Airports Authority starts training staff on GPS-based navigation system

Moving a step closer towards implementation of satellite-based navigation system, the Airports Authority of India has started training its staff to familiarise them with GPS-Aided Geo Augmented Navigation system (GAGAN).

One of India’s ambitious projects in the field of air navigation, GAGAN is likely to become fully operational by the first quarter of next year.

AAI had organised a three-day workshop-cum-training session for about 40 senior, instructor level, officials at the Civil Aviation Training College at Allahabad.

The officers, posted at different airports, air navigation centres and operating navigational aids from all over the country, attended the workshop to familiarise themselves with the functioning of GAGAN system, an AAI spokesperson said.

The project, which started in 2004, has completed its technological demonstration, installation and testing phases.

Training is mandatory requirement before the country’s aviation regulator, Directorate General of Civil Aviation, certifies the system, a senior AAI official said.

Once in service, GAGAN would provide the capability for increased accuracy in position reporting, allowing for more uniform and high—quality Air Traffic Management.

“It would be put to use step-wise. By September, we expect that the Required Navigation Performance — a non precision approach service would be available. The second stage — approach with vertical guidance system — that would be helpful in both vertical and approach navigation would be functional by early next year,” the official said.

For an aircraft to operate under GAGAN system, it is required to be fitted with Satellite-based Augmentation Systems (S-BAS) receiver, he said, adding that it is up to airlines how early they get their planes S-BAS compatible.

After training, the next important phase would be certification of the system by the DGCA and procedure development for GAGAN, based on requirements of the airports.

During the workshop, experts from the GAGAN Training Centre from Bangalore and AAI Headquarters in New Delhi imparted training about the use of satellite in air navigation services.

Officers of two branches of CATC at Hyderabad and Gondia also participated in the training, in which the demonstration of the GAGAN receiver and its use were shown.

Putting GAGAN into operation would mark a milestone in air navigation operations, shorten air routes and enhance capacity.