Improved Range Equation Based on Aircraft Flight Data

This paper uses measurements from flight-data recorders to develop an improved, simple model for aircraft fuel burn. The model is an adaptation of the Breguet range equation, with straightforward adjustments made for headwind, cruise flight conditions, climb performance, and descent operation. The adjustments made are based on physical reasoning combined with results from real flight operations. The analysis of flight data shows that the additional fuel burn required for takeoff and climb is constantly around 1.5% of takeoff weight. The fuel burn during descent shows greater variation and there appears to be scope for improvements through more consistent approach procedures. The new model is validated against fuel-burn data from a large number of flights and is shown to have greatly improved accuracy relative to a simple form of the Breguet range equation. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]