Editor's NotePerspectives: RNP: Foundation for ATM Efficiency In July 2002, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced its commitment to implementing required navigation performance (RNP) airspace and procedures throughout the U.S. National Airspace System (NAS). It is an important step…
ATM ModernizationProduct Focus: Countdown to DRVSM Jan. 20, 2005, is the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA’s) implementation deadline for the application of domestic reduced vertical separation minimums (DRVSM) in the upper airspace over the 48 contiguous states, Alaska and…
ATM ModernizationSafety: ETOPS Revisited Electrically related in-flight fires may be a greater threat to the safety of long-range flights than engine failures. A new report on extended twin-engine operations (ETOPS) marks a major effort to rationalize…
Editor's NoteIndustry Scan WARP and New Airspace The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently made two announcements pertinent to its airspace modernization plan. At a Washington press briefing, agency officials announced plans to deploy an advanced…
Business & GAWeather Avoidance Advances in receiving and processing radar- and satellite-derived weather data, plus communications breakthroughs, are allowing critical weather information to be presented to pilots in flight – on-line and in near real time.…
CommercialA380 Innovations: A Balancing Act The giant Airbus 380 features subtle cockpit design. It balances new concepts and technologies within an existing framework to provide a familiar, yet easier-to-use pilot workspace. The human-machine interface (HMI) is interactive…
ATM ModernizationCapstone: Heating Up in Alaska With a new avionics package approved, an IFR infrastructure being established and a study indicating it delivers safety benefits, the Capstone program in Alaska appears to be on a fast track. Does…
Business & GAProduct Focus: Developments in Data Bus Test Although the ubiquitous Mil-Std-1553 data bus is fast approaching middle age, data bus test, simulation and monitoring equipment boasts up-to-the-minute packaging and software. The new Airbus 380 avionics backbone is rapidly gathering…