Satellite Navigation - NAS Implementation - Avionics

NAS Implementation - Avionics Development

To use GPS, WAAS, and/or GBAS in the National Airspace System, equipment suitable for aviation use (such as a GPS receiver, WAAS receiver, GBAS receiver, or multi-mode receiver) must be designed, developed, and certified for use, and then installed according to an approved design. To ensure standardization and safety of this equipment, the FAA plays a key role in the development of this equipment and works closely with industry in this process.

Within the FAA, the Aircraft Certification Service organization (AIR-130) is responsible for the development of Minimum Operational Performance Standards (MOPS) and Technical Standard Orders (TSO), and is the prime focal point for certification of all avionics equipment within the FAA.

Avionics development diagram - read description below

  1. To assist the FAA, the RTCA conducts technical investigations and research, and delivers its recommendations on the equipment. Minimum Operational Performance Standards (MOPS) are developed for equipment and Minimum Aviation System Performance Standards (MASPS) are developed for systems.
  2. The FAA develops and publishes the TSO for manufacturers to follow when building certain equipment and systems.
  3. This equipment must then be installed in accordance with an STC, or supplemental type certificate.

The avionics development process results in safe, standardized satellite navigation avionics, developed in concurrence with industry. Due to the growing popularity of satellite navigation and potential new aviation applications, there are several types of GPS-based receivers on the market, but only those that pass through this certification process can be used as approved navigation equipment under instrument flight rules (IFR) conditions.

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