A dual-segment approach for Cologne/Bonn Airport

Abstract

Increasing the altitude of approaching aircraft has been considered a way to reduce perceived aircraft noise, particularly in densely populated areas. A steeper approach profile composed of two segments has been investigated for almost two years at Cologne/Bonn Airport, Germany's third largest freight airport. More than 70 flight simulator trials for B767, B737 and MD-11 as well as almost a dozen test flights were conducted in 2016. During the test flights, advanced noise measurements were conducted close to the approach path. Together with the data from the flight data recorder (FDR), this information provided the basis for gaining new insights on the review of the approach.