Oceanic operations currently are based on weather data that are 12 to 18 hr old. The combination of improvements in communication, navigation, and surveillance allows authorities to reduce required separation distances between airplanes, which in turn allows airplanes to fly at their optimum altitude and burn less fuel. The position is based on the highly accurate Global Positioning System (GPS).ĭigital data communication between the flight crew and the air traffic controller drastically reduces the possibility of error, and allows greatly reduced airplane separations. However, through a satellite data link, airplanes equipped with FANS can transmit automatic dependent surveillance reports with actual position and intent information at least every five minutes. This computes to 48,000 mi2 of airspace to protect one airplane, and means that airplanes often operate at less-than-optimal altitudes and speeds. The uncertainties of traditional voice position reporting and the delay associated with high-frequency relayed voice communications (20 to 45 min to make a high-frequency voice position report) require the air traffic controller to allow a tremendous amount of airspace between each airplane, typically 100 nmi laterally and 120 nmi longitudinally. In non-FANS procedural airplane separation, errors in navigation and potential errors in voice communication between the flight crew and air traffic controller are considered when determining the necessary airspace separation between airplanes. If FANS were implemented, operators would be able to take advantage of several needed improvements:Ĥ. Operator benefits offered by FANS include reduced fuel burn and flight time through direct routing, and increased payload capability for takeoff-weight-limited flights. ("What is FANS?", below, describes the elements of FANS and the changes required for its implementation.) In response, Boeing has been working with the industry since 1983 to create FANS, which relies on space-based navigation and communication. The current air traffic management system is based on ground navigational aids, radar, and voice communications, and will eventually be unable to cope with predicted air traffic growth. Known as Future Air Navigation System, this system is becoming increasingly attractive as an option for coping more efficiently with current traffic levels, as well as with the increased traffic levels anticipated in the future. The air transport industry has developed a new concept for air traffic management that involves significant changes to airplanes, infrastructure, and ground systems. FANS offers a space-based method for handling increased air traffic, allowing operators to obtain maximum revenue from their operations while ensuring safe conditions for their passengers. One potential solution is a concept called Future Air Navigation System, or FANS. With air traffic predicted to grow at the rate of five percent annually, the industry must find a new air traffic management system that provides greater capacity. Pwajok said with the increased pressure on the aviation industry at the global, regional and national level following the growth in passenger and cargo, there was the need for the agency to grow capacity to be able to cope with the increasing traffic.The current air traffic management system is experiencing growing difficulty as air traffic around the world continues to increase. The NAMA boss said airspace managers needed to be top-notch in understanding the national air navigation plan as it relates to the implementation strategies, milestones, timelines, technology roadmaps for achieving the national plan and the strategic position of NAMA in the entire plan, even as he solicited for their buy-in to ensure successful implementation. Pwajok noted that the training would expose managers to global air navigation plan, regional air navigation plan and national air navigation plan just as it would keep them acquainted with the civil aviation policy which is the framework that guides operations nationally.Īccording to him, “you must also be kept abreast of the aviation roadmap or masterplan of the federal government our Communication, Navigation, Surveillance/Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) Masterplan and the milestones towards attaining these masterplans because these are frameworks within which we are expected to operate in carrying out our statutory function as the nation’s airspace manager.”
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