Generalized Flight Path Modeling Based on Key Airport Parameters

Improving climb and descent phase emission estimations

Master thesis (2024)

Authors

J. de Weerd Aerospace Engineering

Contributors

I.C. Dedoussi Aircraft Noise and Climate Effects - Aerospace Engineering (mentor)
E. Rodriguez Plaza (graduation committee member)
Faculty
Aerospace Engineering
More Info
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Published Date

12-06-2024

Language

English

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Faculty

Aerospace Engineering

Abstract

Over recent decades, global emissions have surged, raising environmental concerns. Academics have developed models to predict transport patterns, regional sensitivities, and global impacts. This research addresses gaps in understanding global civil aviation emissions by enhancing the accuracy of current models, particularly during climb and descent phases. Using ADS-B data and key airport parameters, the study improves the emission estimation model by Quadros et al. The revised approach, which more accurately estimates distances flown during climb and descent, showed a close correlation with real distances at specific airports, enhancing global and local emissions predictions. Results indicate an increase in NOX emissions and a decrease in CO for both climb and descent phases. Despite some operational inefficiencies and the need for further refinement, the new method provides a more representative approach to estimating aircraft positions concerning flight distance in the emission model.