Analysis of Airborne Alerting Algorithms for Closely Spaced Parallel Approaches

Abstract

This paper describes the analysis of an airborne alerting system for aircraft that are landing on closely spaced parallel runways. Such alerting systems have the potential to increase airport capacity by providing arrival rates during Instrument Meteorological Conditions that approach the arrival rates during Visual Meteorological Conditions. The analysis method consists of simulating a large set of intrusion scenarios and observing the probability of events related to the alerting system performance (correct detection, false alert, induced collision, late alert, etc.). The analysis method is applied to an experimental alerting system called Airborne Information for Lateral Spacing (AILS) that is designed to alert the pilot to an intrusion threat and instruct the pilot when to perform an emergency escape maneuver. This paper describes the alerting algorithms, presents metrics for evaluating the system performance, and analyzes the system performance using a batch simulation. The analysis shows that the system performance appears comparable to the Precision Runway Monitor requirements, although these results should be considered preliminary.