RESEARCH SEMINAR 2022": "POINT-MERGE - EVALUATION OF THE TRIAL OPERATION AT LEIPZIG/HALLE AIRPORT"

TASK

In its role of central coordination of European air traffic control, EUROCONTROL introduced point-merge as a new approach procedure in 2006. The need for developing a more efficient process arose from ever-increasing air traffic numbers in a system with limited capacity. The area close to the airport plays a unique role, as the incoming traffic is sorted and staggered in preparation for the final approach. Point merge is intended to simplify controller tasks, create an orderly approach sequence and improve flight efficiency. This procedure was introduced at Leipzig/Halle Airport in 2015. After five years of test operation, point merge was discontinued, and a return to the previous system was made.

Based on a data set provided by DFS on the approaches to Leipzig-Halle Airport in selected periods, this paper sets itself the task of analyzing and evaluating the trial operation from various points of view. The procedure is evaluated concerning noise and pollutant emissions around the airport. Furthermore, the effects on the handling ground processes and the potential changes in controller work are analyzed.

Organization

The research seminar will be supervised by Prof. Fricke, who holds the chair, as well as Dr. Rosenow and Mrs. Ahnert. Dr. Bierwagen, Dr. Leemüller, and Mr. van de Sand from Deutsche Flugsicherung (DFS) supported the practice. We want to take this opportunity to thank them once again for their commitment!

In addition to dealing with technical issues, the aim of the seminar is to train the necessary project management skills. For the students, independent project work with the facets of time management and milestone fulfilment, self-organisation and teamwork are also at the forefront of their work. The necessary project management activities must be monitored, controlled and, if necessary, delegated by the project management.

Disclaimer

The presented content appears within the context of student research projects. The TU Dresden excludes all warranties for scientific quality and accuracy of the results. Publication / transfer / usage of the drafts, either complete or in parts, requires the agreement of TU Dresden. Therefore, please contact the office of the chair.