Automatic Dependent Surveillance . Broadcast (ADS-B) is a key enabling technology for the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) in the United States. The NextGen system replaces the current ground based command-and-control system with a GPS-based autonomous system where both controllers and fully equipped aircraft will be able to detect all nearby aircraft and their important state data in real time. This report examines the potential improvements in helicopter operations in the Gulf of Mexico due to the implementation of ADS-B. While there may be other benefits to ADS-B operations, such as reduced noise exposure, this report looks exclusively at potential fuel consumption reductions due to improved routing. Examination of the ADS-B operations and (Enhanced Traffic Management System) ETMS flight plans shows a small but measurable improvement in the efficiency of the helicopter flights under ADS-B due to more direct routing.
Fuel Consumption of ADS-B and non-ADS-B Helicopter Operation in the Gulf of Mexico
2013
31 pages
Report
No indication
English