An Adaptation of Global Positioning System (GPS) Technology to Air TrafficControl (ATC)

Harry J. Hodges III

Abstract:	The inherent accuracy and flexibility of GPS offers the aviation community a revolutionary means by which to conduct airborne navigation. While the user segment equips their aircraft at an increasing rate, the impact of GPS on the nation’s ATC system has not yet been addressed. Without a strategy to adapt the ATC system to a GPS-based airspace structure, the advent of GPS offers limited benefits. Fully exploited, GPS can aid in the development of a safer, more efficient, and higher capacity air traffic system through new procedures, potentially reducing separation standards. To that end, the recently completed Air Traffic Service Implementation Plan for the Global Positioning System, (now FAA Order 7100.10) was developed. Plan implementation within the US was to commence in FY94 with full implementation completed shortly after the turn of the century. The purpose of this paper is to describe the goals, concepts, and methodology in developing a GPS-based air traffic system. This paper is directed at air traffic controllers and managers and focuses on the philosophy and structure of a GPS-based air traffic model from which the FAA plan was derived. This universal model is intended to be adaptable to any national or international airspace structure and/or air traffic system. The model assumes a phased approach to GPS implementation based on the anticipated rate of user GPS equipage and the ATC system’s ability to adapt. As in the US plan, a nominal three phased implementation is anticipated, characteristic of a natural progression of GPS technology. It commences with supplemental navigation continuing through a mixed GPS/non-GPS environment leading to sole means, fully integrated with collateral technology (e.g. DGPS, ADS, etc.). The model targets the conventional components of air traffic control - en route, terminal, and oceanic. Each component is addressed through an objective accomplished by a methodology in the form of initiatives with corresponding technical approaches. The model also provides for nation-specific studies into unique subjects and/or applications requiring additional analysis. For example, within the US plan, the anticipated addition of new locations requiring IFR service and GPS instrument procedure development dictated a separate objective, as did the impact of GPS on rotorcraft/verticraft operations.
Published in:	Proceedings of the 1994 National Technical Meeting of The Institute of Navigation January 24 - 26, 1994 Catamaran Resort Hotel San Diego, CA
Pages:	303 - 313
Cite this article:	Hodges, Harry J., III, "An Adaptation of Global Positioning System (GPS) Technology to Air TrafficControl (ATC)," Proceedings of the 1994 National Technical Meeting of The Institute of Navigation, San Diego, CA, January 1994, pp. 303-313.
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