Entry Date:
May 21, 2013

Fuel Burn Reduction Potential from Delayed Deceleration Approaches

Principal Investigator R Hansman


Various strategies are being pursued to reduce fuel burn and mitigate the environmental impacts from aviation. Among them, operational changes have limited overall mitigation potential, but can also be implemented in much shorter timeframes with existing aircraft types. In particular, one mitigation identified in this way was the wider use of Delayed Deceleration Approaches (DDAs).

Delayed Deceleration Approaches occur when airspeed is maintained above the initial flaps speed for as long as possible during approach. This lowers drag and engine thrust requirements, leading to significant reductions in fuel burn and emissions during the descent and approach phases of flight. However, analysis of operational data suggests many flights decelerate earlier than this ideal approach speed profile suggests. This project investigates potential reasons behind the early decelerations and identifies opportunities for increased Delayed Deceleration Approach use.