scope:

INTRODUCTION

AUTOMATION IN THE PROCEDURE DESIGN DOMAIN

Thanks to the latest developments in computer techniques, procedure design tools are increasingly being used by designers with the goal of quality control and integrity enhancement in the procedure design domain.

The term "procedure design tool" stands for any numerical automation system that provides calculations and/or designs and layouts in the field of procedure design. This encompasses products ranging from automated formulas included in spreadsheets to dedicated software packages.

Procedure design tools aim to aid the design of conventional and/or area navigation (RNAV) procedures for the departure, en-route, arrival, terminal and/or approach phases, through a series of dedicated integrated functions. They facilitate design work through a certain level of automation in calculations and procedure layout generation compliant with the applicable criteria. In addition, this automation in calculations contributes to the improvement of data integrity.

Procedure design tools include devices which facilitate the work of the designer during the whole process of procedure design, from data management to the final output (preparation of the publication).

Use of automation is not intended to replace the procedure designer's expertise.