| RNP was originally developed for use by aircraft flying transoceanic routes where ground-based navigation aids are not available. Without radar or radio beacons, aircraft flying over oceans are required to meet specific navigation performance criteria to ensure that they do not conflict with one another. For example, operating RNP-10 requires that an aircraft establish with a high degree of certainty its location within 10 nautical miles. Steve Fulton, a technical pilot at Alaska Airlines, realized that the airline could solve operational difficulties it was having in Juneau, Alaska using a more precise form of RNP. It was not uncommon for 10% of the airline's flights there to be diverted due to the mountainous terrain and poor weather. Fulton developed a procedure that began with Alaska aircraft using the Global Positioning System (GPS) to establish their location with a high degree of accuracy. With certainty of location, the Alaska aircraft could follow narrow, pre-programmed paths between mountains in good weather or bad. In addition to guiding planes toward the runway, Fulton's RNP procedures included terrain-avoiding directions up and away from the airport in case of a missed approach or for departures. Alaska's first landing using RNP occurred in 1996 at Juneau, Alaska. After developing RNP procedures for numerous other Alaska airports, Fulton and another Alaska Airlines technical pilot, Hal Andersen, joined with Dan Gerrity to form Naverus. Their goal was and remains to increase the safety, efficiency and reliability of aviation using RNP. Since its inception, Naverus has created procedures for airlines in Canada, New Zealand, Australia, China and the United States. The company consults with aircraft manufacturers, avionics suppliers, aircraft operators, air traffic control managers, airports and aviation authorities around the world. The world is beginning to realize that RNP results in enormous benefits at all types of airports. The use of RNP for airport approaches and departures marks the first time that rigorous scientific analysis and testing has been used in aircraft navigation procedure design. The use of RNP now extends far beyond terrain and weather-challenged airports. It is well-recognized for its ability to reduce fuel consumption, enhance operational efficiency, manage traffic in busy airspace, reduce noise and lower emissions. |
