Joint study with DSNA shows Point Merge applicable for ACC arrival sectors

Point Merge is an innovative method developed by the EUROCONTROL Experimental Centre for merging arrival flows with existing technology including precision area navigation (P-RNAV). It is designed to enable extensive use of the flight management system and continuous descents, even under high traffic load. The study is built on a partnership with the French DSNA. The simulated environment was based on TE and AP sectors that feed the Paris TMA from the North East and that are adjacent to airspace managed by the Maastricht Upper Area Control Centre. The assumption was that if Point Merge is applicable to this complex and constrained environment, it could be considered for other ACC arrival sectors in Europe. The study started in January 2009 and consisted of a series of six small scale simulation sessions. Following an iterative approach, the environment was gradually enriched so as to simulate more comprehensive and realistic operations: two metering points, overflights, wind, high traffic load, arrival manager and current constraints. The simulations have demonstrated that Point Merge is easy to learn and reduces both workload and communications" said Claude Barret, deputy head of Paris ACC ATS department. Clearly, Point Merge has substantial potential to improve safety and increase capacity under current airspace constraints and without increasing distance flown. Further studies would be necessary to confirm the applicability of Point Merge on other sectors of the Paris terminal area. Earlier studies demonstrated the applicability of Point Merge in TMA, with clear benefits in terms of standardisation, safety, predictability and efficiency/environment. Point Merge enables, in particular, continuous descent approach even under high traffic load, with a potential average fuel saving of 100kg per aircraft in TMA. Point Merge should support the improvement and standardisation of arrival operations (from top of descent down to final approach) in a pan-European perspective and with existing technology. It should also be a sound basis to move towards trajectory based operations including controlled time of arrival in the context of SESAR. Point Merge will be deployed at Oslo (April 2011), with Dublin and Rome to follow, and is under study for Brussels.