THE MEMPHIS PRECISION RUNWAY MONITOR PROGRAM INSTRUMENT LANDING SYSTEM FINAL APPROACH STUDY.

This report documents the study of the lateral positions of aircraft on Instrument Landing system (ILS) approaches during the Memphis, Tennessee, Precision Runway Monitor (PRM) demonstration. The PRM is an advanced radar monitoring system that improved the arrival capacity of closely spaced parallel runways in poor weather conditions. The results of this study are used to assist in determining the minimum runway spacing that will be authorized for PRM. The objective of this study was to quantify the lateral character of ILS arrivals and the consequent impact on independent simultaneous ILS arrival to closely spaced parallel runways. The sensitivity of the arriving aircrafts' lateral positions to different variables such as visibility, wind runway, aircraft type, autopilot performance, and localizer beam width was determined. Also, the Memphis arrival data were compared to FAA Technical Center Chicago O'Hare approach data. The analysis was primarily based on surveillance reports of 4,000 ILS arrivais into Memphis International Airport, coUected with the PRM AMPS sensor (ATCRBS Monopulse Processing System). A major result of the study was that lateral aircraft positions w i l l not hamper independent arrivals to parallel runways spaced 3,400 feet apart, but will impede operations at 3,000 feet or smaller unless approach modifications are introduced. Lateral deviations were found to be most sensitive to reduced visibility and certain autopilots. Lateral deviations were also found to be somewhat more at Memphis relative to Chicago O'Hare. Recommendations for further data analysis and collection are discussed. This report documents the study of the lateral positions of aircraft on Instrument Landing System (ILS) approaches during the Memphis, Tennessee, Precision Runway Monitor (PRM) demonstration. The PRM is an advanced radar monitoring system that improves the amval capacity to closely-spaced parallel runways in poor weather conditions. The results of this study are to assist in determining the minimum runway spacing that will be used for PRM. BACKGROUND The growth in air traffic has brought with it a steady increase in the number and duration of flight delays. To address the delays, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is working to increase the current airport system capacity. Numerous approaches are under investigation including improvements to Air Traffic Control procedures, microwave landing systems, additional taxiways, additional runways and even airports, and application of new technology. The Precision Runway Monitor (PRM) program is one of the new technology initiatives of the FAA. The PRM is an advanced radar monitoring system that …