Showing papers on "Required navigation performance published in 2019"

Trajectory Specification for Terminal Air Traffic Control: Conflict Detection and Resolution.

Abstract: Trajectory Specification is a method of specifying aircraft trajectories with tolerances such that the position at any given time in flight is constrained to a precisely defined bounding space. The bounding space is defined by tolerances relative to a reference trajectory that specifies position as a function of time. The tolerances are dynamic and are based on the aircraft navigation capabilities and the Traffic situation. Trajectory Specification can guarantee safe separation for an arbitrary period of time even in the event of an air Traffic control (ATC) system or datalink failure. It can help to achieve the high level of safety and reliability needed for ATC automation, and it can also reduce the reliance on tactical ATC backup systems during normal operation. This paper presents algorithms and software for detecting and resolving conflicts between specified trajectories in the terminal airspace serving a major airport. In a fast-time simulation of a full day of Traffic in a major terminal airspace, all conflicts were resolved in near real time, demonstrating the computational feasibility and the preliminary operational feasibility of the concept.

Fusion of Dual Optical Position Solutions for Augmentation of GNSS-based Aircraft Landing Systems

Abstract: The Institute of Flight Guidance runs a research project on image-based airborne positioning systems. Main goal of this research is to guide an aircraft equipped with low cost sensors with medium performance and SBAS (Space-based Augmentation System) capabilities. A predefined glide path must be kept during the approach down to the runway threshold and the position integrity shall be monitored using on-board sensors only. The developed system is intended to cover the gap between applicable decision heights and touchdown of present landing systems by continuous image-based runway detection and optical aided integrity monitoring. In order to meet requirements equivalent to Instrument Landing System (ILS) and Required Navigation Performance (RNP) comparisons between GNSS/INS-based (Global Navigation Satellite System/ Inertial Navigation System) and optical position solutions are performed by the application of static methods and the protection level concept. The optical sensors are integrated in the overall navigation systems by means of the Performance Based Navigation (PBN) concept. The proposed system shall reduce aircraft operation workload in the final phase of landing. Moreover, the system shall provide emergency landing capabilities on single runway operated airports in severe emergencies e.g. in a pilot-unableto-land scenarios. This paper investigates approach of simultaneous provision of two parallel optical position solutions for optical augmented integrity monitoring. The position is obtained by means of Computer Vision from thermal infrared and visual cameras utilizing projective geometry [4]. The system has been evaluated by [1], [2] and [3] using data gathered by real flight campaigns. Due to the complementary working principles of the image sensors, the gathered position samples differ in accuracy and availability depending on the distance to the runway threshold. This work will outline the efficient usage of multispectral image sensors and online analysis for decision handling of the parallel image-based position solution. The algorithm comprises the rating of the position solutions and comparison between each other. Therefore the position’s quality and trustworthiness are analyzed order to maintain necessary levels of accuracy and availability for precision landing approaches. Based on this examination the more valuable optical position solution is selected and used by the navigation unit to perform the integrity monitoring of the GNSS/INS position. If the applicable requirements are met beyond the decision height the landing approach shall be continued. Furthermore, this paper presents different methods for comparison of the extracted solutions provided by the dissimilar optical sensors which need to comply with real-time requirements.

The Human Element in Performance Based Navigation: Air Traffic Controller Acceptance of Established on Required Navigation Performance Procedures.

Abstract: This paper provides a summary of results from a research project commissioned by the Federal Aviation Administration NextGen Human Factors Division to explore the factors associated with air traffic controller acceptance of a Performance Based Navigation (PBN) procedure, “Established on Required Navigation Performance” (EoR). Interviews were arranged at two terminal air traffic control facilities that were “early adopters” of EoR approaches. A total of 38 interviews were conducted with facility personnel, including 24 Certified Professional Controllers. Questions focused on how air traffic controllers integrated the new procedures into their controlling style and practice, and the organizational and operational factors that either supported or hindered controller utilization of the new procedures. A framework of the results is presented, providing insights into how to support air traffic controllers in moving towards trajectory-based operations. The results could be used to increase the probability that the potential benefits of PBN procedures can be realized.