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FAA's Latest PARC Roadmap Unveiled
At a meeting in late July, the FAA's PARC (Performance-Based Operations Aviation Rulemaking Committee) released the second version of its roadmap to performance-based navigation, which has more details on how the FAA plans to proceed toward that goal, including possible equipment mandates.

Thales to Supply Navaids to the Czech Republic
Thales will supply a number of terrestrial-based navigation aids, along with training services and test equipment to the Czech Republic's Air Navigation Services (ANS CR) that will be installed at Prague's Ruzyne International and other airports throughout the country.

Eurocontrol Accepts First SESAR Deliverable
Eurocontrol accepted a study assessing Europe's current ATM (air traffic management) situation from a consortium of 29 governmental and private industry organizations and their 20 associated partners.

Mercury Computer's New 3D SVS Includes Emergency Descent Guidance
The latest release of Mercury Computer Systems' portable MFD (multifunction flight display), with 3D synthetic vision SVS (synthetic vision system), includes an electronic glidepath that can be used for emergency descent guidance.

OnAir Becomes First Inmarsat SwiftBroadband Distribution Partner
OnAir has become the first direct Distribution Partner (DP) for Inmarsat's new SwiftBroadband satellite communications' service.

Skymark to Use Two Modules of Boeing's Web-Based Maintenance Tool
Japan's Skymark will use Boeing's Web-based suite of maintenance tools to help maintain its fleet of B-737NGs and more easily troubleshoot problems.

KDAvia to Use Sabre's Operational and Decision-Support Technology
Russian airline KDAvia will use Sabre Airline Solutions' operational and decision-support technology to improve its operational efficiency.

SITA's Passenger Technology to Used at Shanghai's New Terminal 2
Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) will equip its new Terminal 2 with SITA's integrated airport management systems to help manage its passenger traffic.

ARINC Installing 126 Passenger-Service Kiosks at Narita for Star Alliance
ARINC is working with the airlines of the Star Alliance to install 126 universal check-in kiosks at Tokyo's Narita new Terminal 1 South Wing that serves All Nippon Airways, United Airlines, Air Canada, Austrian Airlines, and other Alliance members.

New Universal Displays Certificated for Pilatus PC-12
Kansas City Aviation Center (KCAC) has received an STC (supplemental type certification) for a three flat-panel display suite on a Pilatus PC-12 that is fully integrated with the aircraft's existing avionics.

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FAA's Latest PARC Roadmap Unveiled

At a meeting in late July, the FAA's PARC (Performance-Based Operations Aviation Rulemaking Committee) released the second version of its roadmap to performance-based navigation, which has more details on how the FAA plans to proceed toward that goal, including possible equipment mandates.

The near-term period (2006-2010) focuses on taking advantage of the investment aircraft operators have already made in avionics and the FAA spending on satellite-based navigation.  It includes the wide-scale rollout of RNAV (area navigation) procedures, including the instrument departures and arrivals commissioned this year at large airports such as Atlanta and Dallas-Fort Worth.

In addition to RNAV, which could eventually be available everywhere in the continental U.S., the FAA sees RNP (required navigation performance) procedures playing a major role in U.S. airspace, at least in busy en route or terminal areas.  (See "FAA's Cirillo Previews RNAV/RNP Potential to Increase Capacity," Flight Tech Online, 06-18-2006.)

To fly a route based on RNP an aircraft must meet a navigation performance accuracy and reliability specification, which allows procedure designers to increase the number of aircraft that can occupy a particular airspace - whether over land or sea - without compromising safety.  RNP also allows a qualified aircraft and crew to fly closer to obstacles than is otherwise possible, which can reduce or eliminate approach visibility restrictions, and allow takeoff and landing operations with payloads not previously allowed.

Some of these procedures are also dependent on satellite position information, and the ability of modern navigation computers, such as FMS (flight management systems) to follow RNAV routes.

These same FMS computers, along with inertial associated sensors, also enable other advantages, such as reduced - or ideally idle - power descents to save fuel and the ability to calculate and meet time constraints over navigation waypoints.  Moreover, most aircraft that are capable of RNP also enjoy satellite-based navigation systems which free them from the restrictions of terrestrial navaids.  All of these can be combined synergistically to dramatically improve the efficiency, capacity and safety of future flight operations.

RNP is Accelerating

Jeff Williams, manager of the FAA's RNAV/RNP group, says RNP development is being accelerated.  For example, while the FAA's Flight Plan called for 30 RNAV arrival and departure procedures for FY (fiscal year) 2006, the agency now estimates that 63 will be completed.  The Plan also called for five public RNP procedures in FY 2006, but at least 26 should be completed and possibly as many as 30.

