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The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Friday issued an advisory circular on interference with the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) in airspace, highlighting the threats GNSS jamming and spoofing pose for aircraft operations. According to the regulator, the circular provides a practical roadmap and action plan to effectively deal with the threat of GNSS interference in the airspace.
“The circular highlights the emerging threats of GNSS jamming and spoofing, the various geographical areas where it has been observed, and its potential impact on aircraft and ground-based systems,” the regulator said in a statement.
In view of the rising number of reported instances of GNSS interference in the airspace over the Middle East in the recent past, the DGCA had formed an internal committee on the matter on October 4.
“The committee since then had taken a stock of the situation, sensitized operators, and started discussions with leading experts from around the world on this sensitive subject. The circular is based on recommendations of the committee for tackling the emerging threat considering the best practices, latest developments and ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) guidance on the matter,” DGCA said.
The circular is applicable to all aircraft operators and the Airports Authority of India (AAI), which is the air navigation service provider (ANSP) . It establishes roles and responsibilities of each stakeholder in monitoring and mitigating the threat in a coordinated manner. It also highlights reporting obligations as per regulatory requirements.
“Furthermore, the circular provides comprehensive mitigation measures and action plan for aircraft operators, pilots, ANSP and air traffic controllers which includes development of contingency procedures in coordination with equipment manufacturers, and assessing operational risk by conducting a safety risk assessment,” DGCA said.
The circular also provides for a mechanism for AAI to establish a ‘Threat Monitoring and Analysis Network’ in close coordination with DGCA for preventive as well as reactive threat monitoring and analysis of reports of GNSS interference. This would help generate insights with data and new developments to enable the development of a robust and immediate threat response.
