NASA researchers began flight tests last week of airborne spacing for terminal arrival routes (ASTAR) software that enables pilots to fly more efficient approaches. ASTAR gives pilots specific speed information and guidance so that airplanes can be spaced more precisely, enabling pilots to fly a “follow the leader” approach to their destination airport, NASA said. This also minimizes flight path deviations and allows more efficient use of existing airspace, as well as potentially reducing aircraft noise over communities surrounding airports.