PARIS: The issue of incorrect Global Positioning System (GPS) signals affecting on-board plane systems and posing challenges for airline pilots is escalating near conflict zones, as reported by industry insiders and officials. Instances such as a ground collision alert sounding in the cockpit while the aircraft is at a high altitude have been observed, with indications pointing towards military sources being the cause.
This problem has been particularly noticeable in regions like Ukraine post the Russian invasion, the eastern Mediterranean, and the air corridor over Iraq, according to feedback from pilots and officials interviewed by AFP. Previously, disruptions were limited to jamming that blocked access to signals from geolocation satellites. However, the situation has evolved into a more perilous scenario where spoofing, providing false coordinates, times, and altitudes, has become a challenge to counter effectively.
When the aircraft’s systems receive this manipulated data and compare it to their stored geographical maps, false alarms may trigger warnings of imminent danger. Thierry Oriol, a Boeing 777 pilot and member of SNPL, the primary French pilots’ union, highlighted instances where alarms prompted unnecessary evasive actions, instructing pilots to pull back and apply full power even when there was no real threat.
The issue persists as the adulterated information continues to influence the navigation system, potentially causing false alerts hours later as the flight approaches its destination. While crews can quickly identify these false alarms, the urgency of the warnings necessitates emergency maneuvers and thorough analysis to ensure safety. If the problem recurs without any actual danger detected, the only recourse may be to disable the alarm, relying on other active systems to monitor potential risks, as explained by a European airline manager.
The reliance on the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), managed by the US army, is crucial for determining aircraft positions. However, disruptions in GNSS signals have been on the rise since the conflict in Ukraine began, affecting areas beyond the immediate conflict zone, such as Finland and the Mediterranean. This interference can lead to altered flight paths or even necessitate a change in destination due to compromised landing conditions, according to the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
In response to these challenges, the EASA has partnered with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to address spoofing and jamming issues. IATA Director General Willie Walsh emphasizes the need for coordinated data collection, universal incident guidance, and a commitment to retaining traditional navigation systems as backups when GNSS signals are compromised. This collaborative effort aims to enhance safety measures and mitigate risks associated with GPS signal disruptions in the aviation industry.