Following recent upticks in Global Positioning System (GPS) and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) jamming and potential spoofing activities in multiple Flight Information Regions (FIRs), the FAA is designating the activities as a potential safety-of-flight risk to civil aviation operators.
The FAA’s warning cites an increase in GPS/GNSS jamming and potential spoofing in “conflict zones and areas of heightened tensions” such as the Tel Aviv FIR and adjacent airspaces.
According to the FAA, GPS/GNSS interference could occur as a result of military operations that may include counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) operations, defenses against GPS-guided weapons and the protection of senior leadership or critical infrastructure.
“GPS/GNSS interference and disruptions affecting airspace in the Middle East, the Black Sea region, and the Caucasus region are almost continuous, cover large volumes of airspace, and are widely reported issues,” the warning reads.
The FAA warns the disruptions could cause technical issues, including false alerts or lack thereof, involving an aircraft’s Terrain Awareness and Warning System (TAWS). Additionally, open-source reporting of potential spoofing incidents could increase the risk of misidentification of civil aircraft, unauthorized entry into restricted airspace and air traffic control (ATC) workload issues.
According to the FAA, similar warnings have been issued by multiple Civil Aviation Authorities (CAAs) in Iraq, Israel and Turkey.
The FAA is recommending all U.S. civil aircraft operators flying in or near the areas monitor regional NOTAMS, maintain continuous communications with Air Traffic Control, monitor aircraft equipment performance closely and be prepared to operate without GPS/GNSS navigation, communication, surveillance, safety and automation systems, it says.
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