Development, Design and Flight Test Evaluation of Continuous Descent Approach Procedure in FIR Zagreb

Abstract

As part of Local Conversion and Implementation Plan which is based on the EUROCONTROL Revised Convention the Republic of Croatia has undertaken to make a plan of implementing the Basic Continuous Descent Approach procedures. This paper addresses the issue of navigational path optimization for the A-319/320 commercial aircraft within the fleet of Croatia Airlines, during the approach part of flight, which has a positive effect on fuel consumption, greenhouse gas emission and area of surface affected by noise. The experiments were carried out in real conditions, using internal sensors onboard (Flight Data Recorder) and independent GPS system. Two types of approach were tested: Continuous Descent Approach (CDA) and Step Down Approach. The implementation of CDA procedures, just for the fleet of Airbus 320/319 aircraft of the Croatia Airlines results in approximate calculation in fuel saving which amounts to 1.5 x 106 kg annually (only on Zagreb airport). In this way, the productiveness of an air carrier, which is an integral part of the traffic process along with the airports and air traffic control, is directly increased, thus fulfilling the purpose of air traffic technology research. KEY WORDS: navigational procedures, continuous descent approach, air traffic, ecology