Optimization of Noise Abatement Departure Trajectories

This paper describes the development of a new tool that offers significant capabilities for the analysis and design of noise abatement procedures at any given airport. The proposed tool combines a noise model, a geographic information system and a dynamic trajectory optimization algorithm. The optimization algorithm essentially modifies routings and flightpaths such as to minimize the noise impact in the residential communities surrounding the airport, while satisfying all imposed operational and safety constraints. Numerical examples, involving departure trajectories from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, are included to demonstrate the effectiveness and flexibility of the developed tool. Although the results obtained to date are for departure flights only, the employed methodology tool holds out equal promise for application to approach trajectories. In the numerical examples the characteristics of a Boeing 737-300 aircraft are used.