Procedure and Interface Design for Continuous Descent Approaches Under End Time Constraints
V.G. Vasilopoulos (TU Delft - Aerospace Engineering)
M Mulder – Mentor (TU Delft - Control & Simulation)
MM van Paassen – Mentor (TU Delft - Control & Simulation)
Clark Borst – Mentor (TU Delft - Control & Simulation)
AC in 't Veld – Mentor (TU Delft - Control & Simulation)
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Abstract
The Continuous Descent Approach (CDA) offers reduced noise emissions and fuel consumption, but its main complication is the lack of predictability regarding the Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA). A suggested solution is to develop a pilot support interface for the execution of a fixed flight path angle CDA for a selected ETA, with thrust not being bounded to idle. Initially, the trajectory calculation method of CDA and the boundary cases were defined. Then, a two-fold interface was designed for planning and execution, based on Ecological Interface Design (EID), with a Vertical Situation Display (VSD) playing a central role, and it was tested by five pilots over different wind conditions. The pilots' on-time performance was satisfactory, while they worked with the cues and suggested enhancements to accommodate their strategy. The validation of this approach can lead to applying the CDA in real flight conditions, without limiting itself to low traffic times.