Operational feasibility analysis of steep segmented approaches

The paper deals with a steeper approach profile to increase altitude of the aircraft during approach for noise mitigation. To allow a standard 3° landing and thus a higher rate of applicability the vertical approach profile is divided into 2 segments. It starts at about 8000ft AGL with a 4,5° slope. At about 1500 ft AGL the approach slope transitions into a standard 3° slope, intercepting the glide slope from above. Previous publications [1, 2] already reported about successfully testing this kind of procedure in various full-flight training simulators and flight trials with a Condor B 767-300 in Frankfurt and a TUIfly B737-800 in Hanover. This contribution addresses the operational feasibility of integrated such approaches into the arrival stream of Frankfurt airport. Several approaches using different arrival concepts will be discussed and analyzed with respect to capacity and safety.