Some spatio temporal characteristics of the planning error in European ATFM

Abstract

There are numerous reasons, why the number of aircrafts entering a sector may differ from the anticipated number. They may be summed up as 'uncertain events' such as the non-respect of ground delays, weather conditions, sight plan incoherency and more. We apply simple statistical analysis tools in order to characterize these differences; how they behave and how they interact with each other. Our findings indicate that they follow simple laws over time and space and give first insights in how they may interact.