Analysis of Satellites as the Sole Source Precision Approach System

The tremendous growth in the amount of worldwide air traffic has also brought increasing congestion in the skies. Air Traffic Control agencies are attempting to shape policies to alleviate air traffic volume problems in terminal areas using new satellite technologies. This paper examines the current and future regulatory and policy environment for the use of satellites, particularly the Global Positioning System (GPS), as a stand-alone method of precision approaches from three perspectives: the Continental United States (CONUS), the European continent, and the Department of Defense (DoD). Each of these perspectives present unique obstacles in the adoption of satellites as the sole use for precision approaches. Finally, three conclusions are offered regarding the transition to satellites for the precision approach system of the 21st century. First, a truly single source global satellite system (e.g., GPS) probably may never exist, but rather, there will a combination from various governments and agencies. Second, satellite users should consider using systems capable of interrogating signals from more than one satellite source. Finally, air traffic control agencies should maintain a network of backup precision approach systems until the success of a stand-alone satellite system is established.Air Force Inst of Tech Wright-Patterson AFB OH School of Logistics and Acquisition Management is the author of 'Analysis of Satellites as the Sole Source Precision Approach System', published 1998 under ISBN 9781423557883 and ISBN 1423557883.