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ATA Joins HAI in Applauding Deployment of ADS-B in Gulf of Mexico
The Air Transport Association (ATA) reaffirmed its endorsement of the FAA's "accelerated deployment" of ADS (automatic dependent services-broadcast) in the Gulf of Mexico, joining the Helicopter Association International (HAI) which has long advocated its implementation there.

Thales Completes New Vietnam ATM System
Vietnam has inaugurated a new Thales ATM (air traffic management) system that includes a full suite of approach, en route and tower positions that will control all traffic in the Ho Chi Minh FIR (flight information region).

Jeppesen Offering Look-Alike Applications for All Three EFB Classes
Jeppesen says it is the first and only EFB (electronic flight bag) software provider with applications that work with all classes of EFB hardware platforms (class 1, 2 and 3), meaning airline users can have look-alike applications on multiple aircraft types.

Horizon Air Chooses Complete EFB System from Flight Deck Resources
U.S. regional carrier, Horizon Air, has opted for a complete turnkey EFB (electronic flight bag) system for its entire fleet and operational control centers from Flight Deck Resources (FDR).  The contract includes electronic updating provisions as well.

Honeywell Offering Software Upgrades for Its GNS-XLS FMS
Honeywell is offering software upgrades for its GNS-XLS FMS (flight management system) designed to extend its life and meet new operational standards in Europe and the United States.

Eurocontrol Starts New Air-Ground Communications Safety Initiatives
Eurocontrol, together with a number of industry stakeholders, has launched a series of new initiatives meant to reduce the incidents of improper voice communication usage by pilots and controllers in an effort to increase safety.

TSA Issues New Regulations for Air Cargo Security
The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced new air cargo security requirements - the first substantial changes to air cargo regulations since 1999.

DOT Wants More Private Sector Investment to Improve Capacity
Department of Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta told an audience this week at NASDAQ in New York that U.S. investors, including financial, construction and engineering firms, must begin investing in airport and other transportation projects to keep pace with demand.

London City Airport Outsourcing IT and Communications to SITA
London City Airport is outsourcing its IT (information technology) and communications management to SITA as it meets growing demand and prepares for the 2012 Olympic Games.

Delta: New Runway Will Improve Atlanta's Throughput by 25-30%
Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson airport has dedicated its fifth runway that Delta Air Lines says will improve arrival and departure rates by 25%-35% when it becomes operational on May 27.

FlightSafety Creates Web-Based Training for Regional Airlines
FlightSafety International has launched an online training initiative designed for regional airlines.

Jet Airways' New B-777-300ERs to Come With Class-3 EFBs
Mumbai-based Jet Airways asked Boeing to install its aircraft-integrated class-3 EFB (electronic flight bag) on the 10 new 777-300ERs it has on order.

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ATA Joins HAI in Applauding Deployment of ADS-B in Gulf of Mexico

The Air Transport Association (ATA) reaffirmed its endorsement of the FAA's "accelerated deployment" of ADS (automatic dependent services-broadcast) in the Gulf of Mexico, joining the Helicopter Association International (HAI) which has long advocated its implementation there.

While a nationwide implementation of ADS-B isn't expected to be completed until at least 2014, the FAA plans to have ADS-B coverage in the Gulf within about three years.

The HAI has been a strong proponent of the technology in the Gulf and helped to establish a government/industry relationship several years ago to facilitate the implementation of ADS-B there.  According to Matt Zuccaro, HAI's president, the parties are expected to sign a formal agreement within a few weeks, clearing the way for FAA to begin installing ADS-B ground stations at key locations in the region.  As part of the agreement, HAI members will provide free helicopter transportation for FAA technicians doing work on the ADS-B ground (or in this case, sea) stations.

Some 650 helicopters make about 7,500 trips a day to more than 5,000 offshore oil and gas platforms, according to Mr. Zuccaro, who points out that "the majority of helicopters operating offshore in the Gulf of Mexico do so without the ability to communicate with, or be seen by air traffic control and without the infrastructure to provide current weather information, or other generally expected services as provided to similar operations when conducted over land."

