Abstract: Point merging approach flight procedure requires assessing approach risk in order to ensure the safety of continuous descent operation . Based the fan-shaped area characteristic of point merging system,a method was worked out for designing the protected area. A workflow was designed for searching key obstacles and a mothed of ground approach risk assessment of key obstacles was provided. A test of risk assessment was conducted for the point merge approach flight procedure of Changsha Huanghua International Airport 36 runway, with 10 obstacles, several flight altitude standard deviations for each obstacle and 30 altitudes for each deviation. The result show that when the flight deviation is less than 50 meters, the aircraft can satisfy the requirement of flight procedure safety standard of International Civil Aviation Organization(ICAO). Otherwise, a collision risk exists in the ground approach process.

Key words: ground approach risk assessment, point merging, continuous descent operations, flight procedure, safety and risk, air traffic management