Idaho Mountain Express: Applaud airport reliability effort

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Applaud airport reliability effort

Recent reports that the Friedman Memorial Airport Authority and the FAA are looking toward proven NextGen (Next Generation) technologies to improve the safety and reliability of the Friedman Airport are to be commended. Alaska Airlines is dedicated to improving our operational reliability through the use of NextGen. The application of this technology at Friedman Memorial Airport would be a boon for the entire community.

Friedman is a challenging airport operationally. The combination of local terrain and weather patterns currently results in high approach minimums and a proportionately high number of flight cancellations each year.

Required Navigation Performance (RNP) is a cornerstone of NextGen technology. RNP instrument approaches at Friedman will improve operating reliability. A revised RNP approach from the south can eliminate 15 of the roughly 45 flight cancellations that we experience annually. Once this approach is established, any approved RNP operator can use it to lower approach minimums. An RNP approach from the north will immediately produce 99 percent operational reliability; however, similar benefits can be gained over time with the revised approach from the south. No other approach guidance system has the potential to achieve this level of reliability at Friedman Airport.

The equipment needed by any airplane to fly an RNP approach is self-contained within each aircraft using a state-of-the-art blend of GPS and other onboard navigation systems. With the elimination of ground-based equipment, RNP-based approaches are an inexpensive solution for many airports. This is a win/win solution for everyone: increased reliability, decreased fuel burn and emissions, lower airport operating costs, a more flexible approach system and enhanced safety through utilization of more optimized descent and flight paths.

Both Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air are excited to see the community consider this promising solution. New and/or revised RNP approaches will allow us to improve on our already great 30-year history serving the Sun Valley area.

PERRY SOLMONSON

Director of flight operations standards and training

Horizon Air

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