Prerequisites for Statistical Analyses of the Quality of Instrument Flight Procedures

Abstract

Instrument flight procedures are essential and critical components of the global aviation system. They are designed for all phases of flight, i.e.  the standard instrument departures, standard instrument arrivals, instrument approaches and the en-route phase of flight. Instrument flight procedures are designed from various aeronautical data, information, dimensions, etc., which are named instrument flight procedure elements according to this paper. Development of air navigation systems affect design of instrument flight procedures and flexible use of airspace. The design process is carried out within a framework defined by international and national standards, organizational norms and economic aspects. Instrument flight procedure elements are a fundamental part of the process. Deviations of these elements from full compliance with international regulations can significantly and negatively affect air traffic safety. The objective of this paper was to investigate the basic prerequisites for statistical analysis of the design quality of instrument flight procedures, which have not been explored before. Six prerequisites were proposed for acquiring the data and preparing them for further statistical use.