[Avionics Today July 11, 2014] The European Union recently completed the initial demonstrations of advanced arrival and departure flight operations for an airspace-enhancing project, Filling the Gap in GNSS Advanced Procedures and Operations (FilGAPP).
Flight demonstrations occurred in Germany using a Hawker 750 business jet equipped with a Flight Management System (FMS) and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver from Rockwell Collins. EU’s goal with the FilGAPP program is to create more efficient flight procedures using satellite-based navigation and advanced FMS capabilities, according to Rockwell Collins.
GNSS receivers use an antenna and processor to establish three-dimensional position and time using satellite signals which allow the aircraft to fly more advanced operations, as well as departure and arrival procedures.
Similar departure and arrival demonstrations occurred earlier this year in Spain on a Bombardier CRJ-1000 also equipped with Rockwell Collins systems. Those demonstrations
“FilGAPP highlights the opportunity that exists for air carriers and corporate operators to increase operating capacity and to save time and fuel through more efficient terminal procedures at European airports,” said Claude Alber, vice president and managing director, Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EuMEA) for Rockwell Collins.