A Monte Carlo Analysis of the Ground Controlled Approach System

Abstract

The Ground Controlled Approach (GCA) is an all-weather landing system in which a ground controller, watching the landing airplane on a radar scope, transmits maneuver orders to produce a proper approach path. By a Monte Carlo analysis of this system, it has been possible to estimate the distribution of airplane positions along the approach path, and the probability of a successful landing. Sample flight paths have been simulated by using random numbers to represent the stochastic variations in initial position, wind, controller decisions, and execution of turn orders.