RTA as an arrival manager tool
I am undertaking some research into the use of RTA in the current fleet in Europe, and how best it can be incorporated into a ground based arrival management system.
Basically, what is being considered, is to combine the use of this onboard system functionality (in all its variants and updates) where fitted to a FMS, into a ground based trajectory prediction system that will take the responsibility for streaming arriving aircraft within a TMA so as to reduce pilot and controller workload, improve predictability of trajectory (speed and altitude) and thereby increasing the ability to fly CDA techniques and provide a higher adherence to P-RNAV routes where published (minimise radar vectoring). Pie in the sky? Possibly, but with better processing and improved harmonisation of pilot SOP, maybe it can be done.
So, to get things going;
• what levels of accuracy can be expected;
• what issues need to be considered with respect to applying additional constraints where there are existing constraints already hard wired into the system (STAR);
• how effective is the use of RTA at a downstream waypoint in predicting a take-off window from a departure point say within 30 minutes of the RTA waypoint;
• what strategies are/can be applied to meet RTA
There are many reports written on how this functionality can be utilised but little in the way of hard data as to how successful it has been in the real world. The myriad of issues surrounding FMC performance variations is something we need to get a handle on, however, the impact that may have specifically on RTA maybe limited. What I would like to hear are experiences from those who have had the opportunity to use it in the real world, and what the issues are.
Thanks.