In the near future, Spaced-Based Augmentation Systems (such as the Wide Area
Augmentation System in North America) will become operational, permitting the use of GPS
as a primary system for all phases of flight. Recently the International Civil Aviation
Organisation (ICAO) has recommended the use of un-augmented GPS as a supplemental
navigation system for all phases of flight including non-precision approaches. In this paper,
the salient features of the Air Traffic Control (ATC) system in India, and the use of
conventional navigational aids are described. A new landing procedure is proposed using un-augmented
GPS known as ‘a non-precision instrument approach procedure with vertical
guidance (IPV)’ for Hyderabad Airport, Runway 27. This procedure, if implemented, would
be cost-effective and reliable for many airports in India. An algorithm has also been
developed for determining the range and bearing between the departure and the arrival
waypoints of an aircraft using the IPV.
