AirNavCAD v1.15: Automating Conventional Flight Procedure Design in a Unified Workspace

From procedure construction to PANS-OPS checks, reporting and AIXM export — all within one integrated workflow.

At AirNavCAD, we are taking another step towards a more integrated and efficient approach to conventional instrument flight procedure design.

As part of the ongoing development of AirNavCAD v1.15, currently in the final validation phase, we are automating the Conventional module to bring the different stages of procedure design together in a single panel.

The objective is clear: simplify the workflow, improve consistency and help flight procedure designers manage the complete design process without unnecessarily switching between separate tools or stages.

One panel. A more integrated workflow.

Conventional flight procedure design involves several interconnected tasks, from defining the procedure geometry to checking applicable criteria and preparing the technical documentation and data for delivery.

AirNavCAD is evolving towards a unified workspace that integrates these activities into a more streamlined workflow.

The Conventional module is being developed to bring together:

• Procedure design and construction: manage the different stages of conventional procedure development within a single working environment.

• PANS-OPS design checks: support the verification of applicable ICAO PANS-OPS criteria and help identify potential omissions during the design process.

• Automated report generation: export design reports to support technical review, documentation and validation activities.

• AIXM export: facilitate the delivery of aeronautical data through the AIXM format, supporting integration with downstream aeronautical information workflows.

By bringing these capabilities together, AirNavCAD aims to reduce fragmented workflows and make the transition from procedure design to verification and data delivery more efficient.

Conventional SID design: a practical example

The accompanying image illustrates a conventional Standard Instrument Departure (SID) designed in AirNavCAD.

Conventional procedures remain an essential part of instrument flight procedure design. They provide operational alternatives where conventional navigation is required or where PBN-based procedures are unavailable, unsuitable or not operationally usable.

Automating conventional SID design is therefore an important part of expanding AirNavCAD's capabilities and supporting the continued development of conventional procedure workflows.

Image: Conventional SID procedure designed in AirNavCAD.

More than drawing geometry

A flight procedure design tool must do more than generate the geometry of a procedure. Designers also need to consider applicable criteria, review the resulting design, prepare supporting documentation and deliver the required aeronautical data.

Integrating design, PANS-OPS checks, report generation and AIXM export within the same workflow helps address these needs as connected parts of the procedure development process.

Automated checks support the designer's work; they do not replace the need for professional judgement, independent verification or the applicable approval and validation processes.

Moving towards a more automated design process

The development of the Conventional module is part of AirNavCAD's broader commitment to increasing automation across flight procedure design.

With AirNavCAD v1.15, we are working towards a more integrated environment in which procedure construction, design verification, reporting and data export are connected within a single workspace.

Our goal is to help flight procedure designers work more efficiently while maintaining a systematic approach to the application of ICAO PANS-OPS criteria.

AirNavCAD — integrated tools for modern flight procedure design.

AirNavCAD v1.15 is currently in the final validation phase. Features described in this article are subject to completion of the release validation process.

Keywords: AirNavCAD, Conventional Flight Procedure Design, Conventional SID, PANS-OPS, ICAO Doc 8168, AIXM, Automated Procedure Design, Flight Procedure Design Software, Aviation Safety.