Critical Issues in Aviation and the Environment 2014: Aviation Environmental Modeling Tool Suite

This paper is part of an e-circular that explores issues that address the major environmental components affected by aviation activities, sustainable solutions that have evolved and continue to be developed to minimize aviation’s environmental impacts, and key processes that link aviation and the environment. The focus of the e-circular is on the state of science and on identification of priority research with potential to yield benefits. This paper discusses an aviation environmental modeling tool suite that is being developed by the Federal Aviation Administration, in collaboration with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and Transport Canada. The long-term aim is to provide a seamless, comprehensive set of tools to address all aspects of aviation noise and emissions. The suite will assess environmental impacts, trade-offs, interrelationships, and economic consequences in an interdisciplinary fashion. The current state of research, future vision and research needs are described.