Restricting the use of reverse thrust as an emissions reduction strategy
Abstract
As more metropolitan areas approach “non-attainment” status for ozone, air
pollution at airports is becoming an increasingly important topic. Most proposed
emissions reduction strategies target passenger automobiles and airport ground
service equipment (GSE). At many airports, the future growth in oxides of nitrogen
(NOx) emissions from aircraft is likely to offset any reduction achieved from GSE or
passenger vehicles. In some metropolitan areas, airports may be responsible for as
much as 10% of the regional NOx. As a result, other alternatives are needed for
emissions reduction at airports.
Reverse thrust is commonly used along with wheel brakes to slow aircraft
during landing and occasionally to “power-back” aircraft away from a boarding gate.
Currently, air pollution emissions generated during reverse thrust are not included in
airport emissions inventories. Since the majority of aircraft NOx emissions occur offairport
during climbout and approach, reverse thrust can be responsible for an
additional 15% or more of the on-airport NOx. This can create significant air quality
impacts in the vicinity of the busiest airports. This dissertation will attempt to
quantify and model the air quality effect of NOx emissions produced during reverse
thrust, using Dallas/Ft. Worth International Airport as a case study. A policy analysis
will also be performed, identifying the legal and safety ramifications resulting from a
restriction on thrust reverse usage.
Description
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