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FAA Reaffirms Efficiency of RNAV Departures; Addresses Human Factor Anomaly
The FAA's Air Traffic Organization (ATO) says that the RNAV (area navigation) departure procedures based on RNP (required navigation performance), introduced at Atlanta in April 2005, are continuing to provide efficiencies, but noted a human factor anomaly that needed attention.

Universal Avionics Will Integrate CMC Electronics' EVS with Its Displays
Universal Avionics Systems will begin offering a CMC Electronics' EVS (enhanced vision system) camera that will be interfaced with several of its head-down flight displays later this year.

IATA and Naverus Will Work to Accelerate RNP Implementation
Naverus will work with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to accelerate RNP (required navigation performance) procedures worldwide.

Boeing to Lead U.S. Contribution to Europe's SESAR Program
Boeing says it will lead a U.S. industry team that will help a consortium of European companies and Eurocontrol on the Single European Sky ATM (air traffic management) Research program known as SESAR.

Iridium Signs Global Satellite as Value-Added Developer
Iridium Satellite has appointed Global Satellite as an official value-added developer (VAD) for its integrated airborne video and tracking system that is used for special surveillance purposes.

L-3 Avionics Offering New Verbal Alerts for Its SkyWatch Collision Avoidance System
L-3 Avionics Systems has an enhancement for its SkyWatch general aviation collision avoidance system that will include verbal alerts.

TSA to Rollout Its Registered Traveler Program Later This Year
The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) intends to rollout its Registered Traveler (RT) program in the second half of 2006 at 10 to 20 airports.

TSA Warns of Potential Terrorist Attacks on Business Aircraft
The U.S, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has issued a warning to business aircraft and other general aviation operators, as well as airports that serve these aircraft, of possible terrorist activity directed specifically at them.

Raytheon Delivers Prototype Aircraft Self-Protection Security System
Raytheon Company's Integrated Defense Systems (IDS) business recently delivered the first prototype of what is called an aircraft self-protection security system (ASPSS) to the U.S. Air Force.  The system may have civilian applications.

Satcom Direct and TrueNorth Avionics Integrate Cabin Communications
Satcom Direct and TrueNorth Avionics are introducing what they describe as an integrated voice and data cabin communications system through a single cabin network.

EMS SATCOM and AirCell Working to Get New High-Speed Data Capability
AirCell and EMS SATCOM are collaborating to demonstrate the integration of EMS SATCOM's HSD (high-speed data) terminals with AirCell's current narrowband satcom data system to give AirCell's Axxess customers new high-speed data capabilities.

ARINC to Offer Comprehensive Airport IT Services
ARINC Managed Services (AMS) says it will offer comprehensive IT (information technology) services to airports including integrated systems to support operations, maintenance and technical staffing.

Raytheon Launches New Airport Security System
The Raytheon Company says it has created an integrated airport security system (IASS) that makes it easier for airports to improve their security structure without creating an additional burden on either travelers or airport management.

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FAA Reaffirms Efficiency of RNAV Departures; Addresses Human Factor Anomaly

The FAA's Air Traffic Organization (ATO) says that the RNAV (area navigation) departure procedures based on RNP (required navigation performance), introduced at Atlanta in April 2005, are continuing to provide efficiencies, but noted a human factor anomaly that needed attention.

An item on the ATO's Website says that the RNAV/RNP performance group, who developed the procedures, has been satisfied with their efficacy in increasing airspace capacity and reducing the communications burden - more direct routings and fewer flights over noise-sensitive areas, and up to 50 percent reduction in pilot/controller contacts - ten "RNAV anomalies" were noted among about 50,000 departures.

On a few occasions, flight crews have loaded incorrect runway information into their flight computer, which has caused their aircraft to turn in the wrong direction.  Of course, errors such as this occur when non-RNAV procedures are used as well.  Nevertheless, between June and August 2005, Atlanta's controllers returned to assigning headings on departures in the conventional manner while the problem was evaluated and mitigation methods could be put into place.

RNAV procedures resumed at Atlanta last September, and while the number of mistakes has been reduced, the ATO concedes they haven't completely disappeared.  A pilot error rate of only .00025, in over a half million operations, shows the mitigations are working, but there is no comparable measure for non-RNAV departures, so it is difficult to judge how good that record is compared to conventional radar vectoring.

Over 560,000 RNAV departures have been flown from Atlanta since being reinstated in September 2005.  04-24-2006.  (Top)

Universal Avionics Will Integrate CMC Electronics' EVS with Its Displays

Universal Avionics Systems will begin offering a CMC Electronics' EVS (enhanced vision system) camera that will be interfaced with several of its head-down flight displays later this year.

