[FPSPACE] GPS and aviation

[Dwayne Allen Day]

Washington Post  Wednesday, March 27, 2002; Page A06
Shift to Tracking of Planes Via Satellite Will Be Delayed


Government plans to use only satellites to track planes, trains, trucks and
ships will be delayed because signals can be blocked or jammed, according
to a report issued yesterday by the Transportation and Defense departments.

The report said it will take longer than planned to reduce land-based
tracking systems. It said most of the land-based systems will begin to be
phased down in 2010, rather than in 2008. "We are seeking a sensible
transition to satellite-based navigation services as our primary means of
navigation, while recognizing the need to maintain backup navigation aids
where required," Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta said.

The problem is that satellite signals, as transmitted by the Global
Positioning System (GPS), could be blocked by buildings or by interference
from other transmissions. The signals also could be jammed.

Mineta said earlier this month that the agency will keep its backup system
to track airplanes and will obtain Defense Department technology to try to
prevent outsiders from jamming signals from the satellites.


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http://www.dot.gov/affairs/dot03102.htm

DOT 31-02
Tuesday, March 26, 2002
Contact:  Bill Mosley
Tel.:  (202) 366-5571

New Radionavigation Plan Focuses on GPS As Primary Means of Navigation

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta and U.S. Secretary of
Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld today announced the release of the 2001 Federal
Radionavigation Plan (FRP), which continues to strengthen the US commitment
to the Global Positioning System (GPS) and its modernization as a primary
means of navigation in support of the U.S. transportation infrastructure.

"GPS offers us the capability to improve our quality of life through
application across almost every mode of transportation," said Secretary
Mineta.  "However, the transition to GPS from current systems and the
determination of what part of the current radionavigation infrastructure to
retain is a complex matter involving government, industry and users.  We
are seeking a sensible transition to satellite-based navigation services as
our primary means of navigation, while recognizing the need to maintain
backup navigation aids where required."

The 2001 FRP includes revised schedules for phasing down most land-based
radionavigation systems to allow more time to transition to GPS.   The U.S.
Department of Transportation (DOT) will continue the policy stated in the
1999 FRP to operate Loran-C in the short term while the administration
continues to evaluate the long-term need for the system.  DOT soon will be
completing studies on Loran-C that will help make a decision on the system
in 2002.

Beginning with this edition, federal radionavigation information previously
contained in a single document will be published in two separate documents,
the Federal Radionavigation Plan and a companion document entitled Federal
Radionavigation Systems (FRS).  The FRP includes the introduction,
policies, operating plans, system selection considerations, and research
and development sections, and will allow more efficient and responsive
updates of policy and planning information.  Sections relating to
government roles and responsibilities, user requirements, and systems
descriptions have been moved to the companion FRS and will be updated as
necessary.

The FRP, a joint product of the Departments of Transportation and Defense,
is mandated by the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 1998,
which also requires that the plan be revised and updated at least every two
years.  Secretary Mineta commended DoD's continuing cooperation in
producing this policy and planning document.

Free copies of the 2001 FRP/FRS are available on CD ROM from the Volpe
National Transportation Systems Center, Kendall Square, Cambridge, MA
02142.  The telephone number there is (617) 494-2908.  The 2001 FRP is also
on the Internet World Wide Web at http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/pubs/frp2001.