Technology & Innovation
Honeywell FMS Guided Visual Approaches Endorsed by Starr Safety
Honeywell’s Flight Management System Guided Visual approaches receive endorsement from Starr Safety Partnership, enhancing flight safety at over 100 airports.
This article is based on an official press release from Honeywell Aerospace.
Honeywell Aerospace has announced that its Flight Management System (FMS) Guided Visual approaches have been officially endorsed by the Starr Safety Partnership, a leading aircraft insurance network. According to a company press release, this integration aims to enhance flight safety for pilots and aircraft owners operating within the Starr Aviation network.
The FMS Guided Visual (FGV) approaches, designated as “RNAV H” procedures, provide pilots with both lateral and vertical guidance to runways. Honeywell stated that these procedures utilize strategically placed transitions around airports to assist operators conducting visual maneuvers, particularly at runway ends that lack traditional precision approaches.
By joining the Starr Safety Partnership, Honeywell aligns its advanced avionics capabilities with an initiative designed to reduce risk and improve operational safety for flight departments. The partnership underscores a growing industry emphasis on leveraging technology to mitigate risks during critical phases of flight.
Enhancing Safety with FMS Guided Visual Approaches
Honeywell’s FGV technology is designed to offer an additional layer of security for pilots navigating challenging environments. The company noted in its release that these approaches can be flown manually or coupled directly to the aircraft’s autopilot system. Notably, Honeywell emphasized that no additional regulatory approvals are required for operators to utilize these FMS guided visuals.
To date, Honeywell has incorporated FGV approaches for approximately 100 airports into its extensive FMS navigation database, with plans to add more locations in the future. The procedures are developed, rigorously tested, and coded by Honeywell’s own experts to ensure reliability.
“Whether you’re flying in an unfamiliar area, landing at night, or navigating challenging conditions, FGV approaches are about adding an extra layer of safety and peace of mind. It’s a perfect fit to join the Starr Safety Partnership, which is focused on increasing safety for a flight department.”
The Starr Safety Partnership Integration
Starr Aviation, a division of Starr, originally launched the Starr Safety Partnership in 2022. According to the press release, the program was created to provide an additional level of safety for Starr-insured pilots and aircraft owners, covering every phase of aircraft ownership from acquisition to operation and eventual sale.
The inclusion of Honeywell’s FGV approaches into this network highlights the insurance provider’s commitment to adopting advanced technologies that support loss control and operational confidence.
“At Starr, our top priority is to give pilots and aircraft owners every possible advantage to operate safely and with confidence. Honeywell’s FMS Guided Visual Approaches are a valuable addition to our network, providing advanced technology that enhances safety during a critical phase of flight.”
AirPro News analysis
We view the endorsement of Honeywell’s FGV approaches by a major aviation insurer like Starr as a significant validation of the technology’s risk-mitigation potential. Insurance providers are increasingly looking toward data-driven and automated flight deck enhancements to lower incident rates, particularly during the approach and landing phases, which historically carry higher risks. By integrating these capabilities into an insurance-backed safety partnership, Honeywell not only expands the utility of its FMS database but also provides operators with a tangible safety incentive that could potentially influence insurance premiums or coverage terms in the broader market.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are FMS Guided Visual (FGV) approaches?
According to Honeywell, FGV approaches (titled “RNAV H”) provide pilots with lateral and vertical guidance to a runway using strategically placed transitions, enhancing safety during visual maneuvers.
Do pilots need special regulatory approval to use FGV approaches?
No. Honeywell’s press release explicitly states that no regulations approvals are required for FMS guided visuals.
How many airports currently support Honeywell’s FGV approaches?
Honeywell has incorporated FGV approaches for about 100 airports into its FMS database, with more planned.
Sources
Photo Credit: Honeywell Aerospace