3D simulation of approaches, taxiing movements and airport infrastructure

Safety is a top priority at airports worldwide. In this regard, national and international regulations provide a framework to ensure the safety of airport operations. However, due to varying local conditions, it is not always possible to comply with all infrastructural requirements without restrictions. Any deviations as well as changes in the airside infrastructure can, though, inhabit risks that need to be investigated and evaluated. A realistic assessment of hazards can be carried out by visualising the existing situation. airsight creates detailed 3D models based on the XPlane software in order to carry out simulations for various requirements.

Simulation for realistic assessment of infrastructural deviations 

The extent to which a deviation from regulatory requirements affects flight operations is best assessed from the perspective of the airport users, the pilots. Differences from prescribed values cannot always be perceived with the naked eye. For this purpose, airsight simulates approaches or ground movements from the cockpit perspective. By comparing simulation results of the situation with existing deviations to the scenario that conforms to the specifications, well-founded statements about risks can be made.

Visualisation to assess the practicability of solutions

Depending on the extent of the risk, measures must be taken to reduce the risk. However, mitigations found in theory do not always turn out to be practicable in reality. 3D simulation models can help to visualise and evaluate the visual impression of different arrangements of lights, markings and/or signs to support pilots' navigation and situational awareness.

Illustration of the visual reference on approach as a function of visibility

Sometimes it is also necessary to increase the meteorological minimum visibility for flight operations due to existing deviations or changes in infrastructure. In this context, visibility is not a rigid value, but rather there is a smooth transition from the visible to the no longer visible range, which varies depending on light and weather conditions. As a result, previously calculated values may appear different in reality. With the help of 3D models, airsight can simulate operational visibilities and cloud ceilings close to reality to draw conclusions about required restrictions to the minimum meteorological visibility.

Deriving recommendations

Based on the knowledge gained from the simulations, well-founded recommendations can be derived and options that go beyond the recommendations in guidelines and regulations can be jointly developed.