In one of my previous articles we talked about the NextGen; Next Generation Air Transportation System, and how it is working towards making the future of the air navigation in aviation industry better, safer and automated. We have also talked about how the future of aviation is getting more environment friendly and greener. If you have not read those articles, I suggest you read those as well to get the most accurate and complete information on this topic.
One of NextGen’s most promising initiatives with potential for broad operational applications is Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B), a technology that could revolutionize air navigation and surveillance, and be the backbone of the future system. In fact, some companies, such as United Parcel Service (UPS), are already using ADS-B in their operations, and are realizing savings in jet fuel and faster delivery schedules.
ADS-B uses GPS satellites and ground-based equipment to allow aircraft to broadcast their transmissions with greater frequency and accuracy than the current land-based legacy radar systems. With ADS-B, pilots will see exactly what the air traffic controller sees.
The Capstone program is a long-term, highly successful application of ADS-B in a non-radar environment. ADS-B, one of NextGen’s essential foundational technologies, will continue its development with the goal of deployment throughout Alaska. Since initial deployment, general aviation accidents have decreased by 40%. The practical information provided by this FAA program has also proven invaluable in guiding the development of NextGen.
The United Parcel Service (UPS) is using ADS-B in trials at its hub in Louisville, Kentucky. The company is realizing savings while simultaneously reducing the adverse environmental impact of its flight operations. The traditional “step-down” landing approach requires planes to use high thrust to level off at different stages, resulting in more fuel burn and additional noise and pollution. ADS-B allows for an improved landing procedure called Optimized Profile Descents.
Taking advantage of improved situational awareness, Optimized Profile Descents permit planes to constantly descend from cruise altitude all the way to touch-down. Using Optimized Profile Descents, UPS reduced flight time, allowing more planes to land, while cutting back on emissions and noise. Once ADS-B is fully implemented, UPS anticipates an annual fuel reduction of 800,000 gallons. Furthermore, the company forecasts a 30% decrease in noise and an emissions reduction of 34% in the vicinity of airports (3,000 feet or below).
The FAA signed a Memorandum of Agreement with helicopter operators, and oil and gas platform owners in the Gulf of Mexico to improve air traffic control in the region.
Currently, most helicopters operating offshore in the Gulf cannot communicate or be seen by air traffic controllers, requiring pilots to rely mostly on visual flight rules. As a result, helicopter service to offshore platforms is severely curtailed in poor visibility conditions.
With ADS-B equipment installed on aircraft and platforms, helicopters are able to transmit critical position information to the Houston Air Route Traffic Control Center, resulting in improved communications. This allows for continued helicopter activity on platforms in poor visibility in contrast to periodic weather-related stoppages.
Network-Enabled Operations (NEO) refers to the ability to link together information from a wide range of sources. It is a high priority for JPDO and NextGen partner agencies. NEO provides a platform for interested parties to have consistent, up-to-date, secure, and simultaneous access to the same information.
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