report of the action team on global navigation satellite systems (gnss)

440. Lack <strong>of</strong> personnel highly trained in satellite navigation issues in <strong>the</strong> aeronautical entitiespoints to <strong>the</strong> need to train experts to <strong>the</strong> same or higher level <strong>of</strong> expertise than experts currentlyhave with respect to conventional systems, so that <strong>the</strong>y may duly implement GNSS, in keepingwith <strong>the</strong> ICAO SARPs.441. Similarly, operational personnel with training in <strong>the</strong> design <strong>of</strong> GNSS procedures islimited. Likewise, adequate on-board and ground equipment for GNSS verification is lacking,toge<strong>the</strong>r with SBAS service volume simulation tools. Consequently, this would be ano<strong>the</strong>r task tocarry out in order to improve <strong>the</strong> situation.442. Improvements are being made to CNS/ATM systems in seven ICAO regions through <strong>the</strong>work <strong>of</strong> ICAO and planning and implementation regional groups, <strong>the</strong> International Air TransportAssociation (IATA) and <strong>the</strong> regional workshops on <strong>the</strong> use and applications <strong>of</strong> GNSS. GNSS hasprovided operational procedures, which have resulted in enhanced safety and efficiency toge<strong>the</strong>rwith reduced dependency on ground aids to aeronautical navigation. The work is under way with<strong>the</strong> ultimate goal <strong>of</strong> transition to satellite-based navigation for all phases <strong>of</strong> flight whilemaintaining <strong>the</strong> role <strong>of</strong> conventional navigation systems as a GNSS back-up during <strong>the</strong> transition.Although <strong>the</strong> use <strong>of</strong> satellite technologies in support <strong>of</strong> aeronautical applications is steadilygrowing, <strong>the</strong>ir implementation is not progressing as fast as initially expected and <strong>the</strong> transitionfrom <strong>the</strong> existing to satellite-based systems is a long-term commitment. The work is under waywith <strong>the</strong> ultimate goal <strong>of</strong> transition to satellite-based navigation for all phases <strong>of</strong> flight whilemaintaining <strong>the</strong> role <strong>of</strong> conventional navigation systems as a GNSS back-up during <strong>the</strong> transition.Although <strong>the</strong> use <strong>of</strong> satellite technologies in support <strong>of</strong> aeronautical applications is steadilygrowing, <strong>the</strong>ir implementation is not progressing as fast as initially expected and <strong>the</strong> transitionfrom <strong>the</strong> existing to satellite-based systems is a long-term commitment.443. ICAO, recognizing <strong>the</strong> limitations <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> present air navigation systems and <strong>the</strong> need tomeet future requirements, has taken steps to promote <strong>the</strong> introduction <strong>of</strong> satellite-basedtechnologies for communication, navigation and surveillance (CNS) in support <strong>of</strong> global airtraffic management (ATM). These systems will fulfil future civil aviation requirements well into<strong>the</strong> present century.444. In 1983, ICAO established a Special Committee on Future Air Navigation Systems(FANS Committee) to develop a concept that became known as <strong>the</strong> ‘FANS concept’ and alsopromoted CNS and ATM systems largely based upon satellite technologies. In 1991, after fur<strong>the</strong>rdevelopment work, <strong>the</strong> ICAO Tenth Air Navigation Conference endorsed this concept for <strong>the</strong>future air navigation system worldwide.445. By 1996 <strong>the</strong> proposed CNS/ATM concept had matured and developed into a detailed anddefinitive plan and was published as <strong>the</strong> ICAO Global Air Navigation Plan for CNS/ATMSystems. This plan was envisaged as a “living document” <strong>of</strong>fering practical guidance to States inseven ICAO regions and respective planning and implementation regional groups (PIRGS)covering technical, operational, economic, financial, legal and institutional matters and providingadvice on implementation strategies and technical co-operation. The Global Plan has a clearrelationship with <strong>the</strong> Regional Air Navigation Plans to be used to move towards <strong>the</strong> ultimate goal<strong>of</strong> a global, integrated ATM system.446. In addition to activities <strong>of</strong> PIRGs that develop air navigation plans and co-ordinateimplementation activities in <strong>the</strong> regions, ICAO is using three different mechanisms to provideassistance to States for <strong>the</strong> implementation <strong>of</strong> CNS/ATM systems on continuous basis. These82