SkyEurope Airlines has engaged Seattle, Washington-based Naverus to prepare required navigation performance (RNP) approaches to airports in its network. This decision by the airline is likely to make the Bratislava, Slovakia-based low-cost carrier the first airline in Europe to operate satellite navigation-guided precision approaches.
RNP approaches use GPS satellite navigation plus the capabilities of advanced avionics and flight management systems to enable the aircraft to fly tailor-made precision approach paths in three dimensions with no need for ground-based aids.
The basic on-board equipment requirement for RNP is twin flight management computers backed up by inertial navigation systems, says Naverus's vice-president marketing Eric Nordling. Airlines in North America use them extensively, and Australia and New Zealand are increasingly approving RNP approaches to provide precision access to airports surrounded by difficult terrain or with sensitive noise abatement procedures.
Nordling reveals the company has begun an RNP readiness assessment at SkyEurope "to help the airline begin RNP operations". This, he says, involves an evaluation of potential network-wide operational and safety enhancements and reviewing the operational approval process.
Nordling says that since the carrier's fleet consists of new Boeing 737-700s, they are virtually factory-equipped for RNP, so the assessment is about calculating the cost benefits of making approaches shorter in time and distance where possible, assuring compliance with RNP regulatory requirements, and carrying out a flight crew survey to help Naverus meet the airline's specific operational needs.
Nordling says most customers want RNP accuracy to within 0.1nm, and this equates closely to a category 1 precision approach.
SkyEurope's flight operations manager Peter Pelec says the airline "has a clear mission to be the RNP leader in Europe". He adds: "RNP will ensure more reliable operations under any weather conditions, reduce flight times and fuel consumption while at the same time enhancing safety."
Source: Flight International
