FMS Wind Information over ACARS

By Björn Syrén, SAS

Implemented: November 2006 (Airbus), July 2007 (B737NG)

Several aircraft types have an FMS (Flight Management System) that allows the pilot to request and receive enroute predicted wind information over ACARS.

For SAS and associated airlines the FMS wind information is provided by RODOS, uplinked through HERMES/ACARS and inserted into the FMS. Wind information is typically requested and uplinked before departure while preparing the FMS for the flight. Updated winds can be requested en route.

The wind information allows the FMS to optimize the flight, eg minimizing fuel consumption and emissions. The pilot's workload and time to set up the FMS is reduced. Wind data is uplinked for the climb, cruise and descent flight phases.

The predicted winds application is (July 2007) in service for SAS' A340, A330, A321 and A319 fleets, and the Boeing B737NG fleets. Any future fleet with an FMS is expected to support this feature.

MyTravel Airways DK is (March 2007) is process of implementing the wind uplink function for their fleets.

June 2007: As part of the Arlanda NUP2 trials SAS also uplinks actual descent wind observations to participating aircraft. The purpose is to further enhance the FMS's descent predictiuons and execution of continuous idle descents (Green Approaches).

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