Uganda Adopts Data Communication for Enhanced Air Navigation Reliability

Uganda has upgraded its air navigation services by incorporating data  communication alongside traditional voice communication.

The new system aims to improve the safety and efficiency of air traffic.

The Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) spokesperson, Vianney Luggya explains that this advancement enables the exchange of digital information between aircraft and air traffic control, enhancing communication reliability, particularly in continental and oceanic areas where voice or radio communication often suffers limited coverage and interference. 

“Uganda’s Air Navigation Services, in addition to the voice communication, now uses data communication (exchange of digital information between aircraft and air traffic control or other aircraft), which is deemed more reliable when  communicating to aircraft in continental or oceanic areas. The voice/radio communication is less reliable in such areas due to limited coverage and interference, among others,” Luggya explained.

Digital communication reduces the risk of miscommunication caused by poor signal quality.

Luggya also said that the Authority has transited from only using terrestrial navigation facilities to include using satellite-based navigation in Approach, Departure, and En route phases of flights.

Traditional terrestrial technology is fully reliant on the navigation facilities (like the Distance Measuring Equipment, Doppler VHF Omnidirectional Range-DVOR, etc.) being physically placed at various locations and airports.

While the terrestrial facilities are also still available, with the new technology, Luggya said emphasis is on the procedures being designed based on the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS).

“Most modern aircraft are compliant with this technology, which is already in use at Entebbe International Airport.”

The industry has also adopted direct routing as opposed to flying overhead navigation aids, which saves time and fuel and is more efficient. 

Direct Routing involves flying direct from departure point to destination using the shortest route without having to follow established routes.

Luggya explained how this works.

“An example of Point-to-point flying involved an aircraft flying from Nairobi to London having to first go overhead Entebbe before connecting to London, which is no longer the case. With the direct routing technology, the aircraft hits one point at the border with Kenya and flies straight to a point at the border with DRC and continues. This is User Preferred routing, which is very attractive to airline operators.”

The new air traffic control systems and procedures have also come with efficiency in landing and take-off. Aircraft can now fly smoothly to the preferred altitude without disruption by the Air Traffic Controller in a bid to separate them from other traffic, and the same applies when an aircraft is descending.

“This is not only efficient but has reduced the workload for the pilot and Air Traffic Controller.”

The technology has also reduced on noise, carbon emissions and makes the flight more comfortable for the passenger.

Luggya said the situations calling for controller interventions are now fewer as such procedures are designed in a way that they do not conflict. 

Additionally, as a result of automation, there is a centralized monitoring system at Entebbe International Airport, which facilitates maintenance.

“If one of the connected systems at any of the aerodromes, such as Soroti, Gulu, or Arua, fails, the maintenance team can see it in Entebbe using the centralized monitoring system. Technology has also enhanced coordination with all the teams. Information communicated by an in-coming aircraft to air traffic control can be easily disseminated through the Terminal Operations Control Centre (TOCC) in an instant to all concerned stakeholders, including Immigration, Airport Operations, Briefing, Security and all that need to know once the controller enters the information in the system.”

This advancement aligns Uganda’s aviation sector with global standards, boosting the country’s capacity to handle increased air traffic and enhancing international confidence in Uganda’s aviation industry.

Adopted from: The Chimp Reports September 7, 2024