How will our pilots calculate the new arrival time?
Pilots have been trained since the beginning of flight to do distance, speed versus time calculations. Obviously, having a Flight Management Computer (FMC) in the aircraft makes meeting the Attila time is easier. Many aircraft allow entry of a specified time at the arrival fix (RTA). With this RTA function, all the pilot need do is enter the fix time sent by Attila. Even with a non-FMS aircraft, given the accuracy of the flight plans, meeting the Attila time within +/- 30 seconds is reasonable. Military pilots routinely practice “time on target” operations within seconds. This is not a new task for pilots. For more information go to the Pilots Section.
