Engine-Out Takeoff Path Optimization out of Terrain Challenging Airports

Abstract

Maximum regulated takeoff weights and hence payloads of large commercial jets are limited by Government regulations which take into account local airport conditions as well as a variety of safety factors. One of the challenging conditions that must be met is linked to a minimum obstacle clearance in the unlikely event of an engine failure on the runway at the worst possible time. This requirement becomes an overriding factor for airports surrounded by challenging terrain, and therefore a well defined takeoff path out of these airports has the potential to transform a financially unsustainable operation into a commercially viable one. The research described in this paper represents an ongoing attempt to resolve this important problem and makes use of recent advances in robot path planning techniques.