Capacity Enhancements in IMC for Converging Configuration with Down-Link of Aircraft Expected Final Approach Speeds

This paper describes procedures for facilitating increased airport capacity in instrument meteorological conditions for airports with converging and triple converging runway configurations. The concept utilizes existing standards and procedures authorized for dependent converging approaches. It proposes control of the relative approach spacing on two and three runway converging configurations and facilitates safe runway approaches, including missed approaches, by utilizing the down-link of aircraft expected final approach speeds. ADS-B (automatic dependent surveillance broadcast) or CPDLC (controller pilot data link communications) may be capable of facilitating such down-link of required data. The paper presents potential throughput gains, discusses potential controller tools for implementation in the near term, discusses potential certification and authorization requirements, and summarizes required further work to determine the feasibility of the concept and the development required for operational deployment.