Ramp Area Support System: Limitations of Modeling Approach to an Airport Apron Area

Many factors contribute to the punctuality of the time dependent aviation industry; numerous studies have been performed which attempt to improve efficiencies of the surface movement of aircraft. Modeling results can be used to analyze future projects and can help inform and influence capital decision-making. This work focuses on some of the limitations associated with applying a modeling approach to the dynamic systems found within the ramp area at major metropolitan airports. While modeling can be a valuable tool in short term resource management and planning in aviation, traditional approaches to dynamic modeling of airports do not adequately measure, nor quantify, the effects of industry changes on ramp operations. Without a more holistic approach to modeling the integration of the systems operating in the ramp area, there will always be a statistical probability that the model fails to account for important variables that alter operating practices and make each ramp area unique.