FREE FLIGHT REINVENTING ATC - DIGITAL AVIONICS A NON-SOLUTION

摘要

This is a win-win program for the aviation industry. If correct we leapfrog into Free Flight, increasing safety and efficiency, at an unprecedented pace. Conversely, there is no downside since all agree that a computerized conflict probe is required for Free Flight implementation. Althoughrnindividual controllers and pilots do outstanding jobs, the system they use is the limiting factor. It is like trying to build televisions today using a 1950's production process. No matter how hard the individuals worked to build each TV, profitability would be impossible.rnThe installation of a computerized conflict probe alone will support enroute Free Flight to within 50 NM of hub airports, at all altitudes, using current separation standards. This can be accomplished by 1998 with no additional "stuff' required by the user. Will advanced avionics, including GPS and datalink, be required to maximize the user's benefits in an end state Free Flight system - absolutely. But at that time buying more CNS "stuff" becomes a business decision with immediate tangible benefits, not promises.rnFinally, Free Flight can, and must be implemented enroute within three to five years. This can be done by changes in the separation methodology and is predicated on installation of a computerized conflict probe that can't be overloaded in the Air Traffic facilities without changes required to the airborne avionics. Off the shelf software and hardware is available today to get the job done at no cost to the users.