Computer Assisted Arrival Sequencing and Scheduling with the Compas System,

The COMPAS-system Computer Oriented Metering Planning and Advisory System was developed at the DFVLR-Institute for Flight Guidance. It has been tested and evaluated at the institutes air traffic simulation facility, using traffic scenarios of Frankfurt airport with up to 52 aircraft movements simultaneously. With regard to the Frankfurt airport, the operational objectives of COMPAS are to achieve the best possible usage of the available but limited runway landing capacity, to avoid unnecessary delays and to apply economic approach profiles whenever possible. The planning functions will be transferred to a computer. It generates a comprehensive plan for a best overall arrival sequence and schedule. Execution of this plan, however, remains the task of the human controllers who are provided with all data necessary to control the approaching aircraft. The systems concept, the dynamic planning algorithms as well as the operational concept for computer assistance and the man-machine interface are presented.