Work

A Deep Learning Approach for General Aviation Trajectory Prediction Based on Stochastic Processes for Uncertainty Handling

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: General aviation trajectory prediction plays a crucial role in enhancing safety and operational efficiency at non-towered airports. However, current research faces multiple challenges including variable weather conditions, complex aircraft interactions, and flight pattern constraints specified by general aviation regulations. This paper proposes a deep learning method based on stochastic processes aimed at addressing uncertainty issues in general aviation trajectory prediction. First, we design a probabilistic encoder–decoder structure enabling the model to output trajectory distributions rather than single paths, with regularization terms based on Lyapunov stability theory to ensure predicted trajectories maintain stable convergence while satisfying flight patterns. Second, we develop a multi-layer attention mechanism that accounts for weather factors, enhancing the model’s responsiveness to environmental changes. Validation using the TrajAir dataset from Pittsburgh-Butler Regional Airport (KBTP) not only advances deep learning applications in general aviation but also provides new insights for solving trajectory prediction problems.

Source: Applied Sciences

DOI: 10.3390/app15126810

Authors: Houru Hu, Ye Yuan, Qingwen Xue

Institution: Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics

Language: English

Topic: Air Traffic Management and Optimization

Subfield: Aerospace Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,896

Funders: China Postdoctoral Science Foundation, Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province