The FAA and the MITRE Corporation have released runwaySimulator, a simulation model for conducting rapid analysis of airport capacity.
For several years, the FAA has used runwaySimulator and the tool is now being made publically available to those with interests in aviation and airport planning.
It can be used to assess an airport’s existing capacity, as well as capacity improvements with new infrastructure or flight procedures. Access to the tool and training is available upon request, free of charge, to analysts.
MITRE operates the Center for Advanced Aviation System Development, which is the FAA’s federally funded research and development center. MITRE developed runwaySimulator through its internal R&D program and transferred the technology to the FAA. The FAA is now making it available to aviation and airport planning analysts and organizations, FAA officials noted.
The simulation model allows researchers to assess the effects of operational changes, such as runway closures, arrival-departure windows, or aircraft wake re-categorization, and to study alternative approaches to runway improvements at various airports.