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Milestone in satellite-based approach procedures
20/11/2009.- Honeywell's GBAS Station SmartPath starts regular operations Since 16 November 2009, DFS has been the first air navigation service provider worldwide to use the Ground Based Augmentation System (GBAS) for regular flight operations. Air Berlin’s Boeing 737 Next Generation fleet are the first aircraft equipped to use the GBAS ground station at Bremen Airport. GBAS transmits digital guidance data signals for precision approaches which augment and improve on satellite data from the Global Positioning System (GPS). The accuracy of the GPS is enhanced by means of correction data and the safety of the GPS constellation is also verified. A single GBAS system provides precision approaches to all runway ends while the current instrument landing system (ILS) must be installed at each end of each runway. "GBAS will replace the traditional ILS for precision approaches in the future since it is independent of weather conditions or obstacles," says Frank Brenner, Director of the DFS Business Unit Control Centre. Eurocontrol’s Single European Sky ATM Research Programme as well as the FAA NextGen Programme regard GBAS as a key technology to enhance air traffic capacities. The Honeywell-manufactured SmartPathTMGBAS station in Bremen has been used in test operations since 2008 and received the Federal Aviation Administration's system design approval for regular operations in September 2009. Although additional measurements have to be carried out before the German approval can be issued, the system may already be used in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) down to the non-precision minimum. The German certificate required for unrestricted use down to the CAT I minimum is expected to be issued in 2010. DFS is currently working on solutions to use GBAS in CAT II and CAT III weather conditions as well. DFS Deutsche Flugsicherung GmbH is a State-owned company under private law and has 5,350 employees. DFS ensures the safe and punctual flow of air traffic over Germany. Staff coordinate up to 10,000 aircraft movements in German airspace every day, and more than three million movements every year. This makes Germany the country with the highest traffic volume in Europe. DFS operates control centres in Langen, Bremen, Karlsruhe and Munich. In addition, DFS is represented in the Eurocontrol Centre in Maastricht, the Netherlands, and in the control towers of the 16 international German airports. DFS provides training and consultancy services around the world and develops and sells air traffic control, surveillance and navigation systems. The company's portfolio also comprises flight-relevant data, aeronautical publications and aeronautical information services. DFS has the following business units: Control Centre, Tower, Aeronautical Solutions and Aeronautical Information Management.
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