Recording Performance of Nav System/Sensors
 

Hello all,

I’m seeking advice on monitoring techniques and the recording of navigation performance data during Oceanic Operations.

FAA AC 91-70 is now twelve years old and much of its guidance is predicated on INS-only classic airplanes like the B747-200.

In a modern airplane with dual/triplex FMS + dual/triplex IRS + dual GPS, how much manual monitoring and recording of navigation system performance data by the crew is appropriate?

The North Atlantic MNPS Airspace Operations Manual Edition 2005 http://www.nat-pco.org Chapter 8 places far more emphasis on cockpit drills such as proper initialization of navigation systems, waypoint insertion cross-check procedures, position plotting, etc., than it does on the monitoring of actual performance of individual navigation sensors.

We currently require completion of a Navigation Performance Log for all Class II navigation operations. The following isn't an exact replica of the sheet, but I hope it illustrates the general concepts. Entry fields are provided for the following data. (Individual tables are provided for each sensor 1 + 2 + 3).

---------------------------------
Navigation Performance Log
Date: ______________ Flight: _________________________

UTC_______________
Initialized Ramp Coordinates______________________________________


GPS #1 (+2) Performance
Fix/UTC
Ramp_________ ___________
Coast-Out_________ ___________

# Sats Tracked_________
HIL______
HFOM______
NM from FMS______


IRS #1 (+2 +3) Performance
Fix/UTC
Coast-Out_________ __________
Coast-In_________ __________
Ramp_________ __________

Drift Rate________
NM from FMS________
Gnd Speed________
Wind______/________


Coast-Out Compass Check
Mag Heading
IRS #1________
IRS #2________
IRS #3________
Standby________
-----------------------------------------------

Is the recording of the above data still appropriate for an airplane that self-monitors RNP vs. EPU and uses GPS position for initialization of all FMS and all IRS?

Does the above record-keeping strategy provide too much or too little information about the nav systems themselves?

What record-keeping systems are used by operators who fly similarly equipped (FMS + IRS + GPS) advanced cockpit airplanes?

(While suggestions/comments on waypoint insertion and track monitoring/plotting techniques are welcome, my primary interest lies with the recording of information related to navigation sensors and navigation systems.)

Thanks in advance,

Zeffy