Incoming flights to a busy airport will be separated by time and not by distance as it is followed now. However, this simple solution is the result of four years of hard work by a team over at NATS (formerly known as National Air Traffic Control Services).
Extensive scientific studies were conducted to ensure its safety. The result: Heathrow will be the maiden airport in the world to test the system out. If it is successful, then the incidence of flight delays will be reduced and with it the instances of UK flight delay refunds.
Working principle
The biggest factor in the new system is wind. This flow of air is frequently to blame for majority of landing delays at Heathrow airport in London. The amount of disturbance is staggering- wind is said to disrupt uncountable number of flights for approximately 65 days every year. This means delays and consequently more UK flight delay compensation cases.
When an aircraft fights a headwind, the airspeed of the flight is considerably reduced and it takes much longer to touch down at the runway. This creates delays.
The solution provided by NATS is the Time Based Separation or TBS system. The system prescribes the airplanes to come closer together, thus slashing the delays. Professionals have already given their assent to the system, saying the time based spacing will see lower holding times and fewer delays. Airport operations will also be much more resilient.
Aircraft speed and spacing
Air traffic controllers at present give each aircraft a speed limit when they approach Heathrow runways. The limit is set at 184 mph or 160 knots four miles distant. This gives pilots the necessary time to be ready for landing, like arranging flaps and putting wheels down. This will remain unchanged under the new system.
As an airplane moves through three dimensions, speed is measured through air and not the speed relative to the ground. It must also be said that air moves in pockets. Therefore, when the speed indicator on the aircraft declares 500 knots, a tailwind could push the plane at 550 knots. It is clear that relative to the ground, you are moving at 550 knots, but when compared with the air around the plane, it moves 500 knots.
Vortices
The NATS system takes vortices into account. A vortex can be described as dangerous air spiral created by any aircraft as it thunders through the sky. Any aircraft following close behind could lose control due to the rapidly changing air physics. This is the reason big gaps between planes are insisted by air traffic controllers.
The new system takes advantage of the fact that in windy conditions, strong headwinds iron out these dangerous clutches of air extremely quickly. Aircraft can safely fly much closer. Since wind changes all the time, the latest wind information is fed to the plane from the ground. This ensures safety of the aircraft.
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