RNP procedures will be tested in simulator and flight trials before promulgation
Coimbatore: The Flight Procedures Department (FDP cell) of the Airports Authority of India, New Delhi is in the process of designing and promulgating RNP approaches for Coimbatore International Airport in addition to the existing conventional instrument approaches.
RNP - Required Navigation Performance: RNP approaches allow aircraft to fly on specified paths using ON board equipment in the cockpit, with good accuracy and integrity. But in the case of other instrument approaches, ground-based navigational aids are used such as VOR (Very high frequency Omni-directional Range), DME (Distance Measuring Equipment), ILS (Instrument Landing System) which are presently used at Coimbatore.
The main advantages of RNP approaches are that it provides lower visibility requirements for landing aircraft (from 2100 m requirement at present to 900 m), lower the initial approach altitudes to optimum level, provides for smooth descent gradient, particularly at Coimbatore the descend gradient is higher which can be brought down. This will result in reduced track miles for arriving aircraft, thus allowing for savings on fuel and reduction in carbon emissions.
In this regard, a concept level meeting involving all stakeholders, airlines, pilots, DGCA, IAF Sulur was held at Coimbatore International Airport. L D Mohanty, Jt .General Manager from FPD cell, Delhi presented the papers. "As per requirements, next the RNP procedures will be tested in simulator and flight trials before promulgation," reported Senthil Valavan, Airport Director, Coimbatore International Airport.
RNP - Required Navigation Performance: RNP approaches allow aircraft to fly on specified paths using ON board equipment in the cockpit, with good accuracy and integrity. But in the case of other instrument approaches, ground-based navigational aids are used such as VOR (Very high frequency Omni-directional Range), DME (Distance Measuring Equipment), ILS (Instrument Landing System) which are presently used at Coimbatore.
The main advantages of RNP approaches are that it provides lower visibility requirements for landing aircraft (from 2100 m requirement at present to 900 m), lower the initial approach altitudes to optimum level, provides for smooth descent gradient, particularly at Coimbatore the descend gradient is higher which can be brought down. This will result in reduced track miles for arriving aircraft, thus allowing for savings on fuel and reduction in carbon emissions.
In this regard, a concept level meeting involving all stakeholders, airlines, pilots, DGCA, IAF Sulur was held at Coimbatore International Airport. L D Mohanty, Jt .General Manager from FPD cell, Delhi presented the papers. "As per requirements, next the RNP procedures will be tested in simulator and flight trials before promulgation," reported Senthil Valavan, Airport Director, Coimbatore International Airport.