Aircraft
FAA Extends Pacific In-trail Procedures Evaluation
The UTC Aerospace Systems “SmartDisplay” electronic flight bag used in the FAA’s In Trail Procedures evaluation runs a Honeywell application. (Photo: UTC Aerospace Systems)
The UTC Aerospace Systems “SmartDisplay” electronic flight bag used in the FAA’s In Trail Procedures evaluation runs a Honeywell application. (Photo: UTC Aerospace Systems)

The FAA has extended for a second year an operational evaluation of pilot initiated climbs and descents using in-trail procedures (ITP) in Pacific Ocean airspace. The trial involves 12 United Airlines Boeing 747-400s flying between the U.S. West Coast and Australia and New Zealand. Having extended the evaluation to Aug. 15, 2013, the agency said that it is also holding “exploratory conversations” with ANA and Japan Airlines to include some of their aircraft in the process.