Using GPS and ADS in the Central Atlantic Metroplex for Seamless Air and Ground Terminal Area Control and Management

H. Robert Pilley

Abstract:	With the advancement of GPS and wireless communication technologies, a new era of airport navigation, surveillance, collision avoidance and airport control is possible. Based upon prior work demonstrated to the FAA in the early 90’s at Manchester, NH airport, this paper describes new applications for the system. The Manchester experiments demonstrated operational concepts in a low traffic environment. This paper summarizes extensions to the basic research conducted in Manchester to satisfy operational needs in a busy resources limited, constricted airspace environment supporting multiple airports. A recent mid-air collision, an increasing number of near misses, and current traffic problems, consisting of limited runways, poor on time schedule performance and strict noise and flight path restrictions in the New York, New Jersey Metroplex warrant a paradigm shift from the discrete single function navigation and surveillance systems of today to the seamless 4-D environment of the 21st century. The paper first briefly reviews the technology and programs of today, its radar, instrument landing system, lighting systems and highly manual TRACON air traffic control system. The paper illustrates how many of the current systems are not the solution to the Metroplex problem, but actually the cause of many of its operational limitations and safety problems. The paper then presents how new available wireless technology, utilizing GPS and seamless 4-D mathematical processing provide a cost effective automation solution to the operational problems. Seamless navigation, surveillance and air traffic control automation provide the key to addressing the multiple needs of this highly complex aviation environment. The operational concepts developed and patented (U.S. PATENTS 5,200,902, 5,548,515, 5,574,648, 5,740,047, 5,867,804, 6,006,158, with other patents pending) based on the Manchester activities are applied to the busy New York - New Jersey Metroplex. Flexible flight paths and dynamic metering based on clearance scheduling of air traffic is presented using GPS flight paths. Local GPS reference stations are utilized in navigation at the multiple airports within the Metroplex. Seamless surveillance based upon the use of GPS and ADS is utilized throughout, with radar systems acting as a back up. Operational controller and pilot computer interfaces are presented in conjunction with the overall operational concepts supporting GPS based seamless airport operations.
Published in:	Proceedings of the 13th International Technical Meeting of the Satellite Division of The Institute of Navigation (ION GPS 2000) September 19 - 22, 2000 Salt Palace Convention Center Salt Lake City, UT
Pages:	729 - 742
Cite this article:	Pilley, H. Robert, "Using GPS and ADS in the Central Atlantic Metroplex for Seamless Air and Ground Terminal Area Control and Management," Proceedings of the 13th International Technical Meeting of the Satellite Division of The Institute of Navigation (ION GPS 2000), Salt Lake City, UT, September 2000, pp. 729-742.
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