Achieving low approach noise without sacrificing capacity

Advanced noise abatement procedures such as the three degree decelerating approach (TDDA) can significantly reduce the noise impact of aircraft during approach. With existing aircraft performance and flight operation uncertainties, however, implementation of the TDDA would require an increase in the initial separation between aircraft that would result in significant reduction in runway capacity. Simulation results indicate that this reduction in runway capacity is on the order of 50%, which is not acceptable for any procedure that must be used n high traffic scenarios. In this paper, we introduce a modified three degree decelerating approach (MTDDA) that provides the same noise benefits as the TDDA with little or no loss in capacity relative to conventional approach procedures. Simulation results indicate that for a representative aircraft mix, the capacity of the MTDDA is within 2% less of the maximum possible capacity using conventional approach procedures.