From 2017 to the present, the number of EGNOS LPV procedures published at European aerodromes has grown by 85%, and will continue to increase in the coming years as the different stages in the so called PBN implementing rule are accomplished. The business aviation industry, which has always been pioneering in the implementation of cutting-edge technologies, has enforced the use of EGNOS and LPV in their approach operations throughout Europe.
Jetfly Aviation S.A. is a business aviation company currently based in Luxembourg with several subsidiaries in UK, Germany, Finland, Switzerland and Tunisia covering all scopes of business aviation operations (fractional, management, charter, maintenance, training and operational support). The company operates the largest Pilatus fleet of PC-12 and PC-24 worldwide (50 aircraft), all aircrafts feature LPV capacities, the majority equipped by default from the manufacturing line.
Mr Fabien Rousset, Jetfly’s Director of Flight Operations & Chief Pilot, shared some insights on Jetfly’s operations and their experience with EGNOS and LPV: “We have noticed an increase in the number of airports and runways with LPV procedures, now widespread, as we have a large number of destinations with LPV and LPV CAT-I. The main advantage is being able to provide more availability of IFR approaches at smaller aerodromes, ensuring we can land even in tough visual conditions. LPV is a huge improvement over older non-precision approaches (NDB, VOR…)”.
Mr Rousset stated that “In business aviation, you don’t have a choice but to implement EGNOS and LPV capabilities. Clients know a great deal, and they demand the best of the best. When a client asks about the reason for not landing closer to their destination, if it is because you don’t have LPV, you have a problem”. Other benefits of using EGNOS that Mr. Rousset explained were: “Aside from availability, reliability is paramount. We have rarely had a failure with LPV approaches, except for some instances, due to jamming or spoofing. When operating with ILS, systems sometimes need maintenance, including an out-of-service period of up to two months to be fully restored. LPV is always out there”.
EGNOS also simplifies flight planning by reducing the need to perform pre-flight RAIM checks over the intended route, streamlining the process involved in the typical 4 to 6 legs a day performed by Jetfly’s pilots.
Jetfly’s Chief sees the EGNOS contribution to air navigation as quite important, especially LPV CAT-I: “For sure, we sometimes forgot about the people that had been working on EGNOS’ project for so long. Getting the service now is normal, but in our experience at Jetfly, we feel grateful for the work done. On the other hand, when airports see the economic benefit of choosing LPV over ILS, they will switch from conventional to GNSS-EGNOS based. Pilots immediately see the benefits, especially in business jets, which are always 10-15 years ahead of airliners in terms of technology. When you are about to take-off, with your aircraft right in the centre of the runway, and you look at your SVS (Synthetic Visual System) display in the cockpit, showing precisely that, you marvel at the awesome precision EGNOS offers you and your passengers. I take the opportunity to thanks the industry, the GSA, and the European Commission for providing EGNOS on a free basis”.
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