The PARC roadmap's mid-term (2011-15), anticipates many of America's 100 busiest airports will have RNAV approaches and departures, and a number of U.S. airports will have RNP procedures where their higher precision adds benefits.  FAA planners see as many as 300 RNAV and 50 RNP approaches being added per year in that timeframe, and RNP operations becoming a standard procedure at high altitude.

Currently, about 85% of aircraft that fly into airports with RNAV approaches and departures have the necessary equipment, but only 30% have the equipment needed for RNP operations.  Because of this, the roadmap planners are proposing that by 2015, all aircraft which fly above FL (flight level) 180 will be required to have RNAV capability, as well as any operating into 35 major U.S. airports.

By 2015, the planners propose that RNP-2 (the ability to stay within two nautical miles of a route's centerline 95% of the time) will be required above FL 290. And by 2025, RNAV would be required everywhere and RNP would be mandated in busy airspace. The rule-making process for these changes will probably begin in 2008.

FAA Operational Evolution Plan

Meanwhile, the FAA's current Operational Evolution Plan (OEP Version 8.0, dated May 2006) also details a number of achievements in navigation during the recent past and outlines some continuing initiatives.  For example, the OEP notes that during FY 2005 six RNP SAAAR (special aircrew and aircraft authorization required) approaches were implemented at four sites, and a set of high altitude RNAV routes (Q-Routes) were established with the completion of the first phase of HAR (high altitude redesign).

The Version 8.0 OEP calls for continuing work on SAAAR procedures that will enable parallel approaches to closely spaced runways in low visibility, with a special focus on developing RNP parallel approaches with no transition, and RNP SAAAR-enabled SCIAs (simultaneous converging instrument approaches).  Version 8.0 commits the FAA to publish 25 RNP SAAAR procedures this fiscal year, which is 10 more than in the previous version.

In addition, the latest OEP says that through 2014, 300 new LPV (localizer performance with vertical guidance) approaches will be published annually for airports that don't have precision guidance procedures. It also commits to new RNAV approaches at airports with operational ILS (instrument landing systems).  08-07-2006.  (Top)

Thales to Supply Navaids to the Czech Republic

Thales will supply a number of terrestrial-based navigation aids, along with training services and test equipment to the Czech Republic's Air Navigation Services (ANS CR) that will be installed at Prague's Ruzyne International and other airports throughout the country.

Included in the sale are two DVORs (Doppler-VOR VHF omnidirectional radio range systems), three CVORs (VOR VHF omnidirectional radio range systems), 10 DMEs (distance measuring equipment) units, nine NDBs (non-directional beacons), and one Category-III ILS (instrument landing system) at Ruzyne - the airport's first ILS with this very low visibility capability.

Thales says the contract is part of a Czech modernization program to upgrade its airports and en route airspace.  The program will start immediately and should be completed in 2007.  07-05-2006.  (Top)

Eurocontrol Accepts First SESAR Deliverable

Eurocontrol accepted a study assessing Europe's current ATM (air traffic management) situation from a consortium of 29 governmental and private industry organizations and their 20 associated partners.

The study is the first deliverable under a SESAR (single European sky ATM research) contract, co-funded by Eurocontrol and the European Commission, which aims to define, by March 2008, a master plan for the future European ATM system, including its supporting institutional framework.

The study - known as D1 - describes the macro-economic constraints and opportunities influencing the air transport industry today, and assesses current activities.  It also looks at the roles of public opinion and various stakeholder groups.

The complete D1 report can be found at this link (136 pages in PDF format).  08-04-2006.  (Top)

Mercury Computer's New 3D SVS Includes Emergency Descent Guidance

The latest release of Mercury Computer Systems' portable MFD (multifunction flight display), with 3D synthetic vision SVS (synthetic vision system), includes an electronic glidepath that can be used for emergency descent guidance.

Mercury Computer's VistaNav Version 2.0, unveiled at the recent EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, allows the pilot, in an emergency, to activate the system's E-Glide feature, which computes a path to the nearest airport that could potentially be reached without engine power.

VistaNav uses aircraft flight characteristics entered by the pilot, and stored terrain data to locate the nearest airport - if any - and displays the 3D path to fly in order to arrive at the airport at a traffic pattern altitude.

Version 2.0 of VistaNav also includes what Mercury calls "approach segment linking" which provides the pilot with seamless so-called highway-in-the-sky guidance between waypoints from en route to approach phases of flight, as a backup navigation aid.

