Free flight…or…Flight of Fancy?

If you utter the words ”free flight” these days, a number of interesting reactions are likely. These can range from blank stares via violent reactions to sad headshaking. On one occasion somebody actually asked me.…”But you still have to pay airport taxes…?” But jokes apart, there are plenty of experts who will remember how much… Continue reading Free flight…or…Flight of Fancy?

SESAR at ATC Global 2011 – Connecting vision with reality

Roger-Wilco was given a special opportunity to interview SESAR’s Chief Program Officer on the occasion of ATC Global 2011 and in particular in connection with SESAR Release 1, being presented as the most important SESAR deliverable for the year. Florian Guillermet talks to editor Steve Zerkowitz. Roger-Wilco: Looking at the details of SESAR Release 1,… Continue reading SESAR at ATC Global 2011 – Connecting vision with reality

Interesting people, unusual flight plans…

Mike Russo – Looking back on a lifetime in aviation Mike, lead principal engineer and Executive Secretary of the AEEC has recently retired from Aeronautical Radio Incorporated (ARINC). What were you dreaming of becoming when you were a kid? I grew up in a rural family with limited means and there were not that many… Continue reading Interesting people, unusual flight plans…

A short (unofficial) history of air/ground digital link – 3

Pioneers to the rescue In spite of the positive business case, airspace users were not exactly rushing to equip with air/ground digital link. Because of the slow down of traffic growth in the wake of 9/11, the expected ACARS problems did not materialize and the ATC frequency congestion was also pushed far into the future.… Continue reading A short (unofficial) history of air/ground digital link – 3

A short (unofficial) history of air/ground digital link – 2

The clash of VDL Mode 4 and VDL Mode 2 Following years of testing and discussions on countless forums, VDL Mode 2 was emerging as the solution that, combined with the ATN protocol, could support the initial implementation of Controller Pilot Digital Link Communications. There was nothing else it could do but it had a… Continue reading A short (unofficial) history of air/ground digital link – 2