ATM Modernization, Embedded Avionics

Hughes CEO to Present Advanced PBN Concepts at Avionics for NextGen

By Woodrow Bellamy III  | September 9, 2016
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[Avionics Magazine 09-09-2016] Performance-Based Navigation (PBN) and the deployment of new routes using satellite-based navigation to pilot aircraft with greater precision and accuracy is one of the most significant initiatives within the FAA’s overall NextGen airspace modernization program. Using PBN, operators can use automated flight paths into airports, fly shorter and more direct paths, save fuel and reduce their aircraft’s environmental impact. At the upcoming Avionics for NextGen conference, Chris Baur, one of the world’s leading experts who has been actively assisting airlines, business aviation and helicopter operators, and airports deploy PBN in various forms will be giving a presentation on some of his past, present and future work in this field. 
 
 
RNAV RNP final approach at Pohnpei International Airport. Photo: Hughes Aerospace.
 
Baur, CEO of Hughes Aerospace, will be presenting on the Texas-based company’s work around the world related to developing, publishing and flying new Required Navigation Performance (RNP), Area Navigation, and Ground Based Augmentation System (GBAS) procedures. 
 
“We have a very holistic view of NextGen and how you can apply PBN in various forms to benefit many different airspace users within harmonized airspace, based on their needs,” said Baur. 
 
Among the company’s most recent accomplishments include producing the first RNP procedures in Oman, first RNP 1 procedures in the Philippines, the first PBN procedures in Myanmar, and also the first GLS approaches in China, as well as the first RNP approach in Israel. The company also developed all of the instrument procedures at Gregory Simmons Memorial Airport in Texas, a new airport that opened in 2015 without any land-based instrument approaches, no VHF Omni Directional Radio Range (VORs) stations, Distance Measuring Equipment (DME) or other ground-based navigation aids. 
 
“Our customers, can be corporate operators, giant airports, helicopter operators, heliports, big and small airlines. We find that the challenges are usually that either they don’t have an instrument approach and they’re tired of suffering without it, or in some cases operators have specific terrain challenges at certain airports,” said Baur.
 
As a commercial pilot, Baur has amassed more than 13,000 flight hours and 12 type ratings for aircraft ranging from the Boeing 737 to the 777, as well as helicopters such as the Bell 206. He is also a retired military officer and command pilot with qualifications for eight military fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft. 
 
During Avionics for NextGen Baur will participate on a panel discussion focusing on NextGen related PBN activity that will include representatives from Delta Airlines, United Airlines, Mitre and the FAA. 
 

Find out more about the Avionics for NextGen conference at www.avionicsfornextgen.com.  

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