1. The Satellite Navigation & Communications (SN&C) Systems Advisory Committee met on Tuesday, April 3, 2001, during the 19th meeting of the APEC Transportation Working Group (TPT-WG) in Brunei. Thirty-one participants from twelve economies were represented at the meeting including Australia; Brunei Darussalam; Canada; China; Hong Kong, China; Indonesia; Japan; Korea; Philippines; Singapore; Chinese Taipei; Thailand; and the United States; as well as a representative from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

2. After modifying the agenda, the Chair reviewed the Terms of Reference and Task List (TPTWG19/SCSE/SNC/3), which were updated based on completed work and new initiatives.

3. The U.S. delegate reported on the successful Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) Implementation Conference and Workshop (TPTWG19/SCSE/SNC/2) that was held in Chinese Taipei February 12-16, 2001. This conference was the outcome of the last SN&C Advisory Committee meeting, which directed the Group of Experts on GNSS Implementation to further GNSS implementation. Thirteen APEC economies attended the conference with over 100 delegates from government, international air carriers, aviation industry, airplane manufacturers, and the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The GNSS speakers presented an overview of the GNSS implementation process, including policies, standards, and regulations. Panel discussions along with hands-on operational GPS receiver use were a highlight of the GNSS conference. GPS procedures development process (PANS-OPS and TERPS), along with GPS equipage for commercial air carrier and general aviation, were also discussed. The step-by-step process and tasks required for supplemental use of GPS for navigation were also presented. As a result of this conference, the Group of Experts on GNSS Implementation proposed to the SN&C Advisory Committee that APEC economies create a satellite test bed and implementation plan.

4. A number of economies then reported on the progress of their development of GPS procedures. The Chair noted it was encouraging that many economies had progressed so quickly in this area since the advisory committee・s inception three years ago.

5. The ICAO representative reviewed the outcome of the last Asia Pacific Air Navigation Planning and Implementation Regional Group (APANPIRG/11) meeting (TPTWG19/ SCSE/SNC/4). In summary, areas of most interest to the advisory committee included CNS matters, amendments to the guidance material for ground elements in ATN transition, strategies for the provision of precision approach and landing guidance systems and GNSS implementation, results of the ITU World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC) 2000 and plans for WRC 2003, implementation of the World Geodetic System 1984 (WGS-84), and key priorities for CNS/ATM implementation. The ICAO representative asked the advisory committee to note actions taken by APANPIRG in regards to GNSS implementation.

6. At this time, the Chair emphasized the need for economies to establish a position on the protection of spectrum for the upcoming WRC 2003. It was noted that transportation spectrum would continue to be attacked as more users compete for spectrum, and encouraged all economies to avail themselves of position papers on issues relative to spectrum protection for all modes of transportation.

7. The Chair led a discussion of the GNSS Experts Group objectives, and commended the group for its progress on its first objective (i.e., assisting economies to implement GPS as a means of navigation for en route and non-precision approaches.) At task now is the second objective, which is to prepare analyses and an action plan that will lead to actions aimed at regional GNSS implementation. Much discussion ensued regarding how to proceed on this objective. It was recommended that a consultant be hired to assess the economies・ and the region・s satellite navigation capabilities and needs. Representatives from the GNSS Experts Group will pursue this proposal intersessionally and report to the advisory committee this June.

8. Discussions continued regarding plans for the upcoming Transportation Ministerial. The Chair reviewed the advisory committee・s accomplishments to date and noted plans for the future.

9. Of great importance to the Chair and Secretariat, is the need for accurate contact information for SN&C/GNSS experts. The SN&C contact list has grown significantly over the years however, some experts are not receiving information they need to appropriately participate in SN&C/GNSS activities. The Chair urgently asked economies to submit appropriate contact information to the SN&C Secretariat.

10. Before closing the meeting, the Chair again opened the floor for nominations to chair the advisory committee. After receiving no volunteers he asked economies to seriously consider taking the position and continuing the positive activities of the committee.

Recommendations to the Steering Committee:

a. endorse the SN&C Advisory Committee report;

b. note the success of the February 2001 ：Conference on GNSS Implementation；;

c. note economies・ progress in regards to implementing GPS as a means of navigation for en route and non-precision approaches;

d. note the GNSS Experts Group will work intersessionally to prepare an analyses of and an action plan, which will lead to regional GNSS implementation;

e. note the efforts of APANPIRG and encourage economies to participate in relevant GNSS/GPS meetings as appropriate;

f. encourage economies to prepare for WRC 2003 in regards to spectrum protection;

g. urge economies to submit appropriate contact information for SN&C/GNSS experts to the SN&C Secretariat;

h. encourage maritime and land transport representatives to participate in SN&C Advisory Committee meetings; and

i. encourage economies to consider chairing the SN&C Advisory Committee.

This page was last updated on 3 May,  2001