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

Trajectory-Based Operations (TBO)
Study Team Report
Recommendation TBO-32
Modify OI-0333 and OI-0335 to add TBO content and set the targeted distances for 2025 that are
identified down to 750 feet. Add information on how spacing between aircraft is set up by TBO and
how TBO is used to maintain separation on dependent parallels. Independent parallel runway
operations are aided by merging and spacing from TOD to roll out onto the independent approach.
Missing are the dimensions for VCSPR, establishing goals for the operations. There should be an
incremental activity to first reach 2,500 feet, then 1,200 feet, and finally 750 feet of runway separation
distances.
OI-0333 recommended changes would read:
The improvement will explore concepts to recover lost capacity through reduced
separation standards, increased applications of dependent and independent operations,
enabled operations in lower visibility conditions, and changes in separation responsibility
between the ATC and the flight deck. This OI sets a goal of achieving independent
parallel arrivals down to 2,500 feet separation and dependent parallel arrivals to 750 feet.
This improvement will develop improved procedures that enable operations for closely
spaced parallel runways (runways spaced less than 4,300 feet laterally) in lower visibility
conditions. This operational improvement promotes a coordinated implementation of
policies, technologies, standards, and procedures to meet the requirement for increased
capacity while meeting safety, security, and environmental goals. Intermediate concepts
for maintaining access to parallel runways continue to be explored (e.g., use of RNP
approaches to define parallel approaches with adequate spacing, RNP transition to an ILS
final approach course, RNP/LAAS/WAAS, Wake Program Office initiatives). Research
will be initiated to support far-term capacity requirements. Research will be focused on
finding ways to recover lost capacity due to IMC events by providing a monitoring
capability that mimics or replaces visual separation. VMC-like capacity may be achieved
by integrating new aircraft technologies such as ADS-B In, precision navigation, data
link and cockpit displays within the TBO capabilities.
This OI seeks VMC arrival and departure rates in IMC through use of onboard displays
and alerting for independent parallel runways. Using precision navigation, cooperative
surveillance, and onboard algorithms and displays allows the reduction of lateral
separation requirements for parallel runway operations in IMC and limited by wake
vortex separation distances. This OI includes independent approaches to parallel runways
with centerline distances as low as 2,500 feet. The implementation of this OI is strongly
dependent on when an airline decides this is important and steps forward to advocate for
it.
18.20 Connecting Top of Descent to STARs and Connecting STARs to Approaches
During the transition to TBO (between TOps and TBO), there is a need to build closed trajectories. To
calculate an OPD, the aircraft needs to know how long its path is from TOD to the runway threshold.
This path is then converted to a profile that represents what the aircraft will fly. Connecting STARs to
approaches eliminates vectoring into an open trajectory. Since the aircraft will know where its TOD is
likely to be, a closed trajectory to the start of a STAR can be provided to the aircraft in advance of the
TOD, and the aircraft can then provide its flight profile.
Joint Planning and Development Office
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