Some Mathematical Aspects of Air Traffic Systems

Abstract

In this paper, which was presented at a meeting of the Institute in London on 26 January 1977 with Group Captain H. L. Sheppard in the Chair, Mr. Attwooll, Head of the Air Traffic Studies Division at the Royal Aircraft Establishment, discusses the application of the theory of queues to air traffic control. He shows the importance of random perturbations due to late arrival of aircraft, and how traffic schedules in an airway network can best be adjusted to minimize delays due to congestion on certain routes. Much of this study was carried out on behalf of the Civil Aviation Authority but the opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the policy either of the CAA or the Ministry of Defence