Important Safety Information: GNSS Interference and Navigation Procedures

Copyright Acknowledged. Image used with permission. Image source: EASA on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/easa-european-union-aviation-safety-agency/

A recent EASA safety bulletin (https://ad.easa.europa.eu/blob/EASA_SIB_2022_02_R3.pdf/SIB_2022-02R3_1) highlights the potential impact of GNSS interference on navigation, however, perhaps of greater concern will be to instrument flight procedures (IFP), particularly those reliant on GNSS for approach, departure, and arrival, including RNP and satellite-based augmented approaches.

While reversionary navigation methods are included in procedure design when possible (e.g. DME/DME for SIDs and STARs), the lack of established ground infrastructure in many countries or areas means many procedures, like SIDs and STARs, are designed solely for GNSS.

Considering Interference During Design:

From an ATM (Air Traffic Management) and IFP (Instrument Flight Procedures) perspective, considering and incorporating known areas of interference into the design operational requirements document (OR) at the concept stage, could be beneficial.

EASA have published a dedicated website to GNSS outages and alterations, containing a link to known and affected Flight Infomation Regions (FIR): https://www.easa.europa.eu/en/domains/air-operations/global-navigation-satellite-system-outages-and-alterations

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