Mercury also offers an optional system that displays surrounding traffic information in both 2D and 3D views.  The 3D traffic view displays traffic targets as three-dimensional "threat zones," using color to indicate the level of threat depending on its distance and altitude.  For example, red-colored "threat zones" indicate targets within one mile and 500 feet.  The system's traffic data is provided by a Zaon Flight Systems' XRX PCAS (portable collision avoidance system), which is available directly from Mercury for $1,795.

The XRX is a passive collision avoidance system rather than an active system, such as TCAS (traffic collision avoidance system), which interrogate the transponders of nearby aircraft.  Passive systems listen for the replies to these interrogations, as well as ground-based radar interrogations to get their range, bearing and altitude information.  07-05-2006.  (Top)

OnAir Becomes First Inmarsat SwiftBroadband Distribution Partner

OnAir has become the first direct Distribution Partner (DP) for Inmarsat's new SwiftBroadband satellite communications' service.

OnAir, which is an Airbus and SITA joint venture, plans to offer satellite-enabled voice, SMS (short message service), email and Internet access on short and long-haul flights.  08-04-2006.  (Top)

Skymark to Use Two Modules of Boeing's Web-Based Maintenance Tool

Japan's Skymark will use Boeing's Web-based suite of maintenance tools to help maintain its fleet of B-737NGs and more easily troubleshoot problems.

Skymark has adopted the Library and Tasks modules of Boeing's Maintenance Performance Toolbox to create maintenance task cards directly from the Boeing-provided manuals, to streamline a labor-intensive re-authoring process, and to ensure it is accurately and completely following the manufacturer's instructions in its repairs.

An airline can choose from seven different tools in Boeing's suite, to supplement their operations as needed.  All are accessible via an Internet browser as a secured, hosted service.

Toolbox is a key component within Boeing's portfolio of aircraft maintenance applications that are available through its MyBoeingFleet Internet portal.  Each has been designed to integrate with other "E-enabled" Boeing maintenance and performance products such as its EFB (electronic flight bag) and its Airplane Health Management system.  07-05-2006.  (Top)

KDAvia to Use Sabre's Operational and Decision-Support Technology

Russian airline KDAvia will use Sabre Airline Solutions' operational and decision-support technology to improve its operational efficiency.

KDAvia will use Sabre's Rocade Operations Control System for daily fleet tracking, movement control and decision support; its commercial planning system to help construct and maintain its schedules and do both long- and short-term planning, and its crew management system to generate optimal crew-pairing rosters, and to track crew members during daily operations.

The carrier also will use Sabre's AirMax Revenue Manager, and SabreSonic Passenger Solutions management suite, including its Web-based online booking engine to help it run a new terminal in Kaliningrad opening next year, and expand its route network between eastern and western Europe.  08-05-2006.  (Top)

SITA's Passenger Technology to Used at Shanghai's New Terminal 2

Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) will equip its new Terminal 2 with SITA's integrated airport management systems to help manage its passenger traffic.

PVG will use SITA's AirportConnect CUTE (common use terminal equipment) and its BagManager baggage reconciliation system.  AirportConnect CUTE will allow access to all airline and airport IT systems from a single shared workstation over an IP (Internet protocol)-enabled network using Windows XP.  BagManager can handle and trace up to 150 million pieces of luggage in real time across multiple airports worldwide.

The SIIC Shanghai International Trade (Group) Co. is working with SITA on the project.  08-07-2006.  (Top)

ARINC Installing 126 Passenger-Service Kiosks at Narita for Star Alliance

ARINC is working with the airlines of the Star Alliance to install 126 universal check-in kiosks at Tokyo's Narita new Terminal 1 South Wing that serves All Nippon Airways, United Airlines, Air Canada, Austrian Airlines, and other Alliance members.

According to ARINC, this is the largest single installation of CUSS (common-use self-service) check-in kiosks at any terminal in the Asia-Pacific region.

It is also the first installation of ARINC's next generation of its SelfServ CUSS kiosk technology, which uses a flexible new all-Java software platform that accepts virtually all types of kiosks, and accommodates any number of participating airlines.  07-05-2006.  (Top)

New Universal Displays Certificated for Pilatus PC-12

Kansas City Aviation Center (KCAC) has received an STC (supplemental type certification) for a three flat-panel display suite on a Pilatus PC-12 that is fully integrated with the aircraft's existing avionics.

The new architecture adds three Universal Avionics EFI-890R displays in a dual PFD (primary flight display) and single ND (navigation display) that replaces the existing instrumentation, and allows new capabilities such as synthetic vision, electronic aeronautical charts, up-linked graphical weather, TAWS (terrain awareness and warning system), as well as video and other applications.

