Development of an Integrated Small Aircraft Runway Length Analysis Tool

Abstract

The Federal Aviation Administration Advisory Circular (AC) 150/5325-4B provides the current method for estimating runway length requirements in airport design. The design curves and necessary runway length adjustments published two decades ago may not reflect the performance of many new-generation aircraft operating in the National Airspace System. Moreover, this AC offers limited information about the trade-offs between runway length, useful load, and mission range. This paper presents an integrated computer model called the Small Aircraft Runway Length Analysis Tool (SARLAT) to improve the existing methodology. The SARLAT incorporates 76 individual aircraft performance characteristics based on robust data processing, consolidation, and validation workflow. A regression-based model has been developed to account for nonzero runway gradients and different runway surface conditions. An analysis indicates that the current design curves are conservative for modern mid-size and super mid-size business jets, but cannot accommodate light jets, consequently constraining operators’ operational flexibility and possibly reducing airport revenue. SARLAT provides aircraft stage length and payload-range analysis to assist airport designers and improve decision-making. The stage length analysis estimates the cumulative distribution of distances flown by individual aircraft in the United States. Using a time-step numerical simulation, SARLAT includes payload-range analysis to quantify the trade-offs between the aircraft’s useful load and mission range. Finally, SARLAT determines the critical aircraft operation at the airport based on runway length and geometric design requirements. Since SARLAT leads to more accurate and cost-effective estimates of runway length requirements, the FAA plans to mandate the use of this tool in the Airport Improvement Program.