Benefits and constraints of time-based metering along RNAV STAR routes

The NextGen Integration and Implementation Office of the Federal Aviation Administration has outlined a set of novel operational concepts for improving the efficiency of air traffic operations. In the terminal domain, one proposed operational change is Time-Based Metering (TBM) utilizing Area Navigation (RNAV) Standard Terminal Arrival (STAR) route assignments. The MITRE Corporation's Center for Advanced Aviation System Development (CAASD) was tasked to provide benefits and feasibility analysis of these proposed changes and to develop models to test concepts for use in the management and control of air traffic. This paper describes the evaluation of potential benefits and constraints on the feasibility of implementing TBM along RNAV STAR routes. It focuses on computer simulated trial runs of a case study in which time-based metered delivery is implemented at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International airport. This study has yielded two important findings. The first finding is the maximum tolerable variation of actually realized en-route to terminal delivery times from the prescribed schedule times. The second finding is an estimate of the potential reduction in low altitude vectoring in high density airspace.