Portland, Oregon Flights to be cleaner and greener.December 13, 2012 -
According to FAA, pilots will start using NextGen technology and procedures that will enable aircraft to fly more efficient, environmentally friendly flights into Portland International Airport beginning next year. NextGen program uses RNAV approach procedures, which enable aircraft to fly safely on any desired flight path within coverage of ground- or space-based navigation aids. Aircraft approaching Portland can now power back sooner, saving fuel, making less noise, and emitting fewer pollutants.
Portland, Oregon Flights to be Cleaner and Greener |
Federal Aviation Administration
800 Independence Ave, SW
Washington, DC, 20591
USA
Press release date: December 12, 2012
PORTLAND, Ore. - The Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) today announced that pilots will start using new NextGen technology and procedures that will enable aircraft to fly more efficient, environmentally-friendly flights into Portland International Airport (PDX) beginning next year.
The NextGen (Next Generation Air Transportation System) program uses cutting-edge technology, including new Area Navigation (RNAV) approach procedures, to create a modern, satellite-based air traffic control system, transforming the national airspace system to make it even safer and more efficient for the traveling public, airports and operators, and facilitating economic growth.
“These new procedures in Portland are the building blocks of NextGen,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “NextGen initiatives underway in major regions across the country are helping deliver more on-time flights for consumers, reducing fuel consumption for airlines and creating an even safer aviation system.”
RNAV enables aircraft to fly safely on any desired flight path within the coverage of ground-based or space-based navigation aids. NextGen GPS technology is the basis for new RNAV approach procedures, which replace procedures that do not have the benefit of precise, satellite-based navigation. Aircraft approaching Portland can now power back sooner, saving fuel, making less noise and emitting fewer pollutants.
“These procedures will continue to enhance operational safety and efficiency at this important airport while improving air quality around Portland,” said Acting Administrator Michael Huerta.RNAV procedures also can increase the efficiency of the air traffic control system. Aircraft using RNAV can fly more precise and predictable routes, resulting in a more efficient use of airspace and fewer pilot-controller communications.
The FAA included the PDX Citizens Noise Advisory Committee in the design phase of the new RNAV approaches in support of the PDX Fly Quiet Program. The FAA, the Port of Portland, airlines, and local citizen groups designed six new RNAV approach procedures. The FAA designed these new approaches to link up with future arrival routes from the north, east, and south. Pilots of aircraft equipped with RNAV can begin flying these new arrival routes in 2013.
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User comments about this story
Beware of downsides
It's true that RNAV can reduce fuel use and emissions (cleaner and greener) however it also consolidates the path where planes fly. This is fine if you can put the air traffic over areas with no homes. However, it is a problem if there are residential areas near the airport. Residents near LaGuardia are outraged by the noise after RNAV was implemented.
By Kay on Jan 10, 2013 23:59
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