The company's offering will include its EFI-890R large format flat panel display, MFD-640 flat panel display or UCD (universal cockpit display) portable EFB (electronic flight bag), integrated with CMC's CMA-2610 SureSight M-Series EVS camera.

CMC's M-Series small camera (2.54 inch wide x 2.40 inch high x 6.03 inch long), which Universal and CMC says can easily mount in many smaller aircraft's tail fin, nose, or belly, has what is called a normal visual field of view (36°x 27°), and a 320 x 240 pixel video compatible frame rate.  When displayed on Universal's EFI-890R or MFD-640 displays, the camera's image size will be doubled to 640x480, according to Universal.

M-Series EVS Camera and EFI-890R Display

IATA and Naverus Will Work to Accelerate RNP Implementation

Naverus will work with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to accelerate RNP (required navigation performance) procedures worldwide.

Their initiative was announced during IATA's 2006 Ops Forum held this month in Singapore.

Naverus and IATA say they share the view that performance-based navigation is a critical part of aviation's progress, and needs to be advanced aggressively.  The two organizations say they have already identified specific projects on several continents.  04-21-2006.  (Top)

Boeing to Lead U.S. Contribution to Europe's SESAR Program

Boeing says it will lead a U.S. industry team that will help a consortium of European companies and Eurocontrol on the Single European Sky ATM (air traffic management) Research program known as SESAR.

An advanced ATM team from Boeing's Phantom Works is working with Honeywell and Rockwell Collins on a 24-month SESAR definition phase subcontract that was awarded by Europe's Air Traffic Alliance (a grouping of EADS, Airbus and Thales).

The Boeing-led team will help analyze the market value of air transportation, the role of air traffic management, how performance requirements and standards should be set, the selection of target ATM concepts, and a transition schedule to deploy a new ATM system in Europe.

The definition phase of SESAR should result in a master plan for the new European ATM system through 2020 and a detailed organizational work program for 2008 to 2013.

Of course, Boeing has been involved in several ATM projects in the U.S. already.  For example, it is working with a number of industry partners and the FAA on SWIM (system-wide information management) and GATI (the global air traffic interoperability program).

SWIM is a network-centric system architecture that enables information to be shared across existing and future ground and airborne automation systems for advanced operations including many related to ATM.  It, along with ADS-B (automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast), is a core technology in the U.S. NGATS (next generation air transportation system).

The GATI initiative uses operational trials along oceanic routes to demonstrate how international air traffic efficiency can be improved with new technology and procedures.  Boeing has been working with the Air Traffic Alliance to fully demonstrate the intercontinental benefits of the GATI program.  04-24-2006.  (Top)

Iridium Signs Global Satellite as Value-Added Developer

Iridium Satellite has appointed Global Satellite as an official value-added developer (VAD) for its integrated airborne video and tracking system that is used for special surveillance purposes.

Global Satellite, which has been an Iridium service provider since 1999, has developed PlaneSight, which uses multiple satellite channels to transmit high-quality pictures or low-frame-rate video to ground stations through a secure encrypted link.  In addition, it can send preprogrammed text messages or typed messages with the on-screen keyboard and user interface.  All messages include precise GPS location information.

Iridium established its VAD program in 2005 to create relationships with companies that have a particular technical expertise or capability to develop new products or solutions using the Iridium satellite network.  Since then, Iridium has appointed ten companies as VADs.  04-25-2006.  (Top)

L-3 Avionics Offering New Verbal Alerts for Its SkyWatch Collision Avoidance System

L-3 Avionics Systems has an enhancement for its SkyWatch general aviation collision avoidance system that will include verbal alerts.

L-3's new SkyWatch 497 with VIP (verbal intruder positioning) capability gives the pilot warnings such as, "traffic, traffic - 12 o'clock high - 3 miles," in addition to a normal visual display of range, bearing and relative altitude when a TA (traffic advisory) is issued.  In addition, the system will display up to 10 targets simultaneously, depending on the aircraft's display capability.

The company is offering a nominal-fee upgrade option to all existing SkyWatch 497 owners and a five-year warranty for new customers.

More information can be found at www.FlySkyWatch.com.  04-24-2006.  (Top)

TSA to Rollout Its Registered Traveler Program Later This Year

The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) intends to rollout its Registered Traveler (RT) program in the second half of 2006 at 10 to 20 airports.

According to the agency, these airports will come on line as the private sector operators make the necessary business arrangements with host airports and air carriers and have their security configurations approved.  The TSA says it is phasing in the program's implementation so it can confirm the private sector's ability to provide interoperability among RT airports, evaluate alternative checkpoint processes on screening and wait times, and ensure that individual programs meet necessary security standards.

