Trajectory-Based Operations (TBO) - Joint Planning and ...

Trajectory-Based Operations (TBO)
Study Team Report
will be enabled by the trajectory exchange through data communications, as well as many
new surface automation and 3DT (x, y, and time) operations.
Recommendation TBO-16
Emphasis should be on developing and providing to the operator/user constraints and options that can
be accepted and executed. Further, the TBO operational improvements should ensure access to all
operator/user classes from AOCs to the single pilot general aviation operator. Many of the OIs as
currently written have the ANSP telling the operator/user some action as opposed to giving choices.
Under CATM, and in the context of the business trajectory, strategic choices should be presented from
the ANSP to the operator/user.
18.8 TBO Provides Opportunities for Improved Climb Performance
TBO can be used to create OPC. What is needed is information on aircraft performance and desired
climb rates to gain fuel efficiency and reduce the positional uncertainty in the vertical component of
the 4DT. Information would include expected takeoff weight and then use aircraft performance tables
to help define climb. If the aircraft calculates its own climb performance, the climb rate is given in the
flight object, and the ANSP could issue altitude margins to meet. This is similar to altitude restrictions
on arrival and approach, providing the pilot with minimum, maximum, and cross at altitudes. The
objective is to eliminate intermediate level offs and set the climb gradient for the best performance for
the aircraft.
Recommendation TBO-17
Create an OI on OPC and Tailored Departures. Aircraft reduce fuel consumption on departure through
climbing optimally, without intermediate level segments, from takeoff until reaching their initial cruise
altitude. Published departure procedures include vertical windows sufficient for aircraft to maintain
their preferred vertical profile. These windows represent altitude boundaries at prescribed locations
along the flight path. Equipped aircraft may negotiate a Tailored Departure with the ANSP when
conditions permit. A Tailored Departure allows an aircraft to depart the airport towards its destination,
as well as optimize its vertical profile once it has climbed above any noise or other obstruction
restrictions. A Tailored Departure would normally be agreed on with the ANSP prior to departure, and
might require data link capability to permit the ANSP to modify the trajectory as needed. A Tailored
Departure could follow the published procedure up to some altitude, then be tailored to the individual
aircraft’s preferred direction once there is airspace available. When entry into a congested en route
stream of traffic is the major goal, an OPC or Tailored Departure with timing constraints may be used
to enable the aircraft to meet a time window matching a slot in the en route stream.
Recommendation TBO-18
Initiate research to do the following:
Define the detailed concept, analyze environmental and fuel savings benefits, define the level
of specificity needed for the trajectory to realize these benefits aircraft performance information
needed for ground automation, model expected profiles and compare to actual performance,
and develop the automation module needed to approve an OPC for departure.
Joint Planning and Development Office
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