International Aviation Organizations on
GNSS Interference
26 September 2024 – MADRID/MONTREAL – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
IFATCA’s Technical and Operations Committee (TOC) and IFALPA’s Air Traffic Services Committee (ATS) met in Madrid 23-26 Septermber, generously hosted by IFATCA’s Industry Partner Indra with additional assistance from the Spanish Airline Pilots’ Association SEPLA and the Spanish Air Traffic Controllers’ association USCA.
The meeting highlighted the strong cooperation between sister organizations IFALPA and IFATCA. They discussed topics of mutual interest, aiming to reach consensus on how best to address shared concerns and propose effective solutions.
Of particular concern is the increase in instances of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) interference in some parts of the world. Most aircraft rely on a GNSS network for accurate and efficient navigation. The spoofing or jamming of a GNSS signal can lead to acute danger to the safety of a flight. The systems and procedures affected are:
- Ground Proximity Warning Systems (GPWS)
- Required Navigation Performance (RNP) Routes or Approaches
- Entry to transatlantic routes may require increased separation
- Aircraft may be unable to fly RNP approaches
- Controller-Pilot Data Link Communications (CPDLC)
- Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast (ADS-B)
- All other systems or procedures that require accurate position or time data from the satellite network.
The number of flights affected by GNSS interference is trending upwards, increasing the likelihood of a serious safety incident.
IFALPA and IFATCA urge States to retain conventional navigation equipment as a contingency in case civil aircraft are negatively affected by GNSS interference. A minimum operational network of conventional ground-based navigation aids is paramount to guaranteeing robust and resilient air navigation. IFALPA and IFATCA support the development of mitigation strategies to counter the hazardous effects of GNSS interference on civil aviation.
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Note to Editors:
IFATCA Media Contact: nicola.niriada@iatca.ie
With more than 60 Years of Professional Involvement – IFATCA has been representing air traffic controllers in over 130 countries since 1961. The mission of IFATCA is to promote safety, efficiency and regularity in international air navigation and assist and safeguard the interests of the air traffic control profession.
www.ifatca.org
IFALPA Note: For more information on GNSS Interference from IFALPA – see our Briefing Leaflet on Manipulated GNSS Signals.
IFALPA Media Contact: emilybitting@ifalpa.org
The International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations represents more than 120,000 pilots in nearly 100 countries. The mission of IFALPA is to promote the highest level of aviation safety worldwide and to be the global advocate of the piloting profession, providing representation, services, and support to both our members and the aviation industry.
www.ifalpa.org
Download the IFATCA-IFALPA Joint Statement on GNSS Outages here.