NavSat System on Fokker Aircraft

Fokker Services announces the introduction of an integrated Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) for the Fokker 100 and Fokker 70. With the integrated GNSS system Fokker operators will be able to obtain a more accurate aircraft track keeping performance allowing for shorter approaches and lower decision heights, saving time and fuel, lowering carbon emissions and, not least, enhancing safety and schedule reliability. Launch customer for the system is Air Niugini, the national airline of Papua New Guinea. One of their Fokker 100s will be used for the certification test flight process. The system's accuracy is of special importance to Air Niugini, given the challenging weather, terrain and approach tracks they face at some of their domestic ports.

Fokker Services is partnering with FreeFlight Systems (as the provider of the Global Positioning System sensors and other equipment) in the development of the system and plans to extend this concept to other aircraft types in the near future. Since the design concept does not require upgrading (or even replacing) the existing Flight Management System (FMS) for implementation of the Required Navigation Performance (RNP) capability, it is undoubtedly the most cost-effective option for taking advantage of the economies that performance-based navigation offers.

The innovative design enables Air Niugini to make use of satellite-based navigation and approach capability without expensive flight management and autopilot system upgrades. Air Niugini's upgraded Fokker 100s will be able to fly accurate GPS-aided approaches that meet RNP 0.3 requirements. Use of RNP capability is also possible with departure and en route tracks, allowing shorter route distances providing potential for time, fuel and emission savings throughout the complete flight profile. The integrated GNSS system offers stabilized approaches whereas vertical guidance is based on barometric altitude. The benefits of RNP navigation cannot be obtained with stand-alone GPS installations, which are also being offered for Fokker 100 and other aircraft types.

New NTSB Member

Christopher A. Hart is now a Member of the National Transportation Safety Board. Hart joins the Board after a long career in transportation safety, including a previous term as a member of the Safety Board. Most recently, Hart was deputy director for air traffic safety oversight at the FAA. He served as a NTSB member from 1990 to 1993. He holds a law degree from Harvard University and Master's and Bachelor's degrees in Aerospace Engineering from Princeton University. He is a licensed pilot with commercial, multi-engine and instrument ratings. His term expires December 31, 2012.

ASDE-X at JFK Int'l

The Sensis Airport Surface Detection Equipment, Model X (ASDE-X is now operational at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). Seventeen of the 35 airports to receive the technology through the FAA's ASDE-X program are now operational. ASDE-X provides air traffic controllers with increased situational awareness of traffic on the airport's runways and taxiways and an advanced conflict detection and alerting capability to improve runway safety. ASDE-X combines surface movement radar, multilateration and Automatic Dependent Surveillance - Broadcast (ADS-B) to provide air traffic controllers with highly accurate, real-time position and identification information of all aircraft and vehicles on the airport surface. By integrating multiple sensor technologies, the system delivers a comprehensive picture of ground operations, increasing controller situational awareness and improving airport safety in all weather conditions. The system also features advanced runway conflict detection and alerting technology, Safety Logic, which uses complex algorithms to alert controllers of potential aircraft or vehicle incursions. At JFK, the ASDE-X system has been augmented with additional multilateration surveillance coverage of the gate and ramp areas to provide highly accurate aircraft and vehicle location and identification information to the Sensis Aerobahn airport automation and management tool. Sensis Aerobahn is being used by the FAA, the Port Authority of New York/New Jersey and authorized airlines at JFK for improved situational awareness of ground operations at the airport.

NZAF to Upgrade Aircraft for Training

Over the next four months the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) will take delivery of four Mitsubishi MU-2F fixed-wing aircraft and six Kaman SH-2F Seasprite helicopters. The Air Force has been looking into revitalizing its aging training aids at RNZAF Ground Training Wing (GTW) Woodbourne near Blenheim to ensure its current and upgraded aviation fleet can meet the needs of New Zealand into the future. The first two Mitsubishi MU-2Fs are due to fly in to Woodbourne from Texas, USA this weekend or early next week, depending on the weather. The second two aircraft are undergoing pre-flight maintenance and are scheduled to leave the USA early August. The six Kaman SH-2F Seasprite helicopters have been in storage in the Arizona desert for 14 years and are due to be shipped to New Zealand late 2009. The aircraft will be used by the GTW for technical trade training. They will replace aging de Havilland Devon aircraft and Bell 47 Sioux helicopters.

USAF KC-10 Cockpit Upgrades

Boeing has submitted a proposal to the USAF to upgrade the cockpits of the service's fleet of 59 KC-10 Extender tanker/transport aircraft. The proposal covers engineering and manufacturing development, production and installation of the KC-10 Communications, Navigation, Surveillance and Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) modification. CNS/ATM uses a systems approach to improve pilot awareness, streamline tasks, and otherwise enhance safety in a high-technology environment. "This upgrade will allow the fleet to retain worldwide access to airspace in compliance with Global Air Traffic Management requirements," said Boeing KC-10 Program Director Mike Wright.