Spacing Is Money at UPS.

With a new software tool developed by Aviation Communication & Surveillance Systems, UPS pilots will be able to monitor aircraft, spacing during approaches.

Pilots will use SafeRoute's "merging and spacing" feature to maintain a consistent interval and fly approaches mostly at idle power. ACSS is a joint venture of L-3 Communications and Thales.

UPS' 268 aircraft log 22,000 arrivals a year at its Louisville (Ky.) International Airport hub, and the airline estimates that the new software could save 880,000 gal. of fuel annually. UPS has paid between $1.40 and $1.76 per gal. of jet fuel so far this year.

At the Paris air show here, UPS Capt. Karen Lee said the SafeRoute upgrade is a practical one for the airline and should help it accomplish key near-term goals including fuel savings.

SafeRoute is a series of Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast software applications designed to improve the safety and efficiency of flight operations. ADS-B allows aircraft to transmit their GPS-derived positions to the ground and to other aircraft, where the data can be presented on a Class 3 electronic flight bag (EFB). One presentation will guide merging maneuvers and spacing behind other aircraft during arrivals. Controllers retain responsibility for safe separation, while pilots help maintain proper sequencing.

The data depicted on the EFB will instruct pilots to speed up or slow down to keep a consistent interval, such as 90 sec. in trail (3-4naut. mi. on final) or 105 sec. (5.5 naut. mi.) during inclement weather. NASA studies on the use of such techniques suggest an airport could increase its capacity 20% with these procedures.

Keeping engines near idle during descent can save several hundred pounds of fuel per approach (350 lb. on average during flight trials). ACSS also expects UPS to see a 30% reduction in noise and a similar drop in oxides of nitrogen emissions below 3,000 ft.

SafeRoute also has a surface area movement management (SAMM) application to show the aircraft's location on an airfield based on GPS position.

ACSS President Kris Ganase says two other major carriers with more than 100 aircraft, and some other smaller carriers, are also evaluating SafeRoute, which can be installed on ACSS products and other avionics.

PHOTO (COLOR): With ACSS SafeRoute, an aircraft will display its "own ship" position on an airport (Chicago O'Hare in this case).

~~~~~~~~

By David Hughes, LE BOURGET