Automated aircraft scheduling methods in the near terminal area.

A general scheduling algorithm for aircraft from terminal area entry to touchdown is developed. The method has the following novel features: (1) many speed classes of aircraft are considered and speed variations within classes and along portions of the flight path are permitted; (2) multiple paths are considered which may merge or diverge - the analysis is not restricted to a single runway nor to departures only; (3) landings are scheduled along conflict free flight paths in minimum time. The algorithm is currently being incorporated in a fast-time simulation of a STOL air traffic system.