Space Based Augmentation System (SBAS) in Australia

July 15, 2010

AOPA has been pursuing the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government about the availability of Space Based Augmentation System (SBAS) in Australia. SBAS is needed to allow the most popular TSO C146 GPS navigators to fly approaches with vertical guidance, however Australia does not have plans to implement the technology here.

AOPA’s letter to the Department noted that SBAS technology would benefit many industries other than aviation, including agriculture, tourism, other transport modes and logistics. AOPA believes that SBAS should be funded as a national resource without imposing further costs on the aviation industry.

AOPA has also been pursuing the need for SBAS at the Australian Strategic Air Traffic Management Group (ASTRA), through its position as a Council member and in its participation in the ASTRA Performance Based Navigation Working Group.