Satellite-based navigation

Today’s navigation systems have been developed as far as they can go. If current flight procedures are to be further refined, it is to new technologies such as satellite-based navigation that we must look. These offer more possibilities than conventional navigation systems, and can provide a sound foundation for tomorrow’s new approach and departure procedures.

The potential of satellite navigation for the aviation sector
Satellite navigation will have a strong influence on flight procedures in the years ahead. The new navigation technology holds sizeable potential, especially in the greater accuracy of the positioning it provides. This in turn offers numerous benefits, including more efficient traffic handling, lower fuel consumption, less noise and fewer pollutant emissions.

CHIPS: a programme for further developing flight procedures
The Swiss Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA), Zurich Airport, Geneva Airport, Switzerland’s regional aerodromes, Swiss International Air Lines, Easyjet, the Swiss Air Force and skyguide have jointly established a new programme for further developing the present approach and departure procedures using satellite navigation technology. The “CH-wide Implementation Programme for SESAR-oriented objectives” (CHIPS) is intended to coordinate projects in the field at the national level. Some 15 project plans and ideas for innovative flight procedures from throughout Switzerland have so far been subsumed into the CHIPS programme.

Extensive groundwork required
Innovative flight procedures cannot be introduced from one day to the next. Extensive preparations must first be made at the technical level before satellite-based procedures can be adopted. New navigation techniques – on board and on the ground – must be certificated; and due regard must also be paid to the various users and operators, who will need to change their own processes and procedures and will have their own specific training needs.

Tailored solutions
Every new flight procedure must be individually tailored to the requirements of each airport or aerodrome and the corresponding airspace users. Skyguide will continue to support all its partners – airports and operators alike – in all their decisions on further developing and refining their navigation systems and procedures, and will continue to work with them to determine the best possible solutions.

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