time management capabilities on board aircraft with ground-based system support, the arrival management process can be more predictable and deliver more efficient operations.
Controlled time of arrival (CTA) is a time constraint defined by air traffic control that allows an aircraft to self-manage its speed in order to arrive at a specific time at a defined point associated with an arrival runway. The controller calculates the CTA as part of the arrival management process and relays this information to aircraft equipped with this advanced navigation capability.
While arrival management systems are not able to evaluate the most fuel-efficient strategy for each individual aircraft, each aircraft’s flight management system will optimise the flight speed according to aircraft type and wind conditions. SESAR validated how CTA operations can be applied in medium-density and complex terminal airspace. Many aircraft are already equipped with flight management systems that support flying to a time constraint through the use of the required time of arrival (RTA) airborne function. This SESAR Solution is available for industrialisation and has been implemented in Austria.
SJU references: #06/Release 5
Benefits
- Improved fuel efficiency
- Enhanced predictability
- Improved flight crew situational awareness
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