Part 2. Changes in the ATM system related to the implementation of area navigation

Changes in the ATM System related to the implementation of area navigation. Part 1

The second part of the article, dedicated to the study of air traffic control organs, covers one of the most important features of zonal navigation - its application in the airport area. Additionally, we examined GNSS system anomalies and failures and provided a conclusion.

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Changes in the ATM System related to the implementation of area navigation. Part 1

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The reduction of lateral intervals and the transition to area navigation using Performance-Based Navigation (PBN) open up new possibilities for flexibility in route selection. This allows air traffic control (ATC) operators to manage air traffic more flexibly, distribute the load in the airspace, and prevent conflict situations.

Article content

Flexible use of airspace

The strategy and tactics of flights become more diverse, allowing everyone to find their optimal route.

Airport area application

Even in the final stages of flight—during landing and takeoff—area navigation makes procedures smoother and safer.

Actions during equipment failures and GNSS anomalies

When technology fails, area navigation offers a Plan B that helps avoid chaos.

Conclusion

Short conclusion for the long cycle of articles about area navigation

Flexible use of airspace

A greater choice of routes, in turn, reduces the number of potential conflicts in the air, increasing opportunities for stratification and ensuring flight safety.

On the other hand, it should be noted that increasing the number of routes may create additional "conflict points," which require more thoughtful planning and coordination.

ATC operators bear significant responsibility for resolving conflicts at the operational level, and they must have appropriate tools to do so. In this regard, intelligent strategic planning can help in resolving conflicts even at the stage of their emergence.

Adaptive separation

Using adaptive separation methods to optimize the flow of air traffic.

PBN integration

Taking into account the capabilities of PBN for more efficient route planning, especially in complex weather conditions or during high traffic intensity.

Real-time

Utilizing systems that provide prompt responses to changes in airspace for quick route adaptation.

Flexibility in route selection is not just about "good management"; it is a necessity for modern air traffic control. Increasing the number of available routes and reducing the intervals between them allow ATC operators to manage traffic more efficiently and safely, as well as lay the groundwork for future growth in air traffic intensity.

Airport area application

With the application of area navigation (PBN), the airport area becomes a field for innovative air traffic management methods. Here, virtually an unlimited number of navigational points can be set, allowing for the design of multiple holding areas, as well as complex and optimized Standard Instrument Departure (SID) and Standard Terminal Arrival Route (STAR) procedures.

The primary advantage of PBN is the ability to create routes for arrival and departure that are separated in both the horizontal and vertical planes. This eliminates the need for ATC operators to use step-by-step climbing and descending for aircraft stratification, which in turn:

Reduces the workload on ATC agencies.
Increases throughput.
Allows for the use of continuous climb and descent trajectories.

Technological and spatial use aspects

With the implementation of RNAV and RNP systems, ATC operators will have precise information about the aircraft's capabilities to execute various SID and STAR procedures, significantly easing management. The responsibility for adhering to published requirements falls on the pilot, who must promptly inform the ATC about any restrictions or deviations.

Airports working with RNAV and RNP systems should provide an indication of PBN status at the ATC operator's workstation. In case of system failure or parameter mismatch, an alternative route should be offered to the pilot.

Additionally, the Point Merge System technology is being actively implemented, reducing the need for "vectoring" and decreasing the number of commands needed to change the flight path. This is particularly relevant in high-traffic conditions and with a diverse range of aircraft types, including those not supporting RNAV.

In conclusion, it's worth noting that the use of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) and its functional add-ons during the final approach phase allows for both precision and non-precision approaches to runways, even if they are not equipped with modern landing systems. This significantly alters the approach to air traffic management, making it more efficient and safe.

Thus, area navigation not only opens up new opportunities for ATC agencies but also creates conditions for improving the overall throughput and safety of air traffic in the airport area.

Applied recommendations for improving ATC with area navigation

To enhance the effectiveness of area navigation at airports, the following applied measures can be considered:

Creation of an Integrated Management System
Establishing a unified database to store information about each aircraft's capabilities for using RNAV/RNP.

This will allow air traffic controllers to quickly determine which routes can be used for a specific aircraft.
01
Staff training
It's crucial that both air traffic controllers and pilots are educated about the capabilities and limitations of area navigation, including procedures for system failures
02
Dynamic route adjustment
The ability to dynamically adjust SID and STAR based on current traffic conditions and other factors can significantly improve throughput.
03
Process automation
Implementing automated systems for granting permissions and coordination between air traffic controllers and pilots can reduce decision-making time and minimize human error.
04
Implementation of Point Merge System
This technology can reduce the number of commands for altering flight paths and simplify landing procedures, which is highly valuable in high-traffic scenarios.
05
Use of SBAS for Approach
This enables lowering the minimum approach altitudes, especially valuable for airports with limited visibility or challenging terrain.
06
Alternative procedures for incompatible aircraft
Procedures should be developed for aircraft that do not support RNAV/RNP to minimize their impact on the overall throughput.
07
Monitoring and effectiveness analysis
Regular tracking and analysis of system performance data can help identify potential areas for further improvement.
08
Feedback from flight crew
Establishing feedback channels for pilots can assist in adapting and improving area navigation procedures.
09

Implementing these applied recommendations will enable airports and ATC authorities to maximize the potential of area navigation, thereby enhancing both efficiency and safety in air traffic operations.

Actions during equipment failures and GNSS anomalies

As aviation increasingly shifts towards area navigation systems like GNSS and RNAV/RNP, there arises a need to discuss and understand how these changes affect air traffic control (ATC), especially in cases of system failures and anomalies.

Primary types of failures and their impact on ATC

1

GNSS Anomaly
This type of failure can severely hinder an air traffic controller's operations as GNSS problems often affect multiple aircraft simultaneously. This becomes especially critical when using Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B), which is also GNSS-based.
2

Onboard equipment failure
In most cases, this doesn't create problems for air traffic controllers, as it affects individual aircraft. However, it can lead to delays and the need for alternative routes.

Procedures and Flight plan

Thus, a key aspect of the successful implementation of area navigation into the air traffic management system is preparation for possible failures and anomalies. This includes both technical preparation and planning, as well as training staff to effectively respond to these situations.

Conclusion

In the age of digital transformation and technological progress, the aviation industry is not standing still either. Area navigation is not just a new tool in the dispatcher's arsenal; it represents a fundamental shift in the approach to air traffic management. This transition is critically important to meet the growing needs and demands of both operators and the air traffic management system (ATM).

Multifaceted impact

1

Operational efficiency
The implementation of area navigation enhances operational efficiency by reducing flight times and fuel costs.
2

Safety and reliability
More accurate positioning and monitoring of aircraft improve flight safety and enable air traffic controllers to make more balanced decisions.
3

Dynamism and flexibility
New technologies allow air traffic controllers to better adapt to changing conditions and needs, reducing their workload and improving the quality of their work.

Responsibility and Innovations

In this environment, controllers are faced with a new level of responsibility. It's important not just to monitor, but also to analyze how system anomalies and failures affect the overall picture.

Innovations, however, should not compromise safety; they must serve as tools for enhancing current methods and procedures.

Area navigation doesn't just improve operational efficiency for operators; it improves the entire ATM ecosystem. It's a win-win situation for all stakeholders, including air navigation service providers.

As technologies continue to evolve, area navigation is expected to become an industry standard, opening doors for further innovations and improvements.

In closing this overview, it can be confidently stated that area navigation is an important step in the development of civil aviation and the air traffic management system. This new approach not only meets modern challenges but also provides solutions for future problems, setting the trajectory for subsequent innovations and improvements.

Name of article: Area navigation and ATC. Part 2
Release date: 9/7/2023
Acrticle author: Georgii Kurbatskii

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