AIR TRAFFIC and NAVIGATION SERVICES GNSS Data Acquisition

1. This serves as Notice of Intent to implement 'VOR' like separations, utilizing the RNAV capability of aircraft.

2. The purpose of this correspondence, is to inform the aviation community of the intention to utilize the RNAV capability, in the main GNSS, of those aircraft suitably equipped and certified to make use of the planned procedures, for the purpose of providing Procedural Air Traffic Control (ATC) Separation in airspace not covered by surveillance and which may not be served by ground navigational aids.

Background

3. The ICAO PANS ATM, Doc 4444 will shortly be amended, allowing GNSS information to be utilized in order to provide angular ATC separations as is presently applied, in the form of separations utilizing guidance obtained from ground based VOR facilities.

4. It is intended to utilize the information contained in the ICAO Circular which has been developed in support of the pending amendment to Doc 4444, to situate 'virtual' VORs at appropriate positions, thereby providing Air Traffic Control with the means to provide a more efficient service, enhancing safety as well as contributing to the wellbeing of the environment and operating efficiency of the operator.

Implementation Process

5. To ensure benefit to the largest amount of operators, a survey is being launched, requiring aircraft owners/operators, to provide information as to the type of RNAV equipment carried as well as to the level of certification of such equipment.

6. Aircraft owners will be contacted on an individual basis, by means of email, in order to afford the opportunity to take part in the survey.  Owners/operators are kindly requested to down load and respond to the queries reflected on the form. Please forward the completed form to: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

More information can be obtained at the following websites:

www.caa.co.za

7. Following a review of the aircraft equipage present in the South African fleet, procedures will be developed, allowing operators with the most common type of equipage to utilize ATC applied GNSS separation in those sectors where the procedures are applied.