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Rockwell Collins is developing a new symbology format that will help pilots navigate better on airport taxiways and runways.
The symbology uses an airport database to conformally identify the centerline and edges of the current taxiway, and provides
virtual signs that overlay the actual signs. With this extra awareness of the taxiways and runways, the pilot will be able
to navigate more confidently and the potential for runway incursions will be minimized.
This capability is particularly useful at unfamiliar airports, as well as all airports at night, in low-visibility conditions
or when snow covers the taxiway and signs.
Rockwell Collins is also defining an addition to the Flight Management System called "Taxi Management" that will allow the
pilot to enter or downlink the assigned taxi path. The taxi path — like a flight plan — specifies the taxi route to the terminal
or FBO as a series of taxiways. With the taxi path defined, the HGS can guide the pilot from one taxiway to the next, providing
commands to keep the pilot in the center of the taxiway and at the right speed to make the next turn.
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