Rotorcraft perform missions that include Aeromedical transport, search and rescue, law enforcement, and vitally important disaster relief missions, which are needed for this nation's safety and security. Unfortunately, the nation's airspace is becoming increasingly crowded and the Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) system is not readily able to cope with increases of IFR rotorcraft and future tilt rotor aircraft operations, which limits these crucial rotorcraft operations to times when the weather is good or exposes aircrews to additional risk when weather is poor.
Simultaneous Non Interfering (SNI) operations will increase airspace capacity and enhance safety by exploiting new navigation technology as well as the capabilities of Vertical Flight (VF) aircraft. SNI will achieve increased capacity by using innovative VF airway routes, new VF terminal instrument procedures, and reduced required separation standards in selected terminal areas. In order for SNI to become a reality, methods for implementing theories need to be developed.
This paper takes the concepts of past SNI studies one step further into the applied research and operational implementation phases. The FAA's goal is to incorporate SNI theories into methods, procedures and criteria that will improve the current ATC system. SNI is in its infancy, and the path to total SNI operations will be strewn with many obstacles, twists and changes, but some benefits provided by SNI theory is attainable in the very near future. This paper describes the FAA's proposed short, medium and long-range research, development, and implementation plans for SNI operations in the United States National Airspace System (NAS).