Gol's decision to equip its aircraft with GPS landing system capability is the first step towards developing a required navigation performance programme once Brazilian regulators authorise RNP operations.
In January, Gol plans to begin installing sensors supplied by Rockwell Collins to support GPS landings, as well as vertical situation displays on its fleet of 109 Boeing 737s. Honeywell is supplying the hardware for the displays, while Boeing is providing the software.
The GPS landing system will enable Gol to perform prescribed curved approach or departure trajectories in a single procedure, and the vertical situation displays allow pilots to monitor the position of the aircraft in relation to the ground and identify ground relief and obstacles.
Gol technical vice-president Fernando Rockert de Magalhaes De Magalhael says Brazil has not yet officially authorised RNP operations within the country, but he expects the necessary approvals to be issued by the end of 2010, by which time Gol expects to complete installing the GPS and vertical situation display equipment.
De Magalhael says RNP is more complex than the initial GPS landing procedures Gol plans to employ.
The carrier says it will take about four days to equip its 737s with the vertical situation displays and the sensors to handle GPS landings. The work is being completed while the aircraft undergo heavy maintenance at Belo Horizonte airport.
New aircraft delivered to Gol in 2010 and beyond will already have the GPS sensors and vertical situation displays. The airline plans to add nine aircraft to its fleet next year.
Source: Flight International
