Benefits for airports of using new navigational aids

For well over half a century, the Instrument Landing System (ILS) was the only radio navigation aid for precision approach and landing. In recent years, however, a new system known as GLS, for GBAS Landing Systems, has emerged from the research and development arena into operational use, accompanied by suitable aircraft equipage. GLS &#;augments&#; signals from standard Global Navigation Satellite systems such as GPS and GLONASS, thereby giving sufficient precision and reliability for use for precision approach and landing. Ground-based Augmentation Systems (GBAS) can give great precision for landing operations when sited at an airport and provide a real alternative to ILS supporting the full range of approach and landing operations. Current GBAS installations provide Category I (CAT-I) precision approach service, and ongoing work is targeted at providing GBAS Approach Service Type-D (GAST-D) service for operations in what used to be called ILS CAT-III minima. ICAO has just published international standards for GAST-D operations.

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To illustrate the benefits of GLS implementation, the following has been provided by one of the earliest airports to have launched GLS.

Implementation of GLS in the Australian Environment by Ken Allcott, Airfield Planning Manager, Sydney Airport Company Ltd.

The Ground-based Augmentation System (GBAS) is a facility that enables the provision of Category I Precision Approaches. The GBAS can provide up to 26 approaches to any runway, and if runway thresholds need to be displaced for extended periods can be readily reconfigured to provide an approach to a displaced landing threshold.

The GBAS unit can be located away from the immediate runway environment eliminating areas normally required to protect the ILS signals. The flight checking regime for the GBAS system is less disruptive for the conventional ILS. Instead of six ILS units being flight checked separately, only one flight check is required for the GBAS validation.

The GLS display in the cockpit mirrors that of an ILS display, and pilot training to facilitate GLS is not onerous.

In , Sydney Airport in conjunction with Qantas and Airservices Australia installed a GBAS unit to facilitate GLS approaches culminating in the first B737 approach in .

The GBAS unit facilitates ILS-like approaches to all runway ends at Sydney Airport.

GLS approaches were conducted under strictly controlled conditions authorised by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). By , Qantas had flown over 2,000 approaches.

The GBAS at Sydney airport was officially commissioned for operational service in . In the months immediately following, commissioning statistics indicated that 36% of A380 aircraft and 52% of B738 aircraft were performing GLS operations at Sydney Airport. The number of aircraft performing GLS approaches has steadily increased since commissioning.

Sydney Airport is fortunate in that the fleet mix is relatively modern. Nearly all B737 aircraft are GLS-equipped, many A380 aircraft are also equipped and all the new generation aircraft such as the B787, B747-800, and A350 come equipped with GLS as standard.

GLS has provided several benefits to operators over the conventional ILS approaches. In the case of an ILS approach, the signals are often disrupted by the previous aircraft landing or departing. The GLS approach is immune from this interference, and the stability of the guidance is enhanced over the ILS.

In general terms, a GBAS unit is about the same cost as an ILS installation but a GBAS unit will provide up to 26 ILS-like approaches to multiple runways. Currently, the flight inspection regime for GLS is similar to ILS as it is convenient for the flight inspection aircraft to perform this inspection whilst operating on the aerodrome. However, it is recognised that the frequency of flight inspections could be extended significantly beyond the requirements for ILS checks. This would reduce the capacity implications brought about by systems flight checks.

In , Airservices Australia installed a GBAS unit at Melbourne Airport facilitating precision approach guidance for suitably equipped aircraft to two runway ends where previously no precision approach procedures were available. It is planned that GBAS units will be installed at Brisbane Airport in the future.

Sydney Airport and Australian airports in general are currently investigating options available to achieve Category II approaches to further exploit this technology.

In the complex realm of offshore asset management, platforms often stand amid some of the harshest natural environments. Decommissioning these structures is not only a meticulous task but also one that demands the highest standards of care, efficiency, and, above all, safety. It is imperative for operators to equip themselves with the most advanced tools and systems to address this endeavour seamlessly. Central to this are state-of-the-art navigational aids.

 

Navigational aids have historically played a vital role in ensuring the safety of land, sea, and crew. Their significance in the decommissioning process of an offshore rig is vital, as they contribute to upholding safety, promoting efficiency, and meeting international standards.

 

While the crucial role of accurate maps and GPS systems is widely acknowledged, it is also essential to spotlight the integral component of navigational aids: lighting. Adequate and appropriate illumination is a critical element that ensures a decommissioning project aligns with global benchmarks and maximises operational safety.

 

Navigational Aids Role in Achieving Decommissioning Excellence and Enhanced Safety

In a rapidly evolving offshore decommissioning sector, the emphasis on efficient, purpose-driven lighting and navigational aids has never been more paramount. This is especially true in today&#;s competitive global landscape, where differentiation becomes key to success.

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Investing in high-quality navigational aids offers distinct advantages for decommissioning projects:

1. Safety Assurance: Enhanced visibility during decommissioning is directly proportional to safety. Proper illumination not only safeguards your team but also protects the marine ecosystem.

 

1. Upholding Global Standards: Cement your company&#;s reputation by not only meeting but exceeding global benchmarks. Utilise navigational aids that set the gold standard for platform decommissioning illumination.

 

1. Operational Efficiency: By ensuring a well-lit and safe decommissioning environment, you empower your team to achieve unparalleled efficiency levels.

 

1. Reliability: Our handpicked systems, sourced from trusted suppliers, guarantee both safety and reliability, ensuring you can operate with confidence.

 

1. Future Sustainability: Leveraging state-of-the-art technology, these systems are designed with an eye on the future. They offer optimal visibility while championing energy conservation and sustainability.

 

Wellhead Electrical Supplies: Partnering with Renowned Brands for Superior Navigational Aids

At Wellhead Electrical Supplies, we take pride in offering products from esteemed industry names like Tideland Signal and Orga BV. Our collaboration with these distinguished partners is grounded in a mutual commitment to safety, innovation, and excellence, ensuring our decommissioning clientele receive only the best.

Orga BV

A cornerstone in our array of trusted partners, Orga BV has been at the forefront of crafting top-tier navigational aids since . Their offerings span a broad spectrum, from helideck lighting to pivotal components like the CAP437 and IALA Navigation Lighting, each tailored to fortify the safety of offshore decommissioning ventures.

View the full Orga BV range we distribute here.

Tideland Signal

Now under the umbrella of the Orga group, Tideland Signal boasts over sixty years of expertise in crafting top-notch, cutting-edge navigational aids. These aids are pivotal for the decommissioning sector, underscoring safety as a fundamental consideration in their operations. As a long-standing trusted partner of Wellhead Electrical Supplies, Tideland Signal&#;s comprehensive range, which includes marine foghorns, lanterns, racons, visibility sensors, and flashes, has been instrumental in decommissioning projects worldwide.

View the full Tideland Signal range we distribute here.

Considering an upgrade to your navigational aids? Connect with our specialists at Wellhead Electrical Supplies. We&#;re committed to crafting a solution tailored to your needs.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website marine navigational aids manufacturer.