The initial implementation will gather operational experience that will benefit program expansion.  The program could operate on a national scale next year if there is sufficient demand, the TSA says.

While both the Department of Homeland Security and the TSA want the private sector to play a "strong operational role," they also want mandatory interoperability - such as compatible biometric standards among airport locations - an open technological platform that facilitates competition, and a central information management system, known as the Transportation Security Clearinghouse managed by the American Association of Airport Executives, that would have "robust safeguards" to protect personal privacy.

The TSA will retain responsibility for setting key program standards and security measures - such as physical screening at its checkpoints.

The goal of the program is to maintain security standards while improving passenger service.  Where layout and traveler volumes permit, RT participants will have a dedicated lane and will receive additional screening benefits.  While what might be available at each participating airport may vary, all RT travelers should receive an expedited and more convenient checkpoint experience, the TSA says.

The agency says it has received bids from companies wishing to assist in the development of the program's verification and validation standards, and expects to make an award by the end of the month.  04-24-2006.  (Top)

TSA Warns of Potential Terrorist Attacks on Business Aircraft

The U.S, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has issued a warning to business aircraft and other general aviation operators, as well as airports that serve these aircraft, of possible terrorist activity directed specifically at them.

On April 13, 2006, a message posted in Arabic on a Web forum explained how to identify private American jets and urged Muslims to destroy all such aircraft:

"Destroy private American aircraft…We call upon all Muslims to follow and identify private civilian American aircrafts in all airports of the world…It is the duty of Muslims to destroy all types of private American aircrafts that are of the types Gulf Stream and Lear Jet and all small jet aircraft usually used by distinguished (people) and businessmen."  04-25-2006.  (Top)

Raytheon Delivers Prototype Aircraft Self-Protection Security System

Raytheon Company's Integrated Defense Systems (IDS) business recently delivered the first prototype of what is called an aircraft self-protection security system (ASPSS) to the U.S. Air Force.  The system may have civilian applications.

ASPSS uses a technology called NODS (near object detection sensor) that provides electronic perimeter security for parked aircraft.

NODS has three components: a near-object detection sensor the size of a book, a communications module, and a PDA (personal digital assistant)-like alarm and display device.  The detection sensor and communications module are mounted on a tripod and placed around the parked aircraft.  The PDA-like display unit and another communication module, together known as an annunciator, are carried by security personnel.

Each near object detection sensor covers approximately a 120-degree arc and is able to detect the presence of people and vehicles out to 100 meters and beyond.  Four sensors can provide overlapping 360-degree coverage of a single aircraft, and more sensors can be arranged to cover multiple aircraft parked together.

According to Mark Russell, Raytheon IDS vice president of Engineering, the company will begin delivering a three-sensor solution to the Air Force in the near future and a multiple aircraft version in late summer.

In addition to aircraft protection, the technology shows promise for fence line, fixed facilities and commercial applications where cleared zone security is a consideration, Russell said.

Raytheon's complimentary airport protection system, Vigilant Eagle, was designed to protect airplanes from MANPADS (man-portable air defense systems) threats during takeoffs and landings.  04-25-2006.  (Top)

Satcom Direct and TrueNorth Avionics Integrate Cabin Communications

Satcom Direct and TrueNorth Avionics are introducing what they describe as an integrated voice and data cabin communications system through a single cabin network.

The offering, dubbed Simphonē, will work together, or individually, with existing Iridium and Inmarsat Aero H, H+, I and Swift 64 satcom systems, to provide all of today's expected voice and data services, but now will also support Satcom Direct's Aero X high-speed data offering, and will work with all future broadband services.

Simphonē will work with presently installed high-speed cabin Wi-Fi routers, and will allows operators to use their next generation Wi-Fi enabled GSM (global system for mobile communications) phone, thereby providing seamless mobile-to-aircraft portability using VoIP (voice over Internet protocol).  And because it is based on VoIP and Ethernet technologies, Simphonē is scalable and configurable to meet customer specifications, according to the companies.

Mark van Berkel, the founder of TrueNorth Avionics, says the system will be able to use the same mobile handset on the ground and on the aircraft without installing an expensive GSM pico cell, and will also supports softphones and PDA (personal digital assistant) phones.  04-24-2006.  (Top)

EMS SATCOM and AirCell Working to Get New High-Speed Data Capability

AirCell and EMS SATCOM are collaborating to demonstrate the integration of EMS SATCOM's HSD (high-speed data) terminals with AirCell's current narrowband satcom data system to give AirCell's Axxess customers new high-speed data capabilities.

