Aurigny involved in flight tests of new air GPS

LEADING UK air traffic control provider NATS has chosen Aurigny as a partner for in-flight testing of an upgraded satellite-based navigation system in one of its Trislanders.

Aurigny managing director Malcom Hart (pictured) said the new Garmin global positioning system would improve its services.

'Technically this is a large step forward in the functionality of the international GPS system, which will improve air services to Alderney and Southampton,' he said.

'It will also enhance the long-term viability of the Trislander.'

The GPS receiver is very similar to that used in a boat or car. Using the currently available satellite signals, it is very accurate for lateral position fixing but does not provide sufficiently accurate vertical data to be used for GPS instrument flight navigation or non-visual approaches to landing.

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