The Continuous Descent Approach (CDA) is a method of operating an aircraft on approach that optimizes noise reduction by minimizing changes in thrust by selecting a favorable initial Flight Path Angle (FPA) and by strategic flap/landing gear management. Quite simply, use of a CDA produces the lowest possible single-event noise levels on the ground during approach in areas beyond 7 nm from the runway landing threshold. An important side benefit is that the CDA has the potential to reduce fuel consumption, reduce pilot workload, and save time – features that will make its use at airports nationwide more likely.
Over nearly a three-year period, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and UPS worked closely with SCAS to design, test, and, ultimately, implement the CDA at Mather Airport. Over that time, the measured single event aircraft noise levels of UPS aircraft have been steadily and significantly reduced. The reduction has been achieved by optimization by the airlines of the CDA procedures, rigorous pilot training, adoption of the CDA as the default procedure for Mather arrivals, assistance by the FAA air traffic controllers, and advocacy for the procedure by SCAS. This procedure was shared with ABX, another nighttime operator at Mather Airport which adapted the procedure to their Boeing 767 aircraft. The initial results for the ABX CDA, which is in its early stages of implementation, are also encouraging. As the ABX CDA is refined and improved, we would expect see lower single event levels.
Mather Airport CDA