AirCell's Axxess will provide the fundamental in-cabin architecture for the integrated system, including color handsets, and PBX (private branch exchange) functionality.  In addition, it will provide two Iridium links for voice and narrowband data.  When combined with an EMS SATCOM eNfusion HSD-128 or HSD-400 high-speed data terminal, AirCell users would get broadband global communications via either dual-channel or four channel Swift64 high-speed Inmarsat datalink capability.

According to the companies, the collaboration is meant to ensure that the combined systems can be easily and seamlessly installed and operated.  Testing is expected to be complete in May with the first "bundled" version of the systems to be available immediately thereafter.

In a related development, EMS SATCOM says it recently delivered its fiftieth HSD-400 terminal.  04-24-2006.  (Top)

ARINC to Offer Comprehensive Airport IT Services

ARINC Managed Services (AMS) says it will offer comprehensive IT (information technology) services to airports including integrated systems to support operations, maintenance and technical staffing.

AMS sees the ongoing integration of complex IT systems at airports leading to multiple service agreements with multiple vendors, with varying terms, conditions, costs, response times, and quality of service - all of which is a drain on airport IT departments' time and resources.

"The proper response to complex systems is integrated support—integrated systems demand integrated maintenance," according to AMS Senior Director Jim L. Martin.

AMS believes its model differs from competitors because it is tied to a single configuration management database which includes asset management, trouble ticketing, a pro-active escalation of management and service levels, and dynamic trend reporting.  04-24-2006.  (Top)

Raytheon Launches New Airport Security System

The Raytheon Company says it has created an integrated airport security system (IASS) that makes it easier for airports to improve their security structure without creating an additional burden on either travelers or airport management.

The first practical application of IASS technology will be the implementation of the New York region's Perimeter Intrusion Detection System (PIDS) that is meant to protect New York's Kennedy and LaGuardia, as well as New Jersey's Newark and Teterboro airports.  Raytheon recently started this implementation for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

PIDS fuses information from multiple and various types of sensors, including video cameras and radar, into a single common operating picture to allow users to identify and respond to potential threats.

With IASS, Raytheon says it intends to expand a proven approach like PIDS, by adding other systems such as video-motion detectors, ground-surveillance radars, smart fencing, and improved communications, as well as new decision-support tools for command and control.  04-24-2006.  (Top)

Cirrus Design announced that it received European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certification for its Cirrus SR22, meaning that effective immediately, all Cirrus SR series aircraft are Type Certified for import into the European Union.  04-26-2006.

Embraer has commenced the joint definition phase (JDP) of its Phenom 300 light jet.  A full-size mock-up of the Phenom 300 is on tour throughout North America, Europe and Latin America.  The tour calendar can be found at www.embraerexecutivejets.com.  04-26-2006.

Sun Country Airlines will retrofit its B-737-800 fleet with blended winglets that will be installed over the next five months by Aviation Partners Boeing.  04-26-2006.

Diamond's D-JET S/N 001 completed its first test flight on April 18th.  The D-JET is a five-place personal jet, powered by the FADEC controlled Williams FJ33 turbine and equipped with Garmin all glass flight deck and autopilot.

Diamond D-JET

Source: Diamond Aircraft

Belgocontrol managed 72,380 movements at Brussels National Airport and other regional airports, as well as overflights in Belgium airspace in February, a decrease of 0.46 % from February 2005.  Brussels National had 18,764 movements in February 2006, a decrease of 0.27% compared to February 2005.  CANAC, which manages Belgian airspace up to flight level 245, controlled 38,268 movements in February, an increase of 0.85 % from the same month in 2005.  04-26-2006.

Cessna had orders for 111 Citations in the first quarter of 2006 compared with 73 in the first quarter of last year; it delivered 67 Citations in the first quarter compared with 55 in the same period last year.  04-26-2006.

Gulfstream delivered 18 large aircraft in this year's first quarter compared with 14 in the same period last year.  All together, Gulfstream expects to deliver a record 111 business jets this year and 127 in 2007.  The company's production of large aircraft is completely sold out for the remainder of this year and through the third quarter of next year.  It estimates that it will sell over 80 large business aircraft in 2007.  The company delivered seven midsize aircraft (G150s and G200s) in the first quarter, down one compared with the same period a year ago.  04-26-2006.

Nav Canada says its February 2006 traffic was about the same as February 2005 and its fiscal year-to-date traffic was 2.7% higher than in fiscal year 2005. Nav Canada's fiscal year runs from September 1 to August 31.  04-26-2006.  (Top)

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