“We’re tapping the high-performance computing capability of today’s aircraft to move more planes more safely and efficiently,” said FAA Administrator Marion Blakey. “The environmental benefits are terrific too, because flying straight down the middle of the flight path means that people on the ground perceive less jet noise and experience fewer engine emissions.” More RNP approaches are slated to become available in 2006, including the Wenatchee Airport in Washington; George Bush Intercontinental in Houston; Chicago Midway; Newark, N.J., Liberty; Honolulu International; Gary, Ind.; Tampa, Fla.; Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; Guam; Tucson, Ariz.; Long Beach, Calif.; and John F. Kennedy International in New York. When performance-based navigation is fully implemented at airports across the nation, it will establish precise approach, arrival and departure procedures. It also will improve situational awareness for pilots and air traffic controllers, and provide smoother traffic flows, saving fuel and benefiting the environment, the FAA said. Want to know more about RNP? Watch the FAA’s 13-minute online video (provided you have a speedy internet connection), “Highway in the Sky.”
A Look At What’s Next
Key Takeaways:
- The FAA is expanding Required Navigation Performance (RNP) approaches to numerous airports, leveraging aircraft high-performance computing for safer and more efficient air travel.
- RNP implementation offers significant environmental benefits, including reduced jet noise perception and fewer engine emissions for people on the ground.
- More RNP approaches were slated to become available in 2006 at major airports across the US.
- Full performance-based navigation will establish precise procedures, improve situational awareness for pilots and controllers, and provide smoother traffic flows, saving fuel and benefiting the environment.
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