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Local Area Augmentation System - Memphis Implementation

Memphis Airfield In Memphis, the FAA is working towards operational implementation of LAAS by working with industry to gain as much operational experience as possible in anticipation of the certification of a LAAS ground station in a project called, "the Memphis Plan." The Memphis Plan team, composed of the FAA, Federal Express (FedEx), Honeywell, Boeing, Rockwell-Collins, the Memphis Shelby County Airport Authority, and others are working together to use this site to prove operational concepts and to obtain the first Non-Federal U.S. certification for LAAS operations.

The Memphis Plan integrates the FedEx leased prototype Honeywell LAAS and is comprised of a series of hardware, software, and siting upgrades. The results of this work in the Memphis operational environment will be a LAAS ready for a Non-Federal Approval.

Memphis Plan Benefits

The Memphis Plan participants are working to provide these benefits:

For the FAA	More capacity in the terminal area while reducing maintenance costs for the existing navigation infrastructure.
For FedEx / Airlines	Anticipated 10% less fuel consumption and weather resistant operations that help to create greater efficiencies in the terminal area.
For the Memphis Airport and Community	Anticipated 30-40% noise reduction and continuous descent approaches that will greatly reduce emissions.
For the LAAS-related Industry	A greater market domestically and internationally.

While this effort will prove near-term benefits for Memphis, the operational procedures proven in the Memphis Plan can also be implemented at other airports with capacity, congestion, and noise problems. In addition, the FAA is working with global partners to implement LAAS so that interoperable use of LAAS can have profound impact on air navigation worldwide.

LAAS will provide a significant improvement in service flexibility and reduction in user operating costs while allowing each airport to tailor airspace use to meet their unique demands.

Memphis Plan Schedule

2006-2007

FedEx plane Initially flight tests are being conducted using a FedEx LAAS-Equipped Boeing-727; further evaluations will include other aircraft to include MD-11 and Airbus Aircraft.

The Terminal Area Paths (TAPs) that will be tested in Memphis are expected to provide time and fuel savings for every approach.

Phase One - 2008

Memphis airfield FedEx Aircraft Begin Flying 8 Approved Straight-In CAT I Final Approach Procedures and provides training for aircrews, controllers, and maintainers.

Phase Two - 2009

Memphis airfield Use of the TAP to transition different types of aircraft from the MEM cornerposts to decision height and provide for a low power continuous descent approach.

Expected to provide a reduction in pilot/controller transmissions during critical stage of flight and significant reduction in fuel consumption during terminal stage of fight.

Phase Three - 2010

Approved procedures that transition the aircraft from the en route stage (100-160 miles) to decision height using GNSS/RNAV procedures.

Integration with traffic management advisor (TMA) for long range planning.

Provides for significant reduction in pilot/controller transmissions during critical stage of fight and reduction in fuel consumption during final 100-160 miles of flight.