The US FAA plans to deploy expert groups at "metroplexes" around the country to optimise performance-based navigation (PBN) procedures to expand capacity and make flight operations more efficient.
Metroplexes are large metropolitan areas in the USA with multiple airports.
"This effort will result in expanded implementation of area navigation (RNAV) terminal procedures, which allow equipped aircraft to fly more direct and precise paths," said FAA administrator Randy Babbitt, speaking to lawmakers in the US House of Representatives on 18 March.
Included under the PBN umbrella are localiser performance with vertical guidance (LPV) procedures, which use GPS to obtain landing guidance similar to an instrument landing system (ILS) but without much of the ground infrastructure.
Babbitt testified in front of lawmakers to defend the agency's $16.5 billion fiscal year 2011 budget request, $1.14 billion of which is dedicated to system-wide next generation air transportation system (NextGen) upgrades. Overall, the FAA's request represents a 3% increase over 2010 funding over last year, but a 32% increase in NextGen funding.
Funding areas in part were selected based on input from a requirements and technical concepts for aviation (RTCA) task force, which stressed in its September 2009 final report the importance of taking advantage of operational efficiencies with existing equipage. Included in that category are PBN routes and approaches at metroplexes.
Babbitt says the procedures will increase access to airports, particularly in low-visibility conditions. "This means measurably increased nationwide efficiency and reduced delays while we maximise our use of limited airspace in congested environments," he adds.
Based on the RTCA report, Babbitt says the FAA will publish 300 new LPV approaches "emphasising highest value" areas. "This will build upon the solid foundation of over 1,900 LPV approaches that FAA has already deployed at over 1,000 different airports across the country," he adds.
Additionally, Babbitt says the agency will conduct surface management demonstrations at Memphis and Orlando to demonstrate collaborative departure queue management.
Source: Air Transport Intelligence news
