Airservices Australia tests new satellite navigation system in regional centres

SBAS Test Flight -11

Airservices Australia has successfully trialled a new, advanced satellite navigation system aimed at improving safety and efficiency at regional and rural airports.

The trial demonstrated that Satellite Based Augmentation System (SBAS) technology is suitable for the needs of Australia’s non-metropolitan airports, using avionics that is already prevalent in regional and general aviation aircraft.

Airservices worked with Air Affairs Australia to conduct a number of SBAS-enabled instrument flight procedures over two days at Mount Hotham, Benalla, Wagga Wagga and Canberra airports, with impressive results.

Airservices Chief Executive Officer Jason Harfield said Australia is now one step closer to joining countries such as the United States, Europe, China, India and Japan, which are already using SBAS technology.

“This qualitative testing is vital for us to assess SBAS against other systems and provides pilots with the chance to see the benefits of this technology first-hand,” said Mr Harfield.

“It’s another example of how we are collaborating with other government agencies and industry to ensure Australia is at the forefront of aviation technology,” he said.

SBAS technology allows for greater accuracy when flying into rural and regional aerodromes, especially during inclement weather. When operational, it will benefit aeromedical operators and commercial regional airlines.

The trial is part of a SBAS test-bed led by Geoscience Australia in partnership with Land Information New Zealand and FrontierSI (previously the Cooperative Research Centre for Spatial Information). More than 30 organisations and businesses from 10 industry sectors are involved in the test-bed.

Geoscience Australia’s Director of Positioning Dr John Dawson said SBAS technology has the potential to transform all of Australia’s transport industry sectors, especially aviation.

“We know from other countries that SBAS technology makes flying safer and more efficient,” said Dr Dawson. “Through the test-bed, we’re identifying what this looks like in an Australian context and how local industry, business and communities can benefit.”

Visit our YouTube channel for latest SBAS video.

Posted on: July 20, 2018

More news

Related topics

Airservices provides safe, secure, efficient and environmentally responsible services to the aviation industry.

Airservices Australia releases Progress Report on Workplace Culture

Airservices Australia has today released a progress report on its workplace culture undertaken by Elizabeth Broderick & Co. (EB&Co). The report, as well as Airservices’ response plan and a message from our Chief Executive Officer Jason Harfield, can be read here.

Airservices Australia reveals second Australian Aviation Network Overview

Airservices Australia has today released its second deep-dive report on trends in the Australian aviation sector for the first two months of Financial Year 2024. Designed to inform discussion among industry stakeholders, the Australian Aviation Network Overview offers a snapshot of key social and economic trends in the sector, our regional context and the performance […]

Airservices Australia finalises new Community Engagement Standard following national consultation

Airservices Australia has worked closely with the community and aviation industry to finalise a new national engagement approach for the development and implementation of flightpath changes. The newly completed national Community Engagement Standard is the culmination of direct feedback gathered at 13 community engagement drop-in sessions around Australia, and 10 webinars, held from 3 May […]

Airservices Australia invests in fire crew safety with next-generation hybrid fire trucks for Western Sydney International Airport

Airservices Australia’s frontline Aviation Rescue Fire Fighting (ARFF) services will be equipped with next-generation hybrid electric aviation rescue fire fighting vehicles at the new Western Sydney International Airport (WSIA), providing improved safety outcomes for fire crews while shortening response times. Airservices is one of the first international customers to secure the rights to purchase four […]