Major improvements and new challenges will arise from the availability of new Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) in the next decades. In particular, Satellite Based Augmentation systems (SBAS) meet the high accuracy, integrity and continuity levels required for safe critical applications, such as civil aviation radionavigation. The European SBAS contribution is called EGNOS (Global Navigation Overlay Service) which after more than six years of system development is expected to be ready for the final certification phase by the end of 2005. Conventional air radionavigation in continental airspace uses ground based navigation aids. Consequently, the system is in exible regarding the en-route structure and airport departure or approach procedures. In addition, these facilities have a significant cost and an expensive maintenance program which small airports or aerodromes cannot afford. On the other hand, EGNOS will provide improved procedures at almost no cost for the airport authority in locations where instrumental navigation is poor or even not existing. This work contains a feasibility study of new EGNOS departure and approach procedures in small aerodromes where currently instrumental radionavigation is not possible. Particularly, the study focuses on the regional aerodrome network of Catalonia (Spain), whose characteristics are varied enough to make the benefits of the study representative. For instance, opportunities for new users such as fite extinguishing and rescue services as well as potential business development (like small regional passenger or cargo operators) are pointed out. In addition, this study remarks safety, environmental and operational advantages that satellite navigation will provide to civil aviation.

Peer Reviewed