Energy and emission assessments of continuous descent approach

Abstract

Purpose

Continuous descent approach (CDA) is a method, which allows the aircraft flying its individual optimal vertical profile down to runway threshold with engines operating at low‐thrust power. The main objective of this paper is to provide less‐fuel consumption, less noise and less emission with using CDA procedures instead of conventional procedures.

Design/methodology/approach

Conventional and CDA procedures were modelled in the Istanbul terminal area (TMA), which has five entry points. The real speed and the real altitude limitations were maintained on these entry points. System for Assessing Aviation's Global Emissions research results were also used to determine the emission savings.

Findings

With CDA procedures, more than 40 kg fuel and 2 min time savings per flight are obtained; furthermore, regarding CO₂ and H₂O, significant emission savings are also noted.

Originality/value

Some of the benefits of CDA procedures are reported for Istanbul TMA by using true flight data.

Citation

Turgut, E.T., Usanmaz, O., Ozan Canarslanlar, A. and Sahin, O. (2010), "Energy and emission assessments of continuous descent approach", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 82 No. 1, pp. 32-38. https://doi.org/10.1108/00022661011028092