Ten of the major airports here in the Democratic Republic of the Congo now have the added capability of GPS approaches and departures. The satellite-based navigation system we are using is not dependent on expensive ground-based navigational aides, and it increases the safety and efficiency of our operations.
Chris O'Brien, Deputy Chief of Aviation, MONUC/ICAO Project, Democratic Republic of the Congo
GPS makes flying safer and quicker
Aviators throughout the world use the Global Positioning System (GPS) to increase the safety and efficiency of flight. With its accurate, continuous, and global capabilities, GPS offers seamless satellite navigation services that satisfy many of the requirements for aviation users. Space-based position and navigation enables three-dimensional position determination for all phases of flight from departure, in route, and arrival, to airport surface navigation.
Reliance on GPS as the foundation for today and tomorrow's air traffic management system is a major part of many national plans. Those aviation authorities that are moving forward with GPS have observed and documented reductions in flight time, workload, and operating costs for both the airspace user and service provider. GPS also serves as an essential component for many other aviation systems, such as the Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System (EGPWS) that has proven successful in reducing the risk of Controlled Flight into Terrain, a major cause of many aircraft accidents.
Benefits
- Continuous, reliable, and accurate positioning information for all phases of flight on a global basis, freely available to all.
Safe, flexible, and fuel-efficient routes for airspace service providers and airspace users. - Potential decommissioning and reduction of expensive ground based navigation facilities, systems, and services.
- Increased safety for surface movement operations made possible by situational awareness.
- Reduced aircraft delays due to increased capacity made possible through reduced separation minimums and more efficient air traffic management, particularly during inclement weather.
- Increased safety-of-life capabilities such as EGPWS.
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