APPROACH USING FINAL APP GUIDANCE FOR RNAV(RNP) (PRO-NOR-SOP-18-C P 29/50)

Title: Enhancing Approach Precision: Implementing Final Approach Guidance for RNAV(RNP) in Airbus Operations

 

Let's delve into the details on the approach using the Final Approach Procedure with guidance for Required Navigation Performance (RNP) as outlined in the document PRO-NOR-SOP-18-C.

1. Introduction to Approach Procedure:
   • The approach procedure under consideration employs the RNAV (RNP) system, emphasizing precision in navigation performance during the final stages of the approach.
2. Vertical Guidance and Barometric Setting:
   • The vertical guidance aspect of the approach demands a high level of precision in the barometric setting. This is crucial for ensuring accuracy in altitude measurements during the descent phase.
3. Baro-Setting Requirements:
   • The team needs to establish and communicate specific requirements for the barometric setting. This involves meticulous attention to detail, considering factors such as local atmospheric conditions and pressure variations.
4. Maximum Altimeter Discrepancy:
   • One critical parameter to adhere to is the maximum acceptable discrepancy between altimeters, set at 75 feet. The engineering team must ensure that all altimeters on board the aircraft, whether redundant or not, fall within this specified tolerance.
5. Instrument Calibration and Validation:
   • The aircraft's altimeter systems must undergo thorough calibration and validation processes. This includes ground testing as well as in-flight testing to ensure that the altimeters are functioning within the prescribed limits.
6. Data Fusion and Redundancy:
   • The engineering team should design and implement a robust data fusion system that integrates inputs from multiple sensors and altimeters. This redundancy is essential to enhance the reliability of altitude measurements and minimize the risk of exceeding the 75-foot threshold.
7. Continuous Monitoring and System Health Checks:
   • A comprehensive health monitoring system should be integrated into the aircraft's avionics, constantly checking the performance of altimeters and associated systems. Any deviation from the specified limits should trigger appropriate alerts for immediate corrective action.
8. Collaboration with Regulatory Authorities:
   • The engineering team needs to work closely with regulatory authorities to ensure that the designed approach procedures and systems meet or exceed the established safety standards and regulations.

In summary, the aircraft design engineering team is tasked with developing a robust and precise system for vertical guidance during the approach, focusing on barometric setting accuracy and altimeter consistency within the prescribed limits. The meticulous design, testing, and documentation processes are imperative to guarantee the safe and reliable implementation of the RNAV (RNP) approach procedure.