Virgin Blue aims to have Boeing's new vertical situation display (VSD) technology retrofitted on its 28 737-700/-800s by the end of the year. The Australian carrier is the launch customer for the software, with its first 737-700 (VH-VBT) featuring the safety device put into service last month.
The VSD displays the vertical profile of the aircraft's flightpath, showing the current and predicted flightpath of the aircraft and highlighting potential conflicts with terrain. The VSD also helps pilots monitor the aircraft's vertical flightpath on approach, says Virgin Blue. The software works in conjunction with the aircraft's ground proximity warning system and its terrain database.
VSD is one of a number of new technology systems installed by Boeing last year on its 737-900 demonstrator. The 737 is the first application for the VSD.
Virgin Blue's flight operations technical manager, Captain Steve Knudsen says use of the VSD is important in Australia due to the lack of precision approach aids at a number of the country's regional airports.
Thales ATM has been contracted by Croatia Control to supply and install the Croatian air traffic management system. Thales will supply a fully integrated Eurocat control system for Zagreb with 19 controller workstations for en route, approach and tower air traffic control.Source: Flight International
