Visual docking guidance system

The Visual docking guidance system, VDGS abbreviated German: visual docking guidance system is a docking system (ADS ). It is used on larger airfields and airports to using optical signals to inform the pilots of the incoming vehicle over its position to teach the exact position before the gate (English final stop position). The purpose here is to enable safe, accurate and time-saving docking. The very precise parking position of the aircraft is required because the jetway only has a limited range of motion, but still has to be placed exactly at the aircraft door to get in and out. The time saving benefits not only the aircraft, but also relieves the taxi traffic on the busy run-up.

On a single combined scoreboard that hangs at eye level of pilots at the reception building in front of the plane, get the pilots both information about the distance to the final breakpoint ( engl. distance guiding ) the information when he has to stop and the lateral deviation (engl. azimuth guiding ) is displayed. In addition to the Visual docking guidance system which is externally attached to the airport building at eye level of pilots at each gate, the pilot sees the number of the parking position and the exact geographical coordinates of the park position.

Drawing the aircraft to the Visual docking guidance system is via roller lines. Depending on the airport, a follow-me car is used may additionally.

For the visual docking guidance system, there are several airports various systems. Common to all systems that give the pilot a distance information and a side guide. The distance information is usually displayed on together shrinking lightbar. Maybe the distance in meters is also displayed. Almost always, the hold signal is carried out by the neon sign: STOP. The site is guided by the illumination of arrows.

The Visual docking guidance system takes into account the different parking positions for the various types of aircraft, which may differ by a few meters. The size of the display panels varies according to the system between 1x1 m and 1.5 x 1.5 m.

Some visual docking guidance systems provide an added value, by registering the urpose and Offblock - time and information with the Airport Information System ( AIS) exchange.

History

Only after the introduction of the first passenger boarding bridges in 1959, the demand for Visual docking guidance systems developed. With the advent of passenger boarding bridges the exact " parking " the aircraft was required. In earlier times, the absolutely precise adherence to the parking position was not necessary, as the passengers boarded the plane via a mobile gangway and left. At that time, the allocation of parking position was carried out by a Einwinker ( marshaler ).

When parking on a pier, alone no more Einwinker could already therefore be used because the aircraft zufährt with his aircraft nose usually directly to the airport terminal and very close up leaves, so that the Einwinker can no longer stand far enough ahead of the aircraft to more to be seen by the pilot.

In the 1970s, these systems are used primarily pneumatic sensors. In older systems, the pilots usually had to turn to the side to see the scoreboard, as they were built on the principle of parallax her head.

Today, lasers, LADAR, floor sensors or video cameras are used with automatic image recognition for these systems.

ICAO regulations

The ICAO regulations for Visual Docking Guidance Systems are in Appendix 14 ( Annex 14 Vol.I, 5.3.24 ) to find.

AGNIS / PAPA

The AGNIS / PAPA - docking is widely used in the UK. This system is old, reliable and cheap, but relatively inaccurate.

The left side of the display indicates the page information. AGNIS stands for Azimuth Guidance for Nose- In Stand The right side of the display provides the distance information. PAPA stands for Parallax Aircraft Parking Aid.

AGNIS the display again consists of two fields. Deviates from the plane to one side, then the field this page will light red. If the aircraft moves exactly on the center line of the docking system or is, then light both fields green.

In the PAPA display a white display box running through a list of different types of aircraft. The pilot has so far ancestors with his plane until the white display stands with his aircraft. If his plane type is not listed, it must choose an aircraft type that corresponds to the dimensions of his airplane about. The principle of the PAPA indicator is based on the parallax.

A- VDGS

A- VDGS stands for Advanced Visual docking guidance system and allows a parking position for docking with 10 cm maximum deviation. The very exact positioning allows already close to place the jetway at the required end position, so they must be moved only very low and time-saving for docking.

In a system failure, the " stop" signal is displayed.

Safegate

Safegate is a slightly older system, which is now hardly use.

Synonyms, variants and models

  • Guidance system
  • Gate park system
  • Gate guidance system
  • Aircraft gate system
  • Aircraft gate support system
  • APIS ( aircraft parking and Information System )
  • PADS ( Parallax Aircraft docking system )
  • CAM ADS
  • SMGCS
  • JB1900
Airport apron
34702
de