Free Vertical Planning in a TBO Environment

Abstract

This paper examines the effects of Free Vertical Planning (FVP), which avoids any fixed vertical constraints such as cruise flight level, intermediate level flights in climb or descent, or strategic deconfliction constraints. In addition to reducing fuel burn by allowing constant climb to compensate for weight loss, FVP also helps provide more continuous vertical optimization between wind, potential contrail areas, and separation violations with other aircraft. Simulation of FVP for large-scale scenarios that maintain today's separation requirements will show whether the number of potential conflicts is also reduced, as it was the case with the introduction of free route airspace. The paper provides recommendations on how to implement FVP and what benefits can be expected.