Pilatus EFI-890R Display Configuration

Source: Universal Avionics

KCAC, based in Olathe, Kansas, will hold the STC and will offer the displays and other options as a part of their Pilatus retrofit program at Olathe and its new facility in St. Louis.  07-07-2006.  (Top)

Boeing Business Jets ordered two B-787s for delivery to unidentified corporate customers.  08-07-2006.

The FAA has granted a TIA (type inspection authorization) for the Citation Mustang that will allow Cessna to begin accumulating flight hours on its prototype, leading to its full certification.  08-07-2006.

Maine Aviation has added a 2003 Citation 2 to its charter fleet.  08-07-2006.

Gothenburg-based West Air Europe, Sweden's largest air freight carrier, is acquiring two previously owned CRJ200s for conversion to an all-cargo configuration.  The conversion will be accomplished by Bombardier which has launched a new CRJ200PF (package freighter) conversion program for its 50-passenger regional jet.  08-07-2006.

TAM S.A. will receive three A330s by October that had been subleased to an airline in the Middle East.  08-07-2006.

Korean Air is launching a 747 cargo conversion program at its Aerospace Division, with one of its own B-747-400s.  08-07-2006.

Skyway Airlines, doing business as Midwest Connect intends to acquire two 328JETs formerly operated by defunct Atlantic Coast Airlines.  The acquisitions will increase the fleet to a dozen aircraft.  08-07-2006.

Continental Airlines converted 12 existing firm orders for 737NGs to CFM56-7B-powered B-737-900ERs, becoming the first US carrier to order the type. Deliveries will begin in 2008.  08-07-2006.

Executive Jet Management (EJM) added a Citation XLS and a Learjet 60 to its charter fleet.  08-07-2006.

Brazil's GOL took delivery of the first B-737-800 with enhanced short runway landing and takeoff capabilities.  08-07-2006.

Point2Point Airways, which calls itself the nation's (U.S.) first personal airline, will acquire up to 100 Diamond Aircraft DA42 Twin Stars, powered by TAE Centurion 1.7 turbo-diesel engines, and D-JET VLJs (very light jets).  The new on-demand, personal airline will take delivery of the first 10 DA42 Twin Stars beginning this month with additional aircraft arriving through the end of 2008. The D-JETs are still options.  08-07-2006.

St. Louis-based Segrave Aviation has added a Citation CJ2 to its fleet.  08-07-2006.

Jetbird, a European startup taxi service, ordered 50 Embraer Phenom 100 VLJs (very light jets), and took options to purchase 50 more aircraft over five years.  Embraer expects to begin deliveries to Jetbird in 2009.  08-07-2006.  (Top)

The U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) said its 20 reporting carriers recorded an overall on-time arrival rate of 72.8% in June, down from both June 2005's 75.2% and May 2006's 78.3%. The carriers canceled 1.7% of their scheduled domestic flights in June, up from both the 1.6% cancellation rate of June 2005 and the 1.2% rate recorded in May 2006.

Causes of Flight Delays

The carriers reported that 7.67% of their June flights were delayed by aviation system delays, compared to 7.07% in May 2006; 8.67% by late-arriving aircraft, compared to 6.85% in May; 7.53% by factors within the airline's control, such as maintenance or crew problems, compared to 5.57% in May; 1.26% by extreme weather, compared to 0.82% in May; and 0.06% for security reasons, compared to 0.04% in May.

(Weather is a factor in both the extreme-weather category and the aviation-system category.  Weather is also a factor in delays attributed to late-arriving aircraft, although airlines do not report specific causes in that category.)

In June, 45.17% of flights were delayed by weather, down 13.18% from June 2005, when 52.03% of flights were delayed by weather, and down 5.14% from May when 47.62%of flights were delayed by weather.

Detailed information on flight delays and their causes is available at http://www.bts.gov.  08-07-2006.

IATA said 156 airlines, responsible for 87% of BSP (billing and settlement plan) ticket volumes globally, now issue e-tickets.  Europe and the Americas lead the way, with 67% and 68% penetration by those regions' airlines respectively in June.  Currently, 23 airlines issue 95% or more of their tickets electronically.  08-07-2006. 

Belgocontrol, the autonomous public company in charge of the safety of air navigation in the Belgian civil airspace and at the Belgian public airports,  managed a total of 103,306 movements in June, a 5.92% increase compared to June 2005.  08-07-2006.  (Top)

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