12.3.2  Advisory Groups

There are two primary advisory groups charged with developing and recommending

standards for the use of avionics systems in general and GPS/GNSS in particular. 

In the U.S., the Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics (RTCA) has

developed (and is continuing to develop) performance standards for airborne

GPS/GNSS equipment.  These standards have subsequently been incorporated

into certification requirements by the U.S. CAA (the FAA).  In Europe, the European

Organization for Civil Aviation Electronics (EUROCAE) is performing a similar

function for the European CAAs.  Close cooperation between these two

organizations has been maintained to ensure the viability of future international

standards.  Both organizations are voluntary and composed of representatives from

government, industry, users, user groups, and related private organizations to allow

broad participation in the standardi zation process.

12.3.3  Industry Groups

The Airlines Electronic Engineering Committee (AEEC) is a cooperative

international organization of airline representatives that are developing common

standards for the purchase of GPS/GNSS equipment and integrated systems.  The

standards focus on form, fit, and function of the equipment, rather than

performance, and help minimize acquisition costs and maximize interoperability of

similar systems.  Equipment manufacturers and private organizations with an

interest in the commercial aviation marketplace also participate in the committee

activities.

12.3.4  Civil Aviation Coordination With the U.S. and U.S. DoD

Civil aviation activities and concerns are coordinated with the U.S. and U.S. DoD

on several levels.  At the international level, the U.S. is an active participant in

ICAO in the development of international standards and policies and has offered

GPS as a major component of the GNSS.  Bilateral agreements have also been

established between the U.S. and various nations to promote cooperation between

the U.S. FAA and the various CAAs with respect to a variety of technical and policy

issues.  At the U.S. policy level, the U.S. DoT and U.S. DoD have jointly developed

a Federal Radionavigation Plan (FRP) which serves as the planning and policy

statement for all U.S. Government radio navigation systems.  The FRP is updated

every two years based on a review by DoT and DoD representatives and direct

input from the public obtained through a series of radio navigation  users 

conferences.  At the developmental level, the DoT is a direct participant in  the GPS

JPO and maintains a Deputy Program Director to represent civilian interests.  At  the

operational level, the Civil GPS Service Steering Committee and the U.S. Coast

Guard, via the GPS Information Center, distribute GPS operational information and

coordinate civilian user concerns with the U.S. DoD U.S. Space Command and the

GPS Control Segment.

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