SADC satellite system targets December launch

THE GLOBAL Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) project being conducted by IATA (International Air Transport Association) for the Southern African Development Community (SADC) is on schedule with a target date of December 21, according to project manager Vic van der Westhuizen.
As part of this, IATA and its partner, Innovative Solutions International, will be conducting geodetic (WGS-84) surveys; developing procedures; publishing charts; preparing draft regulations; and conducting training of officials.
This, Van der Westhuizen told FTW, is due to be completed in all SADC states by the end of July covering two international airports per country. The SA survey, meantime, has been done by ATNS.
GNSS arrival, approach and departure procedures are currently being developed and should be published in December.
"The FAA has decided to do flight verification with one of its own aircraft in September/
October," said Van der Westhuizen.
"The first training course was completed in Botswana in May and the next is scheduled for Lusaka on August 20-31."
The project will be financed partly by ASA and part by users of the airspace.