JWA to use satellite- based navigation

Newport Beach residents who live under the John Wayne Airport flight path probably won’t notice much of a difference when the Federal Aviation Administration introduces a new departure procedure at the airport next month, officials said Friday.

Called DUUKE ONE, the new satellite-based navigation system will allow aircraft to fly a more consistent track down the middle of Upper Newport Bay, aviation officials said.

“What is going to happen [is that] planes are going to be flying more consistent flight paths, so you won’t see the occasional flight path drift off to one side,” said Ian Gregor, a spokesman for the Federal Aviation Administration.

The administration spent about 18 months developing DUUKE ONE as part of its nationwide transition to satellite-based navigation.

Planes that use DUUKE ONE will fly half to three-quarters of a mile out over the ocean before turning left. Today, some aircraft start turning right around the shoreline.

— Brianna Bailey