The EUROCONTROL Navigation Unit animates three Stakeholders groups:
The Navigation Sub Group (NSG).
The Navigation Sub Group (NSG) is responsible for the development of navigation applications and the NAVAID infrastructure within a greater context of network operations and CNS. As such, the NSG is a sub-group of the Network Operations Team (NET OPS) as regards navigation applications and of the CNS Team/JCSP as regards the NAVAID infrastructure. The Joint CNS Stakeholder Platform (JCSP) results from the integration of the EUROCONTROL CNS Team and EASA CNS Expert Group. This is an advisory group of aviation stakeholders for EUROCONTROL and EASA addressing Communication, Navigation and Surveillance (CNS) related subjects.
The NSG ensures full coordination of application and infrastructure activities between the Network Operations Team and the CNS Team from which it receives instructions and guidance. The NSG is constituted in order to support both teams in providing a direct channel of communication between the EUROCONTROL Agency and its stakeholders on activities relating to the development of navigation applications and NAVAID infrastructure with a view to enhancing the safety, capacity and efficiency of the European ATM network and its interfaces with adjacent ATM structures. It has to respond to the requirements set in the European ATM Master Plan within the framework of SESAR, SES regulations and to the EUROCONTROL Agency objectives. When required the NSG supports and reports to the Airports Team and AAB.
The NSG acts as a steering committee, monitoring and directing the work of the following subordinate focus groups:
- The Landing and Take-Off focus group (LATO): LATO is responsible for the Precision Approach, Landing and Guided Take-off operations within the Navigation Unit. It covers the use of ILS, MLS and GBAS systems for these applications and reports to the NSG. LATO discusses both technical and operational aspects of Precision Approach operations
- The RNP Approach Implementation Support Group (RAiSG): This group coordinates the activities necessary for the implementation of RNP Approach procedures (previously called RNAV GNSS approaches). It concentrates on the final approach segment but also addresses the transition from initial and intermediate approach segments where appropriate.
Other global ICAO Stakeholder consultation mechanism are:
ICAO Operational Safety Panels
- Instrument Flight Procedures Panel (IFPP)
- Separation and Airspace Safety Panel (SASP)
Systems Panel
- Navigation Systems Panel (NSP)
Study Groups & Task Forces
- Performance-based Navigation Study Group (PBNSG)
At the regional level, the PBN consultation mechanism is:
ICAO Paris (ICAO EUR)
- Performance-based Navigation Consolidation Task Force (PBNC TF). This Task Force is coordinated with the NSG and annually shares a joint meeting. These combined PBNC TF - EUROCONTROL NSG meetings aim to assist with the introduction of global initiatives such as the implementation of Circular 353.