Navigation - Decreasing Fuel Consumption and Exhaust Gas Emissions in Transportation - page 213

Table 14.4 Takeoff flight path segments
Path segments Description

First and takeoff
segment

In general, the takeoff ends at a height of 35.2 ft (10.7 m) above the end of
the runway where the speed for safe climbing is attained. The fuel
consumption and the concentration of NO and NO 2 have the highest
level in these phases

Second segment Takeoff is followed by a short climb with takeoff thrust settings meanwhile

the landing gear is retracted

Third and final
segment

The third segment, started at a minimum of 400 ft (122 m) above field
elevation, is acceleration, performed in level flight to attain the final
segment at climbing speed, during which the flaps and slats are retracted
and thrust is cut-back. The final segment is a climb that generally ends
at 1,500 ft (457.5 m) above the field elevation

There are noise abatements in practice for takeoff and climbing procedures. Many
airports publish departure routes indicating noise-sensitive areas along the flight path
with the corresponding altitude and routing restrictions for the airplanes [ 39 ].

14.2.7 Descent and Approach Path Optimizing

The Flight Management System of a modern airplane automatically optimizes the
flight profiles including the descent and approach segment profile [ 40 ].
Continuous Descent Approach (CDA) also has advantages for the reduction of
fuel consumption, and noise and gaseous and particle pollution affecting residents
around the airport. Instead of stepping down on a virtual stair the airplane glides
with no flaps or with partially extended flaps. Full flaps and landing gear are
extended only in the final segment of the approach. CDA can be started right at the
end of the cruise portion of a flight, at the start of an arrival route, or at a start of an
approach procedure depending on the circumstances, i.e., traffic controller's
knowledge, available airspace for separating the traffic, etc. [ 41 ].
The pilot can check the distance to the airport using Distance Measuring
Equipment, if available, while the controller can supervise the progress of the
flight by radar [ 42 ].

14.2.8 Fuel Saving by Improved Airspace Coordination
and Air Traffic Organization

Eurocontrol, the European Organization for the Safety of Air Navigation, esti-
mates that 1.5 9 10 6 t (3.3 9 10 9 lb) of fuel are still unnecessarily lifted into the
air every year because airplanes must be able to divert from their planned desti-
nation. About 1% of all European aviation emissions, corresponding to