FLAG, more than 5 Lives
Upon the success and work performed as Advisory Group of 5-LIVES, a Research and Development project funded by the European GNSS Agency (GSA), the FLAG working group chaired by PildoLabs is now consolidated as European focal point in terms of coordination and harmonization on the early implementation of satellite-based rotorcraft operations.
Upon the success and work performed as Advisory Group of 5-LIVES Research and Development project, funded by the European GNSS Agency (GSA), the FLAG working group chaired by PildoLabs is now consolidated as European focal point in terms of coordination and harmonization on the early implementation of satellite-based rotorcraft operations.
The development of advanced operations and products based on the use of European Global Navigation Satellite Services (EGNOS and Galileo), represents an opportunity for providing a more efficient and safe service to the society. Thanks to EGNSS, rotorcraft operators will be enabled with 24 hrs a day operations in instrument flight conditions, ensuring more immediate and effective responses to an emergency or distress situation.
Last 13th and 14th September, with the support of Barcelona City Council, the European GNSS Agency (GSA) and EUROCONTROL, PildoLabs organized the 4th FLAG Working Group meeting at their Barcelona primary premises. The meeting brought together more than 40 experts, including representatives from main rotorcraft OEMs, Air Navigation Service Providers, Aviation Authorities, rotorcraft operators’ managers and pilots plus the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
During the two days, attendees took the opportunity to get an update on current implementation programs dealing with so-called Point-in-Space (PinS) and Low-Level Routes flight operations. The excellent work environment created within the group allowed sharing experiences and deriving lessons learned, towards harmonizing the overall implementation process on the light of applicable European and National regulations.
For the occasion, attendees got also the opportunity to discuss with a representative from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), with larger experience on the implementation of those novel types of operations, and quite a decent number of flight procedures being operated on a regular basis.
With the support from the European GNSS Agency (GSA), the FLAG is now confirmed to continue running for the next following years, with the aim to keep promoting further the use of EGNSS in a sector demonstrated to be the most efficient means to ensure in a timely manner any response to an emergency situation.