In addition to endorsing the deployment of ADS in the Gulf, ATA said it fully supports FAA utilization of commercially-supplied services, which it believes will expand the value of ADS-B technology.  05-24-2006.  (Top)

Thales Completes New Vietnam ATM System

Vietnam has inaugurated a new Thales ATM (air traffic management) system that includes a full suite of approach, en route and tower positions that will control all traffic in the Ho Chi Minh FIR (flight information region).

The Thales Eurocat system integrates primary, secondary and meteorological radars, oceanic control with ADS (automatic dependent surveillance) and CPDLC (controller-pilot datalink communications), AFTN (aeronautical fixed telecommunications networks), and interfacility data communications, which will allow the Minh FIR to easily increase its interoperability with adjacent ATM infrastructures in the future.  The system also has a test and evaluation platform, voice and data record and replay capabilities, and an automated billing system.

Thales Australia handled the Vietnamese program out of Melbourne.  05-21-2006.  (Top)

Jeppesen Offering Look-Alike Applications for All Three EFB Classes

Jeppesen says it is the first and only EFB (electronic flight bag) software provider with applications that work with all classes of EFB hardware platforms (class 1, 2 and 3), meaning airline users can have look-alike applications on multiple aircraft types.

The FAA considers class1 and 2 EFBs to be portable electronic devices, and class 3 systems to be installed equipment.  Class 1 EFBs may be used on the ground and during flight as a source of supplemental information.  Class 2 EFBs may be used to display pre-composed flight-critical information such as charts or approach plates for navigation.  Class 3 EFBs may be used for CNS (communication, navigation, and surveillance) purposes as well as all the applications provided by class 1 and 2 systems.

In addition to multi-class capability, because of working agreements Jeppesen formed with both Boeing and Airbus, the same look-alike applications can be used by carriers that operate models from both manufacturers as well.

(Incidentally, Jeppesen expects both Boeing and Airbus to include its software as an option on their new airframes because of new agreements to be consummated this year.)

Jeppesen has also formed multiple hardware and integrator relationships to serve customers who want to retrofit EFBs without airframe OEM (original equipment manufacturer) assistance.  Miami Air International, which recently implemented Jeppesen's class-2 EFB, is one such example.

Miami Air is also currently installing Jeppesen's operational control suite (OPSControl) to help monitor and control its air charter operations, and has purchased Jeppesen's airport/obstacle data.  The airline already uses Jeppesen's crew scheduling software.  Jeppesen says it is the only company able to offer what it calls a "total mission solution," that includes airline operations services, and full chart and document logistics management, along with EFBs.

Besides Miami Air, Jeppesen says KLM, Malaysia Airlines, Pakistan International Airlines, EVA Air, and Air New Zealand, are currently using its EFB system in revenue service, and additional airline customers should join its roster yet this year.  05-22-2006.  (Top)

Horizon Air Chooses Complete EFB System from Flight Deck Resources

U.S. regional carrier, Horizon Air, has opted for a complete turnkey EFB (electronic flight bag) system for its entire fleet and operational control centers from Flight Deck Resources (FDR).  The contract includes electronic updating provisions as well.

FDR will provide class 2 EFBs for both the flight deck and the cabin on Horizon's Bombardier Q200s, Q400s and CRJ-700s, and a suite of its FlightLine applications, including FliControl control panel to access other applications, its FliView terminal chart viewer, and its FliNAV that offers Windows formats for touch screens.  FDR also will implement its ground update system, called FGSserv, to deliver operational data to Horizon's ground control centers, including maintenance.

According to Keith Lockwood, FDR's president and CEO, FGSserv will update the operational data FDR will be delivering to Horizon, and will enhance the electronic information exchange between its aircraft and ground operations.  05-21-2006.  (Top)

Honeywell Offering Software Upgrades for Its GNS-XLS FMS

Honeywell is offering software upgrades for its GNS-XLS FMS (flight management system) designed to extend its life and meet new operational standards in Europe and the United States.

The GNS-XLS combines GPS approach technology with graphical weather and a display for EGPWS (enhanced ground proximity warning system) in a single integrated unit.

According to Honeywell's Ken Snodgrass, who directs technical sales for Honeywell's business and general aviation sectors, the upgrades will enable operators to comply with new European standards for P-RNAV (precision area navigation) as well as the FAA's Advisory Circular (AC) 90-100 concerning terminal navigation procedures.

