Interview: EGNOS test pilot Juan José Pelegrí

16 October 2008

The final EGNOS flight trial of the EU-funded 'GIANT' project took place in Bologna on 27 September 2008. "I believe in this system," says pilot Juan José Pelegrí, "and I think we can start using it now."

Under the GIANT project, GNSS avionics is providing pilots with high-quality guidance during landing approaches, using EGNOS signals broadcast by two geostationary satellites.

In Bologna, test pilot Juan José Pelegrí flew an Air Nostrum CRJ-200 aircraft equipped with integrated SBAS (EGNOS) avionics on five 'Localiser Performance with Vertical guidance' (LPV) approaches at Bologna airport. Flights included complete approach sets, including all initial approach fixes, missed approach and extended final approach segments, all using EGNOS vertical guidance.

General impressions:
"This is the first time I've been involved in this kind of project," says Pelegri. "What I do know is that experimental navigation systems have come and gone over the years and very few of them stay around and get implemented. This one, I think, is here to stay.

"The EGNOS system definitely makes life easier during the LPV approach. I believe in this system so much – I believe we can already start using it today, in combination with existing NavAids."

Advantages for pilots:
"This is a big step forward, but it's not like having to learn a whole new system. Once the system is online, final approach is quite similar to a normal conventional approach. There are only minor differences with EGNOS LPV activated, a very slight change for the pilot.

"I would recommend just a brief training session for pilots, not so much because of new skills required or new procedures, but more to sensitise pilots to the actual technology and how it works.

"For the pilot, the new system does not interfere in any way with ground equipment. Back-up systems continue to operate. In other words you are always covered. With conventional systems, if you lose ground-based NavAids, you're on your own, but the EGNOS satellite signal is always there. So, you are sure to make a safe landing."

And for air transport:
"The ATM controller will find it easier to establish efficient traffic flow with this system. The ability to undertake final approaches without the need for ground equipment, and this should be the ultimate goal, is certainly a very interesting concept for operators.

"This is a big step for small airports where infrastructure is restricted. I can see this system being applied not only to landing approaches but also to take-offs.

"Likely targets are airports in mountainous areas. As pilots, we don't like crashing into mountains. EGNOS is perfectly adapted to helping us clear such obstacles with safer margins, but also to avoid populated areas.

"If we can get this new technology established, to become a significant part of air transport infrastructure, then I can see it making a real difference in terms of overall air transport efficiency. Timing of approaches will be improved once we have widespread uptake, and this will lead to high- and medium-altitude traffic abatement, reduced flight delays and increased airport capacities."

Advantages for citizen:
"Not having to fly from one ground-based NavAid to another will mean better and more efficient flight paths, and this will have an immediate effect in terms of noise abatement for both airplane passengers and populations living near airports and along transport routes."

When and how?
"Getting the sector to accept and implement EGNOS for aviation in the early stages will be tricky. There will always be a concern about safety and security with this kind of new system.

"Also, there is some expense involved in setting up these systems, but again I see great advantages, especially in relation to smaller airports and smaller aircraft.

"The way is clear to implement this system already in combination with existing equipment, so it isn't a question of completely stripping out an existing system and replacing it. This can be a new layer of security working in combination with existing NavAids. Again, the ultimate goal should be the future airport with no ground equipment, but we can already start using EGNOS today."