Continuous descent approach: Design and flight test for Louisville International Airport

A design methodology based on the principles of system analysis was used to design a noise abatement approach procedure for Louisville International Airport. In a flight demonstration test, the procedure was shown to reduce the A-weighted peak noise level at seven locations along the flight path by 3.9 to 6.5 dBA, and to reduce the fuel consumed during approach by 400 to 500 lb (181 to 227 kg). The noise reduction is significant given that a 3-dB difference represents a 50% reduction in acoustic energy and is noticeable to the human ear, and the 7% reduction in the size of the 50 day night average noise level (DNL) contour that would result if all aircraft were to perform the procedure. The fuel saving is also significant, given the financial benefit to airlines and the accompanying reduction in gaseous and particulate emissions. Although the analysis of aircraft performance data showed how pilot delay, in combination with auto-throttle and flight management system logic, can result in deviations from the desired trajectory, the results confirm that near-term implementation of this advanced noise abatement procedure is possible. The results also provide ample motivation for proposed pilot cueing solutions and low-noise guidance features in flight management systems.