The new software also enables access to new 28-day worldwide navigational database that succeeds the multiple regional databases currently used by the GNS-XLS, and allows the operator to load one database regardless of where the aircraft travels in the world.

Operators can load the new GNS-XLS software on their aircraft via the PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card International Association) card that Honeywell supplies as part of an upgrade kit, which is the only available method to upgrade either the GNS-XLS or CDU-XLS, according to Honeywell.

Older Honeywell GNS-X systems can't accept this new upgrade due to hardware limitations.  New customers or current GNS-X operators that wish to upgrade to a new GNS-XLS will receive a no-charge software kit if they place an order and take delivery of the system in 2006.

Honeywell is also offering a $3,000 discount for customers purchasing their GNS-XLS software upgrade kit via a non-cancelable purchase order before May 31, 2006.  To place the GNS-XLS software kit order, one can call 877-484-2979.  05-21-2006.  (Top)

Eurocontrol Starts New Air-Ground Communications Safety Initiatives

Eurocontrol, together with a number of industry stakeholders, has launched a series of new initiatives meant to reduce the incidents of improper voice communication usage by pilots and controllers in an effort to increase safety.

The initiatives address a range of communications issues that contribute to hazardous situations, including runway incursions, altitude "busts" (going through a cleared to flight level), call-sign confusion, undetected simultaneous transmissions, radio interference, improper phraseology, and prolonged loss of communications.

As a part of the effort, in the next few months, European national authorities will began regular flight crew proficiency checks that cover air-ground communications safety issues, and monitor the adherence by both flight crews and air traffic controllers to ICAO standard phraseology, procedures and best practices.  The Implementation of this activity will continue over the coming year and a half, and should be in place at all pertinent venues by the end of 2007.

The group has prepared a very comprehensive list of recommendations as part of its overall report: "European Action Plan for Air Ground Communications Safety," one of which was to adopt the use of CPDLC (controller-pilot datalink technology).

Besides Eurocontrol, other prominent members of the group include the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the European Cockpit Association (ECA), the Flight Safety Foundation (FSF), the International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers' Associations (IFATCA) and the European Regional Airlines Association (ERA).  05-24-2006.  (Top)

TSA Issues New Regulations for Air Cargo Security

The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced new air cargo security requirements - the first substantial changes to air cargo regulations since 1999.

The TSA's Air Cargo Final Rule makes permanent some practices already in place and adds others.  Its major new security measures include:

• The consolidation of approximately 4,000 private industry "Known Shipper" lists into one central database which will allow the agency to know more about the activities of companies shipping on passenger aircraft.

• A requirement for background checks of approximately 51,000 off-airport freight forwarder employees.

• The extension of airport secure areas to include ramps and cargo facilities that will require an additional 50,000 cargo aircraft operator employees to receive full criminal history background checks.

These new measures will be enforced in part by 300 more air cargo inspectors that will soon be stationed at 102 airports where 95 percent of domestic air cargo originates.

According to the TSA, the changes of the final rule will complement its ongoing initiatives intended to strengthen air cargo security without unduly disrupting the flow of commerce.  Some of its recently implemented operational measures include:

• So-called "surge" initiatives that inject unpredictable patterns into daily inspection activity.

• The use of transportation security officers and TSA equipment to screen cargo that is delivered directly to airport ticket counters.

• An expanded use of canine explosives detection teams in air cargo facilities.

Other enhancements are expected to be phased in during the next six months.

Full details of these changes will be published in the Federal Register in the coming days.  05-21-2006.  (Top)

DOT Wants More Private Sector Investment to Improve Capacity

Department of Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta told an audience this week at NASDAQ in New York that U.S. investors, including financial, construction and engineering firms, must begin investing in airport and other transportation projects to keep pace with demand.

Mineta was in New York to outline a new national congestion relief initiative, and to discuss the role the private sector could play in solving the problem.  He noted that all forms of transportation congestion are costing America $200 billion a year, and that airline delays are robbing the economy of $9.7 billion annually.

As part of the new initiative, the DOT is launching an effort to educate state and local officials about its new concept of private transportation financing.

For aviation, the initiative calls for an acceleration of capacity improvement and modernization projects such as the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NGATS); giving priority treatment and agency resources to projects that enhance aviation system capacity; and streamlining environmental reviews for aviation capacity projects.

Mr. Mineta said over the coming months his department would focus federal resources, funding, staff and technology to reduce flight delays as well as traffic jams and freight bottlenecks.  05-25-2006.  (Top)

London City Airport Outsourcing IT and Communications to SITA

London City Airport is outsourcing its IT (information technology) and communications management to SITA as it meets growing demand and prepares for the 2012 Olympic Games.

Richard Gooding, the airport's managing director said the deal will allow London City "to deliver on our master plan for growth which forecasts eight million passengers per annum and increased employment from 1,500 to over 4,000 by 2030."

The London City outsourcing contract is for seven years, making this the second significant outsourcing contract won by SITA.  Last August, Düsseldorf Airport agreed to a ten-year IT outsourcing deal with the aviation IT and communications service provider.  05-22-2006.  (Top)

Delta: New Runway Will Improve Atlanta's Throughput by 25-30%

Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson airport has dedicated its fifth runway that Delta Air Lines says will improve arrival and departure rates by 25%-35% when it becomes operational on May 27.

The FAA expects the new runway, 10-28 - which will be used mainly for arrivals - to increase VFR (visual flight rule) capacity by 32% and IFR (instrument flight rule) throughput by 28%.  And of course, the improvement should not only affect Atlanta, but should decrease delays at many other airports because Atlanta is an important hub for both Delta and AirTran Airways.  Approximately 70 percent of Hartsfield-Jackson's 85 million yearly passengers are connecting from one flight to another, according to airport officials.

It might even get better.  After a PRM (parallel runway monitoring) system is implemented in early 2007, the airport will be able to allow triple independent simultaneous operations.  Only Chicago O'Hare, Denver and Dallas-Fort Worth have that capability today.

Other facts and assertions, according to the airport and the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics, are these:

• It cost 1.284 billion, the most expensive runway in U.S. history, of which $253.4 million came from the FAA's AIP (airport improvement program).

• Average savings from reduced delays should amount to $5 million per week.  (8.5 minutes saved per operation.)

05-21-2006.  (Top)

FlightSafety Creates Web-Based Training for Regional Airlines

FlightSafety International has launched an online training initiative designed for regional airlines.

The training company's eLearning system is intended to allow new course material to be rapidly deployed to users, while having the ability to import and integrate content from third party providers.  The courses have regulatory approval and don't require the customer to provide internal IT (information technology) support.

Jon Pollack, who manages eLearning operations for FlightSafety, says the company used its experience in courseware development and its library of training programs to tailor a Web-based program specifically to support regional airline pilots, flight attendants, aircraft maintenance technicians, and ground crew.

The regional airline eLearning programs will include initial, recurrent or specialty program courses.  They work as self-service "on-demand" interactive training, and will offer both type-specific and general topic training programs in self-contained modules.

Customers will have the ability to deliver training to their employees through a portal that includes their own logo, color scheme and design, and they can customize course content to include topics that are specific to their operations.  05-25-2006.  (Top)

Jet Airways' New B-777-300ERs to Come With Class-3 EFBs

Mumbai-based Jet Airways asked Boeing to install its aircraft-integrated class-3 EFB (electronic flight bag) on the 10 new 777-300ERs it has on order.

Boeing's EFBs use hardware built by Astronautics Corp. of America (ACA), and communications software developed by Op Technologies.  Its applications software is developed by Boeing's Jeppesen subsidiary.

The aircraft will begin to be delivered in early 2007.  05-22-2006.  (Top)

Source: Excel-Jet

05-25-2006.

ATR signed 90 orders for ATR 42/72 turboprops in 2005, a record, and has sold 46 in the first four months of 2006.  05-25-2006.

NATS said it handled 187,788 en route flights in April, an increase of 2.1% over the year-ago month.  All of NATS market sectors had growth except for domestic flights, which decreased 3.5 %.  Non-transatlantic overflights increased 19.4%; transatlantic traffic increased by 3.6% to 10,769 flights; non-transatlantic arrivals and departures increased 3% to 113,960 flights; and transatlantic overflights increased 2% to 14,227.  05-24-2006.  (Top)

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