The Role of Global Positioning System (GPS) in Future Aviation Safety in Nigeria

This paper discusses Global Navigation Satellite System GNSS/GPS-driven airspace availability optimization technique for efficient air traffic management (ATM) system. Our objective is to develop an economically viable technique, employing GNSS/GPS technology for the aviation industry, which will at the same time enhance safety. We started by bringing insights into the theory of GPS and its operational principles followed by methods of incorporating it to traffic management systems architecture for enhancement of aviation safety in Nigeria. With this technique, airplanes can be flown safely and efficiently by controllers at (i) minimum multilateral separations, (ii) continuous (green) descents/approaches (leading to optimal fuel usage and reduced environmental impacts; radiative forcing and noise) (iii) economic oriented operations (effective flight scheduling). Also, the concept has brought insight into how a robust aviation search and rescue (SAR) mechanism can be designed for each state of the world for overall interest of safety. On bilateral understanding, the scope of this mechanism can be extended to be operable between two neighbouring countries. The applicability (civil and military) of this technique is based on the requirements that GPS technology is integrated to operational systems of all airplanes using the airspace.