Navigation - Decreasing Fuel Consumption and Exhaust Gas Emissions in Transportation - page 212

Table 14.3 Flight rules
Type of rules Description

Visual flight rules
(VFR)

VFR is the set of rules that apply to an aircraft that navigates solely by
visual references [ 32 ]. Spatial disorientation or collision with ground
and obstacles may occur when a pilot continues VFR into instrument
conditions

Instrument flight
rules (IFR)

IFR regulates the procedure for flying in weather conditions below VFR
weather minimums [ 33 ]. IFR has rules for pilot ratings, pilot-
controller communication procedures and radio navigation procedures

Safety aspects The main purpose of IFR is to ensure safe flights by enabling precise and

reliable determination and tracking of positions even in Instrument
Meteorological Conditions (IMC) and either within or outside of
controlled airspaces and by clearly stating the environmental and
manmade limits, conditions and rules of operation [ 34 ]. Flying IFR in
ATC airspace increases safety and the controller provides safeguards
against collisions

independently from the routes inserted in flight plans, it can become common
practice to offer aircraft operators the shortest routes.
Eurocontrol Airspace Concept ECAC includes:

• The ''packaging'' of en route and terminal routes, optimized trajectories, air-
space reservations, and ATC sectors into Airspace Configurations which are
designed and dynamically managed together to respond flexibly to different
performance objectives which vary in time and place; and
• Airspace Configurations activated through integrated collaborative decision-
making processes at national, regional Functional Airspace Block, and European
airspace network level reflected in the Airspace Network Management com-
ponent of the 2015 Airspace Concept [ 37 ].

14.2.6 Optimum Climbing Path and Flight Profile After Takeoff

The takeoff and the initial climb are the noisiest phases of a flight using the highest
power at the airport and in its surroundings. Takeoff usually starts at the beginning
of a runway with full thrust on the engines. If necessary, the thrust reduction is in
accordance with the actual takeoff weight. The climbing path and profile following
the takeoff can be optimized using modern navigation systems. The main phases of
takeoff and climbing are presented in Table 14.4 [ 38 ].
The takeoff thrust can be tailored to the actual conditions. The pilot sets lower
than the full thrust which the engine is able to deliver but enough thrust for safe
operation in the actual conditions. This measure can conserve engine life and
reduce fuel consumption and exhaust gas emissions and lower noise at and near
airports.