As part of a wider nuisance reduction programme, Air Traffic Control the Netherlands (LVNL) has introduced a smart approach system that enables aircraft to fly closer together when approaching the runway at Schiphol Airport. The innovative solution enables 3 to 6 additional flights per hour to land during strong winds on the runways causing the least amount of noise nuisance for the local environment.
The additional landings also reduce the need for the deployment of a second runway for landing.
The new approach system involves the implementation of two noise-reducing measures that maintain the distance between landing aircraft more efficiently and a time-based approach for maintaining distance when landing. When approaching the runway to land, aircraft must keep enough distance so that the one behind does not encounter the wake turbulence of the one in front.
With the wind also having an impact on maintaining distance – a plane landing when there’s a strong headwind will be slowed down and land with less speed – the new system also enables LVNL to direct aircraft to fly at certain time intervals (Time Based Seperation) rather than at set distances from each other. This allows the same number of aircraft per hour to land on one runway in strong winds.
