The proposed methodology for defining a FAS VIG Deployment Plan are based around a framework of ‘packages of change’ that are designed to deliver operational improvements to VFR stakeholders in the period to 2020.
Framework for delivering operational improvements
Essentially, a “package of change” refers to the outputs required to establish or improve a set of capabilities in order to deliver operational improvements and generate benefits.
The proposed set of ‘packages of change’ is broadly linked to the characteristics of FAS, each package being centred on specific operational improvement in the way VFR traffic is regulated and operates within the FIR in the period to 2020. They are:
Modernising Airspace Structures
Access to Airspace
VFR Efficiency Enablers
Each `package’ would capture a mix of new capabilities; airspace, airborne and regulatory, required to enable the operational improvements, including an indication of where and when they will be implemented, recognising that change will occur in different areas of the FIR at different times. These are summarised in the chart on the inside front cover.
Based on an analysis of current programmes and developments, this document includes initial proposals for the content and timescales of the ‘packages of change’ – in effect a ‘Draft VFR Deployment Plan’.
Delivering the necessary airspace, technology and capabilities will rely upon specific projects undertaken by different organisations all working to the `VFR Deployment Plan’.
Also highlighted in this document are a number of policy and regulatory changes to be considered in tandem in order to facilitate safe, effective implementation of the proposed operational and technological developments.
It is essential that, for the Implementation Programme to be successful, the VFR Community, the CAT Community, NATS, the MOD and the CAA have open and frequent dialogue to help shape the outcomes of the work. It is intended therefore to use the FAS VFR Implementation Programme as the pillar of formal and informal consultation with these partners to ensure the realisation of the plan’s objectives and benefits.
The `VFR Deployment Plan’ will need to be consistent with the FASIIG Deployment Plan and the emerging Single European Sky (SES) requirements to avoid any misalignment or out-of-step implementation.
In developing this framework into a VFR Deployment Plan, each package would capture the activities required to deliver the operational improvement and when they would be delivered. This forms the basis of the process used to develop the VFR Deployment Plan from the packages set out in Appendix A and which are further explained in the next sections.
Evolution of Packages of Change
At the initial meetings of FASVIG a facilitated debate on the airspace and associated requirements for VFR operations led to the development of lists of proposals under the headings of Safety, Capacity, Environment and Cost. These were developed further and reviewed to provide a consistent set of packages of change, now subdivided under headings of Modernising Airspace Structures, Access to Airspace and VFR Efficiency Enablers. Each package will need to be developed in the areas of Airspace, Regulatory Policy and Information Management and may need to be revisited as work proceeds.
We have set out how each of the areas of capability is expected to evolve, including a description of the current capability in each area today, the target capability that is envisaged following implementation of the FAS IP and any sub capabilities to be developed in order to get there – based on an initial assessment of current progress and expected timescales in developing these capabilities.