A Computer Simulation of the System-Wide Effects of Parallel-Offset Route Maneuvers

Abstract

Most aircraft managed by air-traffic controllers in the National Airspace System are capable of flying parallel-offset routes. This paper presents the results of two related studies on the effects of increased use of offset routes as a conflict resolution maneuver. The first study analyzes offset routes in the context of all standard resolution types which air-traffic controllers currently use. This study shows that by utilizing parallel-offset route maneuvers, significant system-wide savings in delay due to conflict resolution of up to 30% are possible. It also shows that most offset resolutions replace horizontal-vectoring resolutions. The second study builds on the results of the first and directly compares offset resolutions and standard horizontal-vectoring maneuvers to determine that in-trail conflicts are often more efficiently resolved by offset maneuvers.

Characterization of Metering, Merging and Spacing Requirements for Future Trajectory-Based Operations

“…TASAR will only recommend route changes that are clear of hazardous weather, avoid active Special Use Airspace, and are free of near-term traffic conflicts so that they are likely to be accepted by controllers. A procedure that could be used more frequently under TBO to allow passing along an airway is the use of a lateral offset maneuver 30 . In this maneuver, an aircraft is cleared by a controller to deviate from the airway and fly laterally at a specified number of miles to the left or right of the airway, rejoining the airway at a future point.…”

Automated conflict resolution, arrival management, and weather avoidance for air traffic management

“…In simulation, the offset manoeuvres have proven to be effective in resolving certain types of eligible conflicts. For example, they can be effective for resolving in-trail overtake conflicts, where they create a passing lane for faster aircraft to pass a slower aircraft [11]. The offset manoeuvre could be given preference over other options if the controller has to issue the resolution via voice communications rather than data link.…”