General Electric recently conducted a study that could be saving financially troubled airlines some real bucks. This interactive visualization shows how modifying the existing flight patterns at 46 mid-sized airports could drastically reduce the amount of fuel used during approach to an airport and save a sizable $65.6 million annually. Additionally the changes would reduce carbon emissions and flight times for passengers. What’s not to like?
This interactive infographic was created by Column Five (publisher of Visual News) in collaboration with GE.
As a small aircraft pilot, I often implement my own tighter flight pattern as a way to save precious $5/gallon aviation fuel. Why fly unnecessarily wide around an airport simply because it has been the standard and when it is only necessary at very busy airports where many aircraft are vying for the same airspace?
