MIAMI, June 8 (UPI) -- A scheduled flight from Paris to Miami could revolutionize the aviation industry through its use of a network of satellite signals, industry officials say.
Russ Moreno, Federal Aviation Administration support manager at Miami International Airport, said the flight will involve the NextGen aviation initiative that focuses on satellite guidance rather than a system of radio beacons on the ground, The Miami Herald reported Monday.
Moreno said in addition to testing the new space-based signaling system, Thursday's American Airlines Flight 63 will engage in unrestricted climbs and descents to determine the efficiency of the new procedures. The same tests will be conducted with an Air France flight Tuesday, FAA officials said.
''They will be flown without any kind of delay to see what is the maximum benefit that can be achieved from the tailored arrival concept," Moreno told the Herald.
Officials with the local Miami chapter of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association said the aviation tests could be canceled in favor of traditional methods if any significant problems arise.
