An Optimal Metroplex Routing Paradigm For Flexible Flights

In this paper a metroplex routing scheme with its entire flexible flight operation simulation system is presented. In order to implement the optimal metroplex routing algorithm, a network data structure is constructed based on navaids, fixes, waypoints and jet routes. The shortest path algorithm and minimum dynamic cost path algorithm are applied to calculate the optimal route in different scenarios. Moreover, the other functional modules in the integrated simulation system are also introduced, which include Flexible Flight Selector, Airspace Concept Evaluation System, Candidate Flight Plan Estimator, Multicenter Traffic Management Advisor and the airport/runway balancer. The simulation system is the very first successful integrated platform of these NASA and university developed tools for metroplex study. The simulation results are demonstrated at the end, which verify the benefits of the flexible flight operations and the optimal metroplex routing scheme by showing the considerable total delay reduction.