Fast-time simulation modeling as a tool for identifying best practices in strategic TFM: Initial analysis

Fast-time simulation Traffic Flow Management (TFM) models can play a significant role in helping to identify best practices for weather impact scenarios, to apply these practices, and to review their efficacy. A model that can enforce Traffic Management Initiatives (TMIs) to provide sufficient realism is highly desirable for these activities. The model must also be comprehensively weather-aware so as to faithfully reflect the effect of convective and non-convective weather on air traffic. We have leveraged the ability of the Dynamic Airspace Routing Tool (DART), a superfast-time simulation model, to objectively evaluate the potential benefits (or added impacts) of alternative TFM strategies in support of operationally relevant what-if testing possibilities. We describe a methodology enabled by these simulation capabilities to objectively, and with great detail, evaluate adverse-weather-related TMI utility and potential alternatives with the aim of building a library of ‘best practices’. This overall approach, developed for visual, operator-driven Strategic TFM analysis through comparison of baseline and alternative scenarios, can also be augmented by a parametric search, i.e. partial optimization, of feasible TMI solutions for still greater testing and automation support for impact management decision-making. We discuss how this simulation model has already been effectively applied to support alternative-response analyses for air traffic operations. The opportunities for Strategic TFM to evolve to a more consistent and efficient operation under this alternative support paradigm are discussed.