R-SYS (a subsidiary of ERA) has successfully upgraded the ARO system used by LVNL (the Dutch Air Navigation Service Provider), significantly expanding its capabilities by introducing ETA Guarding and a new Aerodrome Portal.
LVNL’s Flight Service Center (FSC) plays a vital role in VFR flight plan processing and, in collaboration with aerodromes, is also responsible for ETA guarding of VFR flights. The updated ARO system has been extensively optimized to handle the high volume of traffic managed by the FSC, allowing multiple staff members to collaborate efficiently on a shared pool of flight plans and related messages. It provides real-time visibility of all active and historical flights, along with a complete log of changes made.
“The new application has a clean and modern design, which is more intuitive for the user and faster to work with than the previous version. A big improvement for our ARO staff,” said Oscar Bal, project manager at LVNL.
Digitizing ETA guarding and aerodrome coordination Previously, ETA guarding relied heavily on manual coordination—mainly phone calls and paper logs—between the FSC and uncontrolled aerodromes. The new Aerodrome Portal changes that. It gives aerodrome authorities full access to all flights departing from or arriving at their location, along with the ability to submit DEP and ARR messages, which is part of their service offered to pilots, who remain responsible for their own flight plans in the Netherlands.
“The small airfields are very pleased because they now have complete and accurate information and are better supported in monitoring inbound and outbound flights,” added Bal.
The system automatically assigns each flight to a responsible unit (FSC, controlled/uncontrolled aerodrome, etc.) and issues visual and audible alerts when a flight becomes overdue. The FSC always retains an overview of all overdue flights, ensuring timely follow-up and improved safety oversight.
“Following the successful delivery of software solutions for ARO, NOF, Briefing, and CFSP API, this upgrade represents a key milestone in our long-standing collaboration with LVNL. The introduction of the Aerodrome Portal and automated ETA guarding has enabled a seamless, fully digital workflow that significantly enhances both the safety and efficiency of VFR flight operations. We are proud that our solution contributes to LVNL’s mission to modernize air traffic services and strengthen its connection with aerodromes throughout the Netherlands,” said Pavol Serbín, Chief Sales Officer at R- SYS.
Seamless integration with existing systems In addition to the user interface, the system provides an API that integrates with existing aerodrome management systems, allowing smaller airfields to manage operations, view planned flights, and send DEP/ARR messages from a single platform.
Oscar Bal summarises the benefits of the new ARO system upgrade: “With the introduction of the new version of Homebriefing ARO and the Aerodrome Portal, we have replaced a partly manual process (phone & paper) with a fully digitalized flight plan exchange between the Amsterdam Flight Service Center and all uncontrolled airfields in the Netherlands. The added API functionality enables seamless integration with local airfield systems, further reducing workload and eliminating manual entry errors. ETA Guarding is now fully supported through automated monitoring of flight plans and departure/arrival reports. When a flight becomes overdue, both the aerodrome and the FSC are notified immediately to initiate follow-up. This significantly enhances the safety of General Aviation.”
