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FAA To Be Audited On Its Performance Based Navigation (PBN) Procedures By Daniel Baxter |
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May 11, 2012 - The Department of Transportation’s Office
of Inspector General (OIG) plans to initiate an audit on
the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) progress in
implementing Performance-Based Navigation (PBN)
procedures, including the NAV Lean Project (which is
aimed at improving FAA’s review process for these
procedures).
Historically, aircraft navigation specifications have been specified directly in terms of sensors (navigation beacons and/or waypoints). A navigation specification that includes an additional requirement for on-board navigation performance monitoring and alerting is referred to as a required navigation performance (RNP) specification. One not having such requirements is referred to as an area navigation (RNAV) specification. |
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ICAO performance-based navigation (PBN) represents a shift
from sensor-based to performance-based navigation. PBN
specifies that aircraft RNP and RNAV systems performance
requirements be defined in terms of accuracy, integrity,
availability, continuity and functionality required for the
proposed operations in the context of a particular airspace,
when supported by the appropriate navigation infrastructure.
PBN procedures are key building blocks for the Next Generation
Air Transportation System and can provide significant near-term
benefits such as more direct flight paths, improved airport
arrival rates, greater fuel savings, and reduced aircraft noise.
Improving the efficiency of the National Airspace System remains
a key priority for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA),
with air travel expected to nearly double over the next 20
years. To enhance capacity and reduce delays at congested
airports, the FAA is implementing Performance-Based Navigation
(PBN) flight procedures that use on-board equipment for
satellite-based navigation.
Although the FAA has already implemented over 1,000 PBN
procedures, industry representatives have expressed concerns
with both their value and timeliness. In response, the FAA
performed a study of its processes, the NAV Lean Project and
identified 21 potential improvements to streamline its efforts
to develop useful PBN procedures. However, it could take as long
as 5 years to implement these changes.
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