Estimating separation distance loss probability between aircraft in uncontrolled airspace in simulation

In this article, collision probability between aircraft in uncontrolled airspace is estimated. For that purpose, a large database of aircraft trajectories in the vicinity of Saint-Cyr-l’Ecole airfield (France) is considered and maps of probability collision from simulated aircraft are then estimated. Since the collision between aircraft is a rare event, we applied an importance splitting estimation technique rather than crude Monte Carlo simulations to reduce the variance of the probability estimation. In this study, we demonstrate the high local variability of collision probability in uncontrolled airspace and conclude on the difficulty to set general probability requirements.

► Focus on separation loss probabilities between aircraft in uncontrolled airspace. ► Importance splitting algorithm estimates accurately separation loss probabilities. ► High variability of separation loss probabilities with the considered area.