Implementation of Area Navigation in the National Airspace System: An Assessment of RNAV Task Force Concepts and Payoffs.

This document presents the results of a three year study effort to define the cost and operational impact, and to assess the economic benefits which are expected to accrue to the ACT system and various users of the National Airspace System as a result of the implementation of Area Navigation. Previous impact analyses are expanded to include the primary aspects of ATC system operation and to include a broad spectrum of user groups, route structure, and types of operation. System impact results are presented pertaining to slant range effects, VORTAC requirements, ATC automation, airspace capacity, route development, charting, flight inspection, VNAV, controller training, and controller productivity. User impact results are presented in terms of fuel and time increment benefits for several classes of users, comparing 2D RNAV to VOR in the high and low altitude structures, and comparing 2D, 3D, and 4D RNAV to VOR/radar vectors in the terminal area. Estimates are made of total annual savings due to RNAV, and an analysis of user equipment cost versus benefits is presented. The results of the user and system impact analyses, together with results of related system studies in the areas of avionics standards, waypoint standards, route designs, and flight technical error are utilized to develop an RNAV operational concept. The system design and implementation concepts presented are based on the Task Force concept, but modified as appropriate to insure maximum benefits to the ATC system and a broad spectrum of users of the National Airspace system. (Author)