Performance Based Navigation

What is Performance Based Navigation?

Broadly, PBN encompasses a shift from current ground-based navigation aids emitting signals to aircraft  receivers, to ‘in-aircraft’ systems that receive satellite signals that meet  specific accuracy and integrity requirements combined with the Global  Positioning System (GPS) to advise the aircraft’s position. PBN therefore:

• reduces the need  to retain and maintain ground-based routes and procedures
• allows for more  efficient use of New Zealand’s airspace, reducing fuel usage and emissions

Elements of a PBN system are  already in use in New Zealand to meet industry needs, e.g. the ‘Required  Navigation Performance’ (RNP) approaches to Queenstown Airport and ‘Area  Navigation’ (RNAV) Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) routes and  non-precision approaches. In early 2008 the Ministry and CAA had  representations from the aviation industry for a coordinated approach.  Such an approach is necessary to assist the  fuller implementation of PBN in New Zealand, including an appropriate  regulatory framework to allow the use of advanced navigation technology by  aircraft operators. 

MOT-CAA-Industry Meeting 25 June 2008

The Ministry of Transport and  Civil Aviation Authority held a workshop for the aviation industry on the  future development and introduction of PBN in the New Zealand air traffic system.   Participants included airlines operating in and to/from New Zealand, the  Airways Corporation of New Zealand; the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association;  the Aviation Industry Association; the Board of Airline Representatives; the New  Zealand Defence Force; the New Zealand Airports Association; and the Royal New  Zealand Aero Club.  The workshop also  involved Ian Mallett of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority of Australia in his  capacity as Chair of the ICAO Asia-Pacific Region PBN Task Force.

Meeting record PBN Workshop record 25 June 08 (PDF v 7.0,  59KB)

Useful information

International Civil Aviation  Organisation (ICAO) 
ICAO Asia-Pacific Region

Contacts

Ministry of Transport contact
Nigel Mouat
Principal Adviser, Aviation
Aviation, Maritime and Security Group
Tel: 04 439 9354  |  Fax: 0 4 439 9004
Email: n.mouat@transport.govt.nz

Civil Aviation Authority contact
Shannon Scott
Senior Policy Adviser
Airspace and Environment Policy Unit
Tel: 04 560 9445 | Mobile: 027 553 4916 | Fax: 04 569 2024
Email: Shannon.Scott@caa.govt.nz

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