TAG Aviation (UK) Ltd has been granted approval to use less restrictive instrument approach minimums, in line with EASA regulations, through the use of HUD/EVS technology on aircraft it operates that are equipped with these systems. Enhanced vision systems incorporate sensing technology to improve a pilot’s ability to detect objects - such as runway lights or terrain - that may otherwise not be visible. The image produced from the sensor and/or image processor can be displayed to the pilot in a number of ways including use of a HUD. The system can be used in all phases of flight and can improve situational awareness. In particular, infra-red systems can display terrain during operations at night, improve situational awareness during night and low-visibility taxiing, and may allow earlier acquisition of visual references during instrument approaches.
As part of the approvals process TAG Aviation developed a training programme, associated operational techniques and standard operating procedures in order to equip its crews with the skills and knowledge required to effectively operate these state-of-the-art systems.
“The HUD/EVS approval and training permits crews to fly to an approach in visibility worse than the normal minimum, allowing a decent of 100' above the runway in bad weather, rather than the usual 200' ”, said Captain David Clarke, Deputy Chief Pilot, TAG Aviation UK, who was responsible for the approvals submission to the UK CAA.
About TAG Aviation TAG Aviation has pioneered industry standards in business aviation client service, safety systems, operational excellence and bespoke training, with a history dating back to 1966. TAG Aviation is a global company that includes TAG Aviation Europe, TAG Aviation Asia in Hong Kong and TAG Aviation Middle East in Bahrain. The company offers a broad range of business aviation services including aircraft management, charter, maintenance and FBO/handling. Globally, TAG Aviation manages a fleet of over 120 aircraft, with around 50 available for charter. (More) The company also provides comprehensive maintenance and engineering services in nine locations (Geneva, Sion, Farnborough, Paris, Clermont-Ferrand, Madrid, Lisbon, Hong Kong and Lomé). The company is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland and comprises of operating centres in Geneva, Farnborough (London), Madrid and Hong Kong. TAG Aviation’s FBO facilities in Geneva and TAG Farnborough Airport, a sister company, have repeatedly been rated among the top three FBOs worldwide. TAG Aviation employs over 1,200 aviation professionals worldwide including nearly 600 pilots and cabin crew. TAG Global Training, TAG Aviation’s training division, trains an average of 3,000 aviation professionals each year. www.tagaviation.com
