FAA Certifies Boeing FANS-1 Navigation System

SEATTLE, June 20, 1995 -- A new air traffic management system on Boeing 747- 400s, that can potentially save airlines billions of dollars by improving airway congestion, reducing delays and optimizing flight plans, has received flight certification approval from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The new standard -- Future Air Navigation System 1 (FANS-1) -- allows the 747-400 to make primary use of Global Satellite Positioning System (GPS) equipment for navigation and a datalink system which uses VHF radio or satellites to communicate with air traffic controllers.

As a flight management system computer upgrade, FANS-1 provides accurate automatic position reports anywhere in the world. The communication enhancements also will allow a two-way data link between air traffic controllers and the flight crew.

This will allow a significant reduction in the current mandatory separation between aircraft, permitting them to fly more direct and fuel-efficient routes, especially over oceans. In-flight course adjustments and prompt clearances via two-way data link will enable pilots to seek the most cost- effective routes.

The present system uses lateral and longitudinal separation of 80 nautical miles over the ocean. FANS-1 initially will reduce both longitudinal and lateral separation to 50 nautical miles. Further refinement is expected to reduce this separation down to 30 nautical miles by the end of 1996.

The GPS installation also will be certified to allow GPS Area Nav precision approaches to Decision Altitude (DA) when the flight management computer determines the necessary satellite geometry is available.

The FAA and worldwide civil aviation bodies such as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) are working with operators to provide preferential routing for suitably-equipped aircraft.

The development of FANS-1 was a cooperative effort between airlines, Honeywell and Boeing. Air New Zealand, Cathay Pacific, Qantas and United Airlines participated in most aspects of the development effort. They selected the functions to be implemented and helped design much of the flight deck interface.

Boeing contracted Qantas to support the initial certification of FANS-1 on its Rolls Royce-powered 747-400. United Airlines will provide an in- service 747-400 for the Pratt & Whitney engine certification and Air New Zealand will support the certification for the General Electric engine. These are expected to be completed this summer.

Certification activities included a series of laboratory tests of the Honeywell system by Boeing in Seattle, and flight evaluations off the east coast of Australia as well as non-revenue and revenue flights from Sydney to Perth, in Western Australia and to Singapore.

The new standard is to be introduced this month by Qantas on air routes over the Pacific. FANS-1 routes are being planned across Russia to support North America-to-Asia routes and across China and Russia to support Europe- Asia routes.

Twelve customers have ordered 122 kits to add GPS equipment and FANS-1 to their 747s. In addition, 32 units have been ordered by airlines for 747s that are currently in production.