The Federal Aviation Administration is rolling out a predictive software system that will help reduce wait times on the tarmac. This software is also aimed at improving fuel efficiency and overall operations in airports.
The Advanced Technology Demonstration 2 (ATD-2) will be able to assess real-time situations in the skies. Once fully operational, the ATD-2 will allow planes to depart the gate later and move directly from the tarmac to the runway to takeoff reducing the waiting time. This software will help save fuel.
The software will also have predictive abilities that can minimize system delays. This software was developed by NASA and was initially designed to facilitate crafts launched in space.
27 Large Airports In the Next 10 Years
Charlotte, Dallas/Fort Worth, and Dallas Love Field airports already tested the predictive software. FAA is also planning to test the ATD-2 on other airports. Next will be Phoenix by early next year. In the next ten years, FAA is looking to have the software integrated into 27 large US airports.
According to NASA administrator Bill Nelson “This technology cuts delays by all kinds of hours and the aircraft engines run all kinds of fewer hours”. This means less maintenance and a more economic way to run an airport. Nelson said that “It’s good for our economy. It’s good for customers”.
Predictive Software’s Ability to Save Fuel
When the ATD-2 was tested in Charlotte, reduced taxi times saved around 275,000 gallons of fuel per year. That’s enough to fuel 185 flights between New York and Chicago on a Boeing 737. It has also reduced delays by 916 hours per year. That’s equivalent to taking out 15 minutes of waiting time on taxiway for 3,500 flights.
And on top of this, the system reduced Greenhouse gas emissions by 8 tons daily. The ATD-2 is part of the NextGen air transportation modernization effort by the agency that started in 2007.
