Track averages and traffic pattern characterization for airspace analysis

This paper presents a methodology for the mathematical characterization of three-dimensional (3-D) airspace traffic flows from flight position data. The methodology may be applied to flight data in the en route and terminal-area environments for such airspace applications as the creation of a traffic flow network model, route design based upon overlays of current traffic patterns, and benefits assessment. The methodology is applied to arrivals to the Philadelphia International (PHL) airport and to departures from the Dulles International (IAD) airport. The methodology selects a flight that best characterizes the 3-D distribution of flight position data for flights with a common origin and destination. This characteristic flight, called the typical flight, is most centrally located in an airspace volume about a traffic flow. The typical track respects traffic flow patterns present in the data. The typical track algorithm also provides a means of classifying different traffic flow patterns within an overall traffic flow which can be related to assessing airspace efficiency. This paper presents a method for converting the selected typical track to a route within the context of an area navigation (RNAV) procedure design. An example of using the typical track to categorize flight patterns for the PHL arrival data set shows how this may guide RNAV benefits assessment in a Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON).