Optimization of flight conditions based on performance sensitivity analysis for jet transport aircraft

Purpose This study aims to enhance the fuel efficiency of jet transport aircraft based on mathematical models and flight crew operating manual (FCOM) for the purpose to assist the civil aviation industry in improving flight safety and operational efficiency. Design/methodology/approach The research applies flight data mining and fuzzy logic modeling technologies to set up lift-to-drag ratio (L/D) models and nine models of thrust, Mach number, engine pressure ratio and fuel flow rate to estimate the deviation of each flight parameter. All performance deviations are calculated based on the values of flight data recorded in the quick access recorder and FCOM at the observed flight conditions. The L/D model can obtain the influence of each flight parameter and estimate the insufficient amount of each parameter by averaging it with the least square method. In the estimation of optimal altitude, nine models are built based on data from FCOM to estimate the optimal altitude and complete comparative analysis of the airspeed, Mach number and fuel flow rate at the optimal altitude. Findings Analyze 11 relevant parameters from the sensitivity derivative of L/D model to obtain how each parameter affected fuel consumption and explore the causes of additional fuel consumption. Complete the estimation of the optimal cruise altitude of the aircraft, and calculate the comparative analysis of the altitude, speed, Mach number and other parameters with the sensitivity derivative of the L/D. The estimation of the optimal cruise altitude of the aircraft can meet the analysis of the sensitivity derivative. Research limitations/implications This study is to enhance the fuel efficiency of jet commercial transport based on mathematical model and FCOM. FCOM is required to conduct this study. The estimation of the optimal cruise altitude through the nine models of the aircraft could meet the analysis of the sensitivity derivative. Practical implications The object of present research is to demonstrate the effectiveness of optimization of flight conditions through model analysis to get knowledge of the effects of each influencing flight variable to L/D for future flight operations’ reference. Social implications The model-based derivative analysis had the ability to perform derivative prediction analysis on any input parameters, more flight parameters could be optimized in future research to help airlines improve flight safety and operational efficiency. Originality/value The present enhancement method of fuel efficiency is an innovation to examine the abnormal aircraft performance and its flight operations, thereby to explore the causes of additional fuel consumption. The present method can become an auxiliary tool for flight operations quality assurance to improve fuel efficiency for the airlines.