New technical product approvals were introduced during the Program Management Committee (PMC) Winter 2024 meeting, strengthening key global technologies ranging from GNSS and spoofing prevention to aviation system performance. These approvals drive safety, efficiency, and reliability across air navigation and communication systems worldwide.
GNSS and Spoofing Mitigation
SC-159, Navigation Equipment Using the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), approved two technical products aimed at enhancing GNSS performance and mitigating risks associated with spoofing:
- DO-292A – Assessment of Radio Frequency Interference Relevant to the GNSS L5/E5A Frequency Band: This product offers guidelines to assess and mitigate interference that could affect the L5/E5A frequency band, which is critical for modern GNSS systems. This assessment is vital for ensuring the robustness of GNSS signals, particularly as more advanced systems rely on this frequency band.
- DO-373A – MOPS for GNSS Airborne Active Antenna Equipment for the L1/E1 and L5/E5a Frequency Bands: This product defines the Minimum Operational Performance Standards (MOPS) for airborne active antennas operating in the L1/E1 and L5/E5a frequency bands. The standard will improve the reliability of GNSS-based navigation systems, addressing spoofing risks and enhancing the overall performance of navigation equipment in challenging environments.
These products are expected to be available by the end of January 2025.
Advancements in Synthetic and Enhanced Vision Systems
SC-213, Enhanced Flight Vision Systems and Synthetic Vision Systems (EFVS/SVS), approved two technical products to strengthen aviation system standards:
- DO-407 – Minimum Aviation System Performance Standards (MASPS) for Synthetic Vision Systems, Synthetic Vision Guidance Systems, and Combined Vision Systems: This standard establishes the performance requirements for these critical vision systems, which improve situational awareness for pilots in all weather conditions, ensuring safer flight operations.
- DO-408 – Minimum Aviation System Performance Standards (MASPS) for Enhanced Vision Systems and Enhanced Flight Vision Systems: This product outlines performance criteria for enhanced vision systems, which use advanced sensors and displays to provide pilots with clearer views of the runway, terrain, and obstacles, even in low visibility.
Standards for Navigation and Data Communication
SC-227, Standards of Navigation Performance, and SC-214, Standards for Air Traffic Data Communication Services, approved three technical updates:
- DO-236E – Minimum Aviation System Performance Standards: Required Navigation Performance for Area Navigation: This update ensures that area navigation systems meet the necessary performance standards, supporting more precise flight paths and efficient routing.
- DO-283C – Minimum Operational Performance Standards for Required Navigation Performance for Area Navigation: Complementing DO-236E, this technical product focuses on the operational standards for required navigation performance, ensuring systems can reliably guide aircraft through complex airspace.
- DO-353B Change 1 – Interoperability Requirements Standard for Baseline 2 ATS Data Communications, ATN Baseline 1 Accommodation. This product improves the interoperability of air traffic communication systems, ensuring smooth data exchange and support for evolving technologies in air traffic control.
DO-236E and DO-283C are expected to be available in early 2025.
Non-Rechargeable Lithium Battery Standards
SC-235, Non-Rechargeable Lithium Batteries, approved:
- DO-227B – MOPS for Non-Rechargeable Lithium Batteries. This product sets standards for the performance of non-rechargeable lithium batteries used in aviation, ensuring reliability and safety in critical flight systems.
Updates to Terms of Reference
At each PMC meetings, RTCA Special Committees have the option to present changes to their terms of reference. Details can be found in the Program Management Committee minutes and approved TORs are available to review by selecting a special committee at https://www.rtca.org/committees-overview/special-committees/.
Quick Links
To order these standards: