Circling the runway might be a thing of the past
Passenger aeroplane landing on a runway. Image: Thinkstock
Researchers at NASA are looking into new software for aeroplanes that will improve flight efficiency.
Pilots would be able to fly a ‘follow the leader approach’ making airspace over runways more efficient. It could also reduce noise pollution in towns close to airports by lowering the number of aeroplanes circling the runway.
The software – Airborne Spacing for Terminal Arrival Routes (ASTAR) is currently being trialled on test aeroplanes.
Article source: http://www.energylivenews.com/2014/12/16/circling-the-runway-might-be-a-thing-of-the-past/
