By Sama Marwan,
The Arab Civil Aviation Organization (ACAO), in collaboration with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), organized a workshop in Rabat on “Radio Navigation and Satellite Navigation”. The event brought together 71 specialists from 30 countries across Africa, Asia, and Europe, along with nine organizations and six aviation industry companies.
Enhancing Modern Air Navigation Technologies
Held in February, the workshop aimed to provide a crucial platform for experts, regulatory bodies, and aviation industry stakeholders to engage in discussions shaping the future of radio navigation. The significance of these systems in improving accuracy, safety, and efficiency in Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) was emphasized, as these technologies continue to evolve rapidly.
ICAO Regulations and Their Role in Navigation System Development
The workshop also discussed ICAO’s regulations on radio navigation, highlighting its pivotal role in setting international standards and recommended practices to ensure safe and harmonized air navigation worldwide. The discussions illustrated how these guidelines help member states implement modern navigation technologies, enhancing operational capabilities and airspace management efficiency.
Updates on GNSS Satellites and Satellite-Based Navigation Systems
Recent updates on core GNSS satellite constellations were a key focus, as they serve as the foundation of modern air navigation. The workshop stressed the importance of continuous updates from GNSS service providers to keep up with the evolving landscape of space navigation. These advancements contribute to enhanced accuracy, integrity, and availability, improving global air safety and efficiency.
Additionally, the workshop covered augmentation systems such as Satellite-Based Augmentation Systems (SBAS) and Ground-Based Augmentation Systems (GBAS), which play a crucial role in boosting performance, accuracy, and reliability. These technologies enable advanced navigation capabilities, including precision landing operations, benefiting air operators and air traffic management.
Mediterranean Region Threats and Their Impact on Air Navigation
A key issue discussed was the threat of GNSS signal jamming and spoofing, particularly in the Mediterranean region and East Africa, where signal disruptions have significantly increased. Such activities pose a serious risk to aviation safety, as acknowledged by ICAO in its 14th conference last September. Strengthening cooperation among organizations, regulatory bodies, technology providers, and operators is vital to improving GNSS system resilience and ensuring safe international aviation.
Achieving Operational Accuracy in Air Navigation
During the fifth session of the workshop, discussions centered on inspection procedures, validation of approach methods, and precise calibration of GNSS-based navigation tools. The event aimed to encourage knowledge exchange and build regional expertise on GNSS systems, contributing to enhanced air safety worldwide.
