Operational Implementation of DGPS Precision Approaches at Regional Airports in Norway

Tim Katanik, Charles Cusack, Tor Helgesen, Bjørn Eriksen, Hildegunn Grønseth, Bjørn Narmo

Abstract:	Numerous trials and experiments have been done to demonstrate the technical feasibility of Differential GPS (DGPS) precision approaches. This project differs, however, in that the goal is operational implementation of DGPS precision approaches in revenue passenger service. For the past few years, trials have been underway in Norway involving the Norwegian Civil Aviation Administration (NCAA), Widerøe Airlines, Universal Avionics Systems Corporation, and Raytheon Systems Company. The purpose has been to first evaluate the practicality of using DGPS at regional airports in Norway, and second to obtain certification for its operational use. The certification process involved a complex cooperative effort that included all of the above parties as well as the FAA and Bombardier Aerospace, manufacturer of the Dash 8 aircraft. Many regional airports in Norway have unique geographic features which make conventional ILS equipment difficult or impossible to install and operate. These airports are characterized by precipitous terrain, frequent inclement weather and long periods of winter darkness, precisely the conditions that make the availability of a precision approach critical to safety and airline schedule reliability. DGPS provides a cost effective way to significantly improve safety of operations at these airports. This paper will describe the results of flight testing of Special Category I DGPS ground and airborne equipment, integration of aircraft and avionics, methods used for evaluation of DGPS precision approach availability in mountainous and deep fjord regions, and the challenges of certifying DGPS equipment and procedures for operational use with a multi-national team.
Published in:	Proceedings of the 12th International Technical Meeting of the Satellite Division of The Institute of Navigation (ION GPS 1999) September 14 - 17, 1999 Nashville, TN
Pages:	737 - 750
Cite this article:	Katanik, Tim, Cusack, Charles, Helgesen, Tor, Eriksen, Bjørn, Grønseth, Hildegunn, Narmo, Bjørn, "Operational Implementation of DGPS Precision Approaches at Regional Airports in Norway," Proceedings of the 12th International Technical Meeting of the Satellite Division of The Institute of Navigation (ION GPS 1999), Nashville, TN, September 1999, pp. 737-750.
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