Performance Based Navigation (PBN)

What is PBN?

PBN defines performance requirements for aircraft navigating on an ATS route, on a terminal or on an approach procedure. Those routes and procedures are composed of way-points which are expressed by WGS 84 coordinates rather than fixes expressed by radial/bearing and distance from ground navigation aids and permit the flexibility of point-to-point operations.

Benefits of PBN

Through the application of Area Navigation (RNAV) and Required Navigation Performance (RNP) specifications, altogether components of PBN, PBN can provide the means for flexible routes and terminal procedures, reduce aviation congestion, conserve fuel, protect the environment, reduce the impact of aircraft noise, improve safety and accessibility to challenging airports, and increase airspace capacity.

PBN Activities of APAC RSO

APAC RSO has supported States on various PBN implementation activities. Among them, key activities are RNAV and RNP Instrument Flight Procedure design consultation and reviews, ATC Training customized to newly developed RNAV and RNP procedures by States, airspace and ATS route review for PBN introduction, and PBN Airspace Design Workshop.

Also, APAC RSO actively participated in APAC PBN Symposium, APAC PBN Implementation and Coordination Group (PBNICG), PBN Operational Approval Workshop and seminars related to PBN implementation.

PBN Implementation coordination group (PBNICG)

In order to meet the target set by ICAO Assembly Resolution A37-11 on PBN Global Targets, ICAO APAC RSO conducted nine meetings of PBNICG with a primary aim to support, harmonize and prioritize the implementation of PBN in the region through sharing of knowledge amongst the States.

11 meetings of the group has been conducted so far and detail of the meetings is available on the following links:

GBAS-SBAS Implementation Task Force (GBAS-SBAS ITF)

GBAS-SBAS Implementation Task Force (GBAS-SBAS ITF) – The purpose of the meeting is to address issues, monitor the global development, share trials and implementation experience, and develop relevant guidance materials with reference to international/regional best practices. ICAO APAC RSO has so far conducted four meetings of GBAS-SBAS ITF to assist States in the implementation of GBAS and SBAS. To get an overview of GBAS-SBAS Implementation in the region RSO has created GBAS-SBAS Map on the APAC website: GBAS SBAS MAP (icao.int)

Six meetings of the task force have been conducted and the details of the meetings is available on the following links:

GBAS-SBAS ITF 1 - https://www2023.icao.int/APAC/Meetings/Pages/2020-GBAS-SBAS-ITF1.aspx
GBAS-SBAS ITF 2 - https://www2023.icao.int/APAC/Meetings/Pages/2020-GBAS-SBAS--ITF2.aspx
GBAS-SBAS ITF 3 - https://www2023.icao.int/APAC/Meetings/Pages/2021 Third-meeting-of-GBAS-SBAS-Implementation-Task-Force-GBAS-SBAS-ITF3.aspx
GBAS-SBAS ITF 4 - https://www2023.icao.int/APAC/Meetings/Pages/2022-GBAS-SBAS-ITF4.aspx
GBAS-SBAS ITF 5 - https://www2023.icao.int/APAC/Meetings/Pages/2023-GBAS-SBAS-ITF-5.aspx
GBAS-SBAS ITF 6 - https://www.icao.int/APAC/meetingdocs?fid=31099#block-icao-page-title

GBAS-SBAS Implementation – To help States, following information has been provided on the APAC website:

·Applicable Reference Documents - https://www.icao.int/APAC/GBAS-SBAS/Applicable-and-Reference-Documents
·GBAS-SBAS Concept - https://www.icao.int/APAC/GBAS-SBAS/Introduction-of-GBAS-and-SBAS-concept
·GBAS-SBAS Program per State - https://www.icao.int/APAC/GBAS-SBAS/Update-on-the-GBAS-and-SBAS-Programme-per-APAC-State
·List of National Focal points - https://www.icao.int/sites/default/files/APAC/Documents/edocs/Focal-Point-list-for-the-national-GBAS-SBAS-programmes-APAC-States.pdf
·GBAS-SBAS Map - https://www2023.icao.int/APAC/Pages/GBAS-SBAS-MAP.aspx

What can APAC RSO offer to States?

APAC RSO can provide, not limited to, following PBN implementation supports for States:

◇ PBN Airspace Design Workshop (in house and on request)
▶ Contents: Area Navigation, Airspace Concept, PBN Concept and PBN Navigation Specifications, PBN Procedure Design Considerations, Good Design Practices, Airspace Volume, CDO and CCO, Case Study on airspace design, etc.
▶ Duration: 1 week

◇ PBN Airspace review (on request by a State or sub regional bases)
▶ Contents: airspace review, ATS route establishment and realignment support, etc.

◇ PBN procedure design consultation (on request)
▶ Contents: airspace review, Ground Validation support, AIP publication review, et

◇ PBN ATC Training (on request)
▶ Contents: Introduction to PBN, Terminal Operations under PBN Environment, ATC Considerations in PBN, new PBN procedure review and application, etc.
▶ Duration: 1 to 2 days

The APAC Flight Procedure Programme ( located in the same premises as RSO in Beijing) is proposing Procedure Design courses to all APAC States. More information is available at: https://www.icao.int/APAC/APAC-FPP/default.