Performance-based Navigation (PBN) will enable major reductions in aircraft CO2 emissions, fuel burn and noise over the next few years if aviation stakeholders and the communities they serve embrace the change together and reach agreement on implementation strategies.  That was the clear message to more than 200 aviation stakeh
olders from around the world who gathered in Seattle at the third annual Naverus Performance-based Navigation Summit.

"The work you're doing (PBN) will help solve all of this - noise, congestion, emissions and efficiency," said FAA Chief Operating Officer, Hank Krakowski. 

Airservices Australia CEO Greg Russell told conferees that Australia has embarked on implementing a new nationwide network of advanced PBN.  When fully deployed, the network is expected to produce annual reductions of 122 million kilos of CO2 emissions and 39 million kg of fuel per year.

PBN unleashes the full potential of current-generation aircraft to fly precisely-defined paths without relying on ground-based radio navigation signals.  Required Navigation Performance, (RNP) an enhanced mode of PBN, guarantees the aircraft does not stray from the path and enables additional navigational flexibility, such as the ability to custom tailor a curved path.

The FAA's Krakowski said he's optimistic that PBN progress in the U.S. will be made in the very near term.  "There's a critical mass beginning to form," he said.  "President Obama is fully supportive of this.  (DOT) Secretary Ray LaHood is fully supportive.  And the (FAA) Administrator Randy Babbitt is fully supportive," Krakowski said.