Calculation and Display of Stack Departure Times for Aircraft Inbound to Heathrow Airport,

The accurate calculation of delays to be absorbed by inbound aircraft is difficult in a manual Air Traffic Control environment. However, when flight plan information is computerized with adequate on-line data - transfer facilities, the problem may be solved. This memorandum suggests a way of automating and displaying to Air Traffic Controllers information about strategies for absorbing aircraft delays. Adoption of the proposed methods would have advantages for pilots, airline operators and Air Traffic Controllers. Originator-supplied keywords include Approach control, Flow control, Air traffic control, and Aircraft sequencing.