Simplified dynamic density based capacity estimation

Methods for estimating constant and variable sector capacity based on an airspace complexity metric, simplified dynamic density, are proposed. Simplified dynamic density is a weighted sum of seven traffic components that contribute to airspace complexity. Constant and variable estimates of maximum sector capacity, based on projected flight tracks, are used to constrain the traffic demand in fast-time simulations. Delays and aircraft counts resulting from these methods are compared with those obtained using the capacities in the current system and based on the “5/3 of average sector flight time” rule. Results show that the simplified dynamic density based capacities produce lower system-wide delays and more throughputs, and indicate more predictable air traffic demands during the peak traffic period.