Passive Final Approach Spacing Tool (pFAST)

Both passive Final Approach Spacing Tool (pFAST) and the Traffic Management Advisor (TMA) form the NASA-developed Center-TRACON Automation System. As deployed under Free Flight Phase 1, pFAST affects traffic flow and planning of aircraft operating in terminal air space; it provides TRACON controllers with aircraft runway preferences and sequence numbers.

The CTAS suite of tools increases arrival acceptance and efficiency of air traffic operations in the extended terminal airspace surrounding major airports without decreasing safety. pFAST does this by providing automation aids to assist controllers in optimizing the flow of traffic to adapted airports within the Air Route Traffic Control Center/TRACON; and, the use of available runways and surrounding airspace Early indications from Dallas-Ft. Worth show that an extra 2 aircraft per rush (30 minute period of heavy traffic--9 rushes daily) are able to land at the airport.

NASA POC:
Dr. Heinz Erzberger
650-604-5425
herzberger@mail.arc.nasa.gov
http://www.ctas.arc.nasa.gov

Below are the links to sub articles on Free Flight Phase I:
Traffic Management Advisor-Single Center
USER Request Evaluation Tool
Passive Final Approach Spacing Tool (pFAST)
Surface Movement Advisor
Back to Free Flight Phase I Article