The Airports Authority of India (AAI) recently conducted a successful light trial using GAGAN – GPS Aided GEO Augmented Navigation – for the Localizer Performance with Vertical Guidance (LPV) Approach Procedures. This trial marks an advancement in Indian aviation, paving the way for increased safety and efficiency in aircraft landing procedures.
Implementing GAGAN-based LPV Approach Procedures
Various airports, including those under the Regional Connectivity Scheme, are being surveyed for the implementation of GAGAN-based LPV Instrument Approach Procedures. The purpose of this is to equip aircraft adequately to reap maximum benefits in terms of improved safety during landing. Additional advantages include reduction in delays, cancellations, diversions and fuel consumption.
Understanding LPV
LPV is essentially a Satellite Based Procedure employed by aircraft for landing purposes. It enables aircraft to land at airports that lack expensive Instrument Landing Systems. This includes numerous small regional and local airports. By reducing the decision height to up to 250 ft, it provides significant operational benefit in poor weather and low visibility conditions. Therefore, airports that previously required higher visibility minima can now accept aircraft, benefiting remote airports without precision approach capability equipment.
The GAGAN System
GAGAN was jointly developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and AAI as a Space Based Augmentation System (SBAS) to offer optimal navigational services over the Indian Flight Information Region (FIR). It also has the capacity to expand to neighboring FIRs. GAGAN involves satellites and ground stations that provide GPS signal corrections, improving position accuracy. It is the first such system developed for India and neighboring countries in the equatorial region. The GAGAN System received certification from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in 2015 for Approach with Vertical Guidance (APV 1) and en-route (RNP 0.1) operations.
Global Space-Based Augmentation Systems
GAGAN joins the ranks of only four Space-Based augmentation systems across the globe, which include the US’s WAAS, Europe’s EGNOS, and Japan’s MSAS. These systems offer services in various sectors including Aviation, Forest management, Railways signaling, Scientific Research for Atmospheric Studies, Natural Resource and Land Management, Location based services, Mobile, and Tourism.
Coverage and Consistency
GAGAN’s GEO footprint extends from Africa to Australia and has the capacity to cater to 45 reference stations for expansion to neighboring countries. It provides a civil aeronautical navigation signal that complies with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs), as established by the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) Panel.
What is GPS?
GPS, or the Global Positioning System, is a satellite navigation system employed to ascertain an object’s ground position. It is a U.S.-owned utility that offers Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) services to users. Comprising a network of 24 satellites, GPS services are available to both civilian and military users, with the latter being accessible to U.S. and allied armed forces along with approved